IESE MBA Adcom Share Important Admission Criterion: Interview by GyanOneGyanOne caught up with Itziar de Ros, the IESE MBA Admissions Director, for her views on the program, admissions, and financial aid. She discusses the humanistic approach of the program, the use of the case method in pedagogy, international exposure, innovation, and important admissions criteria. Her views help to dispel many myths around the IESE MBA, and some around the MBA in general as well. Thank you, Itziar, for your time!
GyanOne: The IESE MBA is quite different in emphasizing the development of its students not only as professionals but also as individuals and responsible leaders. How does the program help students to achieve these objectives?
Itziar de Ros, IESE MBA Admissions: IESE’s success is built on a humanistic approach to business and leadership. We believe that the development and well-being of people should be the cornerstone of all management practices. This focus on people –on the personal and professional development of every individual – extends to the way the school carries out all its activities: the MBA program is highly personalized; we believe this is the primary driver of positive change and impact on business and society.
GyanOne: The Case Method is the predominant teaching methodology at IESE. While the case method has many advantages, some students feel that having only a case-based approach can sometimes hinder learning that is better facilitated by other methods (e.g. in-class lecture, live projects, and business simulations). How does IESE feel about this?
Itziar de Ros, IESE MBA Admissions: Using the case method, students learn new ways to approach business situations around the globe. But IESE’s MBA also includes simulations and other activities that complement this knowledge: a Capstone consulting project, corporate internships, elective courses abroad (New York, Sao Paulo, Shanghai or Nairobi) and exchange programs.
GyanOne: International exposure is one of the key differentiators of the IESE MBA. While 80% of the class is made up of international students, overseas modules allow students to gain further exposure to business in international locations. Do these Overseas Modules help students seeking careers in these locations as well or is their purpose informational only?
Itziar de Ros, IESE MBA Admissions: The purpose of our Overseas Modules is for students to gain a deep knowledge of different markets. Students can experience real business environment due to IESE’s extensive knowledge of the markets where Overseas Modules take place: US, Brazil, China and Kenya. And of course, our Career Services team together with our student business clubs try to organize career treks or company visits during these modules as well.
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