17/04/2023
In a post-pandemic world where learning no longer has to happen in a classroom setting, IE Business School creates an enhanced blended degree for professionals looking to study for their MBA while not sacrificing their career—or the benefits of face-to-face studies.
The Global Online MBA at IE Business School is unique in that it gives students the opportunity to benefit both from remote learning and an in-person experience. With a residential experience to kick off the start of the program and another at the end, the Global Online MBA offers students opportunities to step away from the screen and into the classroom and the streets of Madrid. And there’s also a further option for face-to-face experiences during the program, with the Global Immersion Week providing a chance to expand students’ horizons, build their international network and dive into the real world of business.
Off the screen and into Madrid
At IE Business School, community is everything. From a wide network of faculty and alumni to a diverse student population from a variety of cultures, students benefit not only from their studies but from the interactions they have in and outside of class and the connections they form while studying.
Jordan Hirano, a student of the Global Online MBA, said that he was “surprised at how social the class was” and that “almost everyone wanted to do something for dinner every night”—a welcome surprise after only meeting each other virtually. These face-to-face interactions are what make the most impact on students during their time in the program. Jordan noted that the group was “a class of really great people!”
Connecting cultures and careers
An essential part of any IE Business School experience is the relationships that you form, which outlive the duration of your program and defy geographical territories. The Global Online MBA finds a way to combine the ease of online learning with the benefits of networking and being part of a diverse community.
With classmates from different cultures who are professionals in a wide variety of fields, students not only benefit socially from the program’s face-to-face period, but also professionally and academically.
In the world of business, or in any sector of the professional world, your network is one of the most important tools for enhancing your career.
Some students even remark that they made more friends and connections during the residential period of the Global Online MBA than they have in their entire life!
An immersive academic experience
A major bonus of the Global Online MBA residential weeks is the opportunity to benefit from the academic excellence of IE Business School’s expert faculty in a face-to-face setting, in addition to the high-caliber online learning experience offered by the program. Students participate in immersive workshops on topics including team-building, social entrepreneurship, communication and change management—giving them real-world experience of leadership under expert guidance.
The residential periods built into the Global Online MBA offer next-level networking opportunities with leading executives from top companies in a range of sectors. These are also a chance to fine-tune critical teamworking and collaborative skills, enjoy workshops on some of the essential soft skills in modern business, and benefit from some personalized career coaching.
Flexibility fueled diversity
The ability to study alongside people who bring unique perspectives of their culture along with experience and knowledge from a wide variety of sectors makes for an interesting learning experience.
The program’s past and current student enrollment represents backgrounds in consulting, finance, the health sector, technology, sales, and even education.
The fact that there are so many nationalities and a balanced gender ratio (55% female) is amazing. It really led to interesting discussions in class, Jordan shared about his time in the residential program.
When it comes to teaching professionals currently working in mid to senior-level positions, flexibility is key. With the option to complete the program in 17, 24 or 30 months, students can tailor the program to their needs. The ability to progress your career and apply new skills immediately is a unique opportunity.
Face-to-face time makes the difference
IE University offers flexibility to students who may need a fully remote experience, but at its core, the program is designed to allow students to get the most out of the face-to-face residential periods. Even students who are hesitant to attend at first, say that they believe the residential periods “should be mandatory to ensure that no students miss out.”
They shared that it’s a privilege to be able to study online and also benefit from face-to-face time with professors and classmates.
They learned quickly that class time is only part of the residential period experience, which is packed with opportunities to network, socialize and explore the sights of Madrid.
