Erika Ortiz, Director, IE Business School

1. What’s the single most exciting development, change, or event happening at your MBA program this coming year?

The most exciting development in our MBAs program are, in my opinion, the Global Immersive Weeks. This initiative allows students to work directly with leading companies in different markets across three continents, gaining hands-on experience in solving real-world business challenges. It’s part of our commitment to preparing leaders for a truly interconnected world, combining international collaboration, cutting-edge learning, and a focus on sustainability, technology and entrepreneurship. Plus, we’re integrating AI and digital transformation workshops to keep our students ahead of global business trends.

2. What 2-3 qualities, skill sets, experiences do your program value most in applicants?

• Global Mindset: We look for individuals with a strong appreciation for diversity and international perspectives, as our program is highly collaborative and cross-cultural.
• Leadership Potential: Whether demonstrated through professional experience, community involvement, or entrepreneurial ventures, we value candidates with a proven ability to inspire and lead others.
• Innovative Problem-Solving Skills: We seek applicants who have shown creativity and resilience in solving complex challenges, especially in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.”

3. How does your team approach the essay portion of the application specifically? 

Our team takes a holistic approach to the essay portion of the application because it offers a deeper understanding of the applicant beyond quantitative metrics. By assessing essays holistically, we aim to understand each candidate’s full story, giving every applicant a fair and comprehensive review. Ultimately, we use the essays to assess both fit and potential, and we see them as an opportunity to connect on a deeper level. 

4. Do you have any application tips (for essays & recommendations) for MBA applicants? Are there common mistakes that applicants should try to avoid?

We always recommend candidates to focus on three key aspects:

• Authenticity: We seek applicants who share their true selves. We value honest reflections on personal experiences, values, and aspirations, helping us see the person behind the application.
• Clarity of Purpose: We look for candidates who clearly articulate how our MBA program aligns with their personal and professional goals, showing intentionality and research.
• Self-Awareness and Growth: Essays that reflect thoughtful insights into past challenges and growth over time demonstrate emotional intelligence and adaptability—qualities essential for leadership.

5. How important is standardized testing for an MBA application to IE, and is there a preference for GMAT, GRE, EA for your full-time program?

At IE, our Admissions Department leads a rigorous selection process that includes Admissions Test.  This test aims to identify the most suitable candidates for our programs by assessing various skill sets. Depending on the program, you may take our IE Global Admissions Test (ieGAT) or submit scores from the GMAT, GRE, CFA or CAIA.

Again, it’s important to highlight that, although very rigorous, our Admissions Process adopts a holistic approach in evaluating each application, which means standardized test scores are just one part of the overall assessment, and that our main goal remains to ensure we bring the most talented individuals into our diverse classrooms. 

6. What resources are available at your MBA program to assist with internship and full-time job opportunities)?

Our MBA programs offer a range of resources to help students secure internships and full-time job opportunities:

• Dedicated Career Services Team: Our experienced career advisors work one-on-one with students to refine their resumes, practice interviews, and develop personalized job search strategies.
• Corporate Connections and Networking Events: We host regular networking sessions, career fairs, and company presentations, providing direct access to recruiters from global companies across various industries.
• Alumni Network: Our extensive, international alumni network is a valuable resource for mentorship, career advice, and job referrals.
• Internship Programs and Experiential Learning: We offer hands-on consulting projects and internship placement support, allowing students to gain industry experience and build professional relationships.
• Career Development Workshops: We host workshops on topics such as salary negotiation, personal branding, and navigating different industries to equip students with critical skills for their job search.”

7. What is the one aspect of your program that you wish applicants knew more about?

One aspect of our MBA program that we wish more applicants knew about is our entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. While many are aware of our reputation for academic excellence and global exposure, fewer realize the depth of our resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators.

From our startup accelerator programs and venture capital partnerships to mentorship from industry leaders and access to state-of-the-art incubator spaces, we provide a comprehensive support system for students looking to launch their own ventures. Even those not pursuing entrepreneurship benefit from the program’s focus on creative problem-solving and innovation—skills that are invaluable in today’s business world

I would also like to highlight the international and global network as one main takeaway. Also, IE just announced a new initiative with OpenAI.

8. What is a recent breakdown of citizenship/ nationality for IE’s student class?

Our MBA program is truly international, with students from over 145 nationalities represented each year and more than 45 languages spoken on campus. This global network/mindset fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas and cultural perspectives, both inside and outside the classroom.

Beyond geographic diversity, we also value diversity in professional backgrounds, industries, and life experiences. Our students come from fields such as technology, finance, social impact, entrepreneurship, and more, contributing to rich discussions and dynamic teamwork.

We also emphasize diversity of thought—creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to share their viewpoints, challenge the status quo, and collaborate in innovative ways. This multifaceted diversity is central to the transformative experience our MBA offers.

9. Fun Fact about IE–such as where is a favorite hangout for your MBA students?

One of many favorites is the IE Creativity Center—a dynamic space on the Segovia campus designed for collaboration, brainstorming, and social events. It’s a popular spot for informal meetups, study groups, and networking sessions.

Outside of campus, students love gathering in the city center of Madrid, known for its vibrant cafes, tapas bars, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after classes and experience the lively Spanish culture that makes studying in Madrid so special.