Pedro Henrique Prétola
I’m Pedro Henrique Prétola, a first-year student in the Bachelor in Economics program at IE University. I was born in the city of São Paulo in Brazil and lived there all my life before moving to Madrid. Back home, I studied at a Spanish school, which helped me learn the language in advance and made it easier to connect with new people when I arrived. I’m a big sports enthusiast and chose IE University because of its multicultural feel—my closest friends here all come from different countries, which is really interesting for us.
"We are constantly having events with influential people from the job market who give us tips on how to break into a specific sector. They are really good at expanding our network and preparing us for the job market."
Exploring economics with a global perspective: one student’s path at IE University
Pedro Henrique Prétola’s journey to the Bachelor in Economics program at IE University is a powerful example of bridging cultures through education. Born and raised in São Paulo, the Brazilian moved to Madrid to gain a global perspective of economics while simultaneously connecting with fellow students from diverse backgrounds. With over 80% of our students being international, IE University has provided Pedro the perfect opportunity to exchange cultural insights with new friends from around the world.
An equally attractive feature for Pedro was the focus on hands-on learning, which played a significant role in his decision to study here. In addition to the experiences he is having in his program, he has also enrolled in IE University’s Strategy Lab, taking advantage of the opportunity to gain further real-world experiences.
In the Lab, Pedro is currently working as a junior consultant. Partnering with Zubi Capital—an asset and wealth management fund focused on impact investments—he’s gaining firsthand experience and valuable insights into the management sector. With a focus on researching potential startup partnerships and development, Pedro feels the role has strengthened his problem-solving skills in a real-world environment.
Another memorable academic experience for Pedro came during a creative project for his Macroeconomics course, when students were tasked with explaining macroeconomic theories in an innovative format. This led Pedro and his teammates to create a short cinematic video inspired by the TV show "Suits" and the movie "The Big Short." The project was both enjoyable and educational for Pedro, as it encouraged him to think critically and creatively while deepening his understanding of key concepts. "The experience was incredibly fun," he says.
Outside of his main studies, Pedro recognizes the importance of finding balance, and makes time to unwind by playing sports with friends or attending various IE University events. These events—such as Investment Banking Day or Asset and Wealth Management presentations—offer students like Pedro opportunities to learn from industry leaders and expand their professional networks.
Although Pedro is still exploring his career options, he is particularly interested in fields like finance, consulting, real estate and mergers & acquisitions. IE University’s broad curriculum is providing him with a solid foundation in multiple areas of economics. It also gives opportunities for specialization later in the program, meaning Pedro can shape his own path under the guidance of highly experienced professors.
For those considering the Bachelor in Economics at IE University, Pedro recommends embracing the practical and case-study-based approach to learning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the theory behind economic models, as well as a good base in math. "Even though the program is very applied, it is essential to have a strong foundation of algebra and statistics," he says.
He also encourages future students to make the most of the university’s international environment: "It is a unique opportunity to engage with so many people from different countries in the same classroom, so it’s great to use that in your favor and gain different economic perspectives, especially on global and regional economic issues."
Pedro believes his experience illustrates how having an open-minded and inquisitive nature can both broaden knowledge and open doors. After a strong start at IE University, we’re excited to see where his journey takes him!