This month, we are delighted to welcome on campus our biggest MBA class yet with 442 students in the MBA Class of 2026 from over 55 nationalities. This class also has the highest representation of women at 40%! In this post, Nandika Puri MBA Candidate 26 reflects on what led her to IESE and why coming to IESE has been the best choice for her.
And so it begins!
Embarking on an MBA journey is a life-altering decision. It requires making two critical choices: first, committing to the pursuit of an MBA—a significant financial, mental, and emotional investment—and second, selecting the right institution.
For me, the decision to pursue an MBA was not just about advancing my career but about filling a deeper need: to connect with a global community that would both challenge and inspire me. While I was progressing steadily in my career, there was a growing sense of isolation, a feeling that I needed more from my professional life.
Choosing to embark on an MBA is transformative; it reshapes not only your career path but the very core of who you are as a future leader. This decision felt even weightier for me as a married woman, knowing that it would affect my partner and our future together. But once I made up my mind, I faced the next crucial choice: finding a business school that aligned with my personal values and professional aspirations.
Why I Chose IESE
The MBA 26 cohort celebrating the start of the school year!
It was August 2023. With my target GMAT score in hand, I began exploring my MBA options while continuing to work in Dubai—a city that holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it where I met my husband, but it’s also conveniently close to my home country, India. I knew I wanted to stay connected to this region, so I focused primarily on business schools in Europe, with the intention of returning to Dubai after graduation.
That’s when IESE Business School caught my attention. Ranked as the #2 MBA program in Europe, it quickly became a top contender. What stood out even more were the IESE alumni I encountered in my professional network. The fact that former colleagues had attended the program gave me confidence in its reputation and impact. Before diving into the application process, I had the opportunity to meet IESE alumni one-on-one at an event in Dubai. Over the course of our two-hour conversation, I found myself not only getting answers to my questions but also experiencing the genuine warmth and camaraderie of the IESE community. Their support was more than just words—they were invested in my journey, offering invaluable feedback on my application and guidance for the road ahead.
As I prepared to hit “submit” on my application, I reflected deeply on my motivations. Three core values stood out and ultimately shaped my decision:
People: One of my primary reasons for pursuing an MBA was to broaden my global network, and IESE’s diverse student body—representing over 50 nationalities—offered an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate across cultures. This kind of diversity fosters patience, understanding, and empathy, qualities I believe are essential to becoming an effective leader in today’s interconnected world.
It was extra special to have my partner join me on campus for the first two weeks of school, he could experience the warmth of the IESE community too!
Community: IESE isn’t just about churning out business leaders; it’s about building a supportive and inclusive community. Unlike some schools that may feel like business “factories,” IESE’s emphasis on ‘people’ stood out to me. The school nurtures its students, recognizing and celebrating the unique backgrounds they bring. As I prepared for my move to Barcelona, this sense of community became even more apparent. My future classmates and seniors were instrumental in helping me navigate the logistics—everything from choosing the right laptop to deciding where to live. Moving to a new country can be daunting, especially when you’re packing your entire life into a suitcase. Yet, with IESE’s community behind me, the excitement far outweighed any anxieties.
Partner Support: For someone like me, who places a high value on family, the partner support network at IESE was a game-changer. The school understands the emotional and logistical challenges of relocating for an MBA, and it offers initiatives to actively involve partners in the experience. My husband was able to join me for my first two weeks in Barcelona, attending school events (and parties!) alongside me. His involvement made him feel like a true part of my journey, which added a special dimension to our shared experience.
Reflecting on my decision
And so it begins!
Choosing to pursue an MBA and selecting the right program are two of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. From the nerve-wracking GMAT prep and endless essay revisions to the stress of interviews and the agonizing wait for admission results, the process can feel overwhelming. Add to that the emotional challenge of leaving a secure job, considering financing options, and stepping out of your comfort zone—it’s a lot to process. But when you finally see your name on that classroom card, it all clicks into place. That moment of pride, of seeing a dream realized, is indescribable.
For me, choosing IESE wasn’t just about picking a top-tier business school; it was about finding a place where I could grow both professionally and personally, surrounded by a community that truly cares. In Barcelona, as my class says, you are never “barce-lonely.” You’re part of something bigger, something that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
IESE is more than an MBA—it’s a journey of transformation, shared with a community that walks with you every step of the way. And for that, I couldn’t have made a better choice.
Written by Nandika Puri, MBA Candidate 26
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