This year, we are excited to welcome our largest MBA cohort of 443 students on campus! As part of our annual tradition, Gonzalo Pizcueta Chimeno and Gianmarco Bertelli, Co-Presidents of MBA Class of 2024 share their experiences and advice for the new class.
Dear Incoming Class of 2026,
We want to welcome you to the best two years of your life. An experience that will change you not only professionally but also personally… and trust us… it will be AMAZING! As the class co-presidents of the IESE MBA Class of 2024, it is our pleasure to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you and congratulate you on this important milestone. This journey you are about to embark upon is more than just an academic pursuit; it is a transformative experience that will shape your career, your perspectives, and your future in ways you cannot yet imagine.
Here are some highlights of our experience that we’ll love to share with you:
The Experience of Your Life
Your time at IESE will undoubtedly be the experience of your life. From the challenging weekly cases that will push you and your teams to many discussions, to the diverse network of peers who will become lifelong friends, each moment will be filled with opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace the rigorous academics, participate actively in class discussions, and don’t hesitate to seek out experiences beyond your comfort zone. The more you give, the more you’ll get.
This is your chance to redefine what you believe is possible for yourself and with the right amount of work and dedication you will accomplish it!
Visiting companies during the China International Module
Take Advantage of the IESE Spirit of Service
IESE stands out not just for its academic excellence, but also for its strong culture and values. Integrity, humility, and respect are at the core of everything we do here. Remember and be grateful of everything IESE and your peers give you. Be open to meet people and to enrich yourself being exposed to new cultures and values. Understanding that there is not just one way to do things but rather multiple ways to enjoy the journey! So don’t be shy, force yourself (if needed) to participate in the numerous activities and community service projects that will be organized such as the club conferences, the solidary activities or the community nights in the BoW.
These experiences will enrich your understanding of what it means to be a responsible and impactful leader.
Surf the FOMO Wave
The FOMO is real, embrace it! Attend as many events as you can, join multiple clubs, and really connect with the people you meet! While it may feel overwhelming at times, remember that this is part of the MBA experience. It’s a time to explore, to be curious, and to discover new passions and interests… the MBA is a time that if well used will make you know yourselves better, getting you ready for approaching the world in a more conscious way!
But just like surfing, remember the tide that will always be there – yourself and your close family. Take care of yourself. If sometimes you need to say NO, do not hesitate. And for those with partners and families, help them get onboard, the wave is not just for the students. Be mindful of giving them the quality time that they deserve and remind yourself that the MBA can be a bubble, complex to understand for outsiders!
Interacting with students from local schools during the Nairobi International Module.
Enjoy Every Second, and Learn from the Bad Moments
You will be surrounded by an amazing support system to celebrate the successes with and to overcome challenges together!
Not every moment will be easy. There will be times of stress, doubt, and short term failure. There are job processes that don’t succeed, exams that you’ll fail, and decisions at some point you will regret. But these moments are just as important as the victories. Learn from them and use the power of your MBA friends to cheer you up and to get ready for the next fight! Each setback is a lesson in resilience and an opportunity to grow. Celebrate your successes, but also take time to reflect on and learn from your challenges. They are an integral part of your journey. In IESE there are many people (MBA office, CDC, Staff, Professors, peers…) willing to help you to overcome those complex moments. But remember, and force yourself if needed, to raise your hand and ask for their help! Everyone is willing to support, but no one can read your mind and understand if you are really struggling!
Make It Your Own Way
Lastly, remember that this is YOUR MBA journey. While there will be plenty of advice and suggestions from professors, peers, and alumni, it’s crucial that you make this experience your own. Carve out your path, set your own goals, and pursue what matters most to you. Personalize your MBA experience in a way that aligns with your aspirations and values. Once you have your own goals, try to make all the decisions necessary to achieve them. Be the driver of your journey and enjoy the ride!
In conclusion, the next two years will be filled with incredible highs and inevitable lows, but through it all, you will emerge stronger, wiser, and ready to take on the world. Welcome to IESE, welcome to the MBA Class of 2026, and welcome to the beginning of the rest of your life.
We look forward to seeing all the amazing things you will accomplish.
Warm regards,
Gonzalo Pizcueta Chimeno and Gianmarco Bertelli, Co-Presidents of MBA Class of 2024
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