Javier Aragon

Why did you choose the Bachelor in Business Administration at IE Business School?

I first learned about IE Business School after a summer course at New York University, and I immediately knew it was my dream school. I didn’t have much information about the program aside from its international character and its location in the hustle and bustle of Madrid, but something drew me in. 

Now, I’ve completed the program, and I can say that the experience fundamentally changed me for the better. I still tell my dad that it was the best investment of my life.  

Share something that stood out to you about the program.

From the first day of your first year, you’re thrown into the deep end with public speaking. You have to present and pitch in front of an audience, which really helps you build speaking skills. You learn how to deliver a clear message, create value with every statement and project a confident presence.  

On top of that, you’re always honing soft skills outside of class by interacting with so many people from different places and backgrounds. You’re forced to level up the small talk, going beyond little facts and superficial knowledge to actually dive deep into who that person is. These skills make you extremely effective in both business and personal settings, as you’re more grounded in what you say and how you express yourself. 

How did the program help you build professional skills? 

I think self-confidence in presentation and speaking is what IE Business School hones the most. They build you up to become a great talker!  

From Labs and challenges to case competitions and normal classes, you’re always presenting and defending your thoughts. Whether you enjoy it or not, it teaches you how to explain why what you’re talking about is valuable. These soft skills became the foundation for my career in sales. 

How did your experience studying in Spain help you grow as a person? 

I would say it pushed me to become more mature. Landing in Madrid at 18 as a first international experience isn’t for the faint of heart. Many people at IE Business School come from big cities, but I think that going from a little high school bubble to living in a metropolis full of global professionals in a matter of a week will force anyone to grow up fast.  

From looking professional for classes (that might sound pretentious, but it’s an underrated aspect) to navigating Spanish bureaucracy as a foreign student, I was forced to build skills that I wouldn’t have gained staying at home. The thick skin I grew by moving to an overseas city is quite a different thing. Taking the metro, commuting to see your friends, learning to build a community and life in a city of 3.5 million people… All these experiences contribute to your growth as a human being rather than just a student. 

What resources did IE Business School provide outside of the classroom? 

I always point out how good the resources are at IE Business School. IE Talent & Careers is great. Plus, I spent all four years making the most out of the sports and well-being services, getting counseling and therapy and consistently playing basketball. Those are great resources for any student to leverage. 

What are your goals for the future?

Living in Austin, Texas, the tech sales scene is competitive. As a major tech hub in the US, everything moves fast, and I want to make sure I move faster. I don’t have any concrete plans as of yet, but with the solid foundations I built over the past four years, I’m confident I will reach my goals.