How Isabela found the right MBA

“It has always been a dream for me to come to Barcelona,” beams Isabela Carvalho, as she reflects on her time in the International MBA program at EADA Business School. “It’s an amazing city with a lot of culture and also great for technology professionals.” (00:27)

Barcelona’s popularity as one of the world’s famous tourist destinations is matched by its reputation for excellence in business education.

Spain is home to four of the world’s top MBA programs, as evidenced in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2023. As a city, Barcelona trails only Paris in the number of featured schools in the ranking. So in this leading MBA destination, why did EADA appeal to Isabela over the city’s other business schools? 

“EADA really caught my attention first of all because of the hands-on methodology that they have,” she explains to MBAGRADSCHOOLS. “You really learn by doing, which is something I value a lot.” (00:44)

Digging deeper, Isabela found the school’s pillars of leadership, innovation, and sustainability connected with her values.

Isabela was also impressed by the school’s globally-respected faculty and reputation for innovation. Following her initial research, she decided to leave Brazil to study at EADA, after reaching out to the school’s alumni. 

“Essentially everyone I talked to said that they made friends for life,” she says. “They built really strong connections, and they just had a really amazing experience here. So it was a no-brainer – I had to come to EADA.” (01:23)

How the EADA support network powers personal and professional growth

Part of EADA’s appeal is that it helps students to find balance in their lives. Isabela mentioned the strong faculty, but it is not just the quality of the teaching that makes the faculty stand out. Isabela expressed great appreciation for the extensive support she received during her MBA at EADA Business School.

“Even though they are very rigorous, they are really empathetic, and they worry a lot about the students. So they’re able to have really deep conversations about where you want to go with your career and your life and where you want to take your future. That to me was something that really caught my attention.” (01:49)

As someone from a tech and marketing background, Isabela came into the MBA program with little knowledge of finance. She was apprehensive about studying the finance module in the EADA MBA and initially struggled with it.

“I believe that it’s such a privilege to face this challenge with the kind of support that EADA gives you,” Isabela tells us, “ because being in the setting it’s just a matter of how badly you want it … You have the support, and not only the physical resources, you know that you have people to count on and people who want you to succeed.”(03:30)

After Isabela spoke with the program director about her worries, the two of them were able to work through those challenges together. It’s the perfect example of how a support network isn’t limited to friends and family. At EADA, it encompasses everybody at the school. 

Isabela highlighted having engaging discussions with the career services team, who paired her with personal and career coaches. While these resources are optional, Isabela found them invaluable because “They just helped me look at my life and at my career in a holistic way.” (05:10)

The staff supported her academic and professional development but also considered her individual needs and aspirations as a person. In the rigorous academic environment at EADA, it is essential to have faculty who, despite setting high standards, are also invested in students’ personal growth. 

Through this all-encompassing support, Isabela felt that she emerged as a better person.

Isabela’s key takeaway from her time at EADA

An MBA offers many benefits, but chief among them is confidence because that’s what it takes to lead and inspire others. Students in the MBA program at EADA experience unique leadership training modules in Collbató and an eagerly anticipated trip to Singapore.

“The Collbató modules, those are amazing!” Isabela says. “Those are very important aspects of the EADA experience because you get to integrate with other classmates in a different setting than the classroom. You just make really strong friendships and connections for life.” (02:13)

EADA’s Collbató modules take place at its Residential Training Campus, nestled near the Montserrat mountain range. These modules focus on outdoor training in a picturesque setting, which serves as a backdrop for experiential learning activities. Additionally, students have the opportunity to integrate the theoretical knowledge they gain in the classroom with practical experiences, which is crucial for understanding management and leadership concepts. 

Isabela emphasizes that the soft skills she honed in the MBA significantly boosted her confidence. That newfound confidence allows her to apply for jobs and take on challenges she normally wouldn’t consider. (11:23)

Having the confidence to try new things and take on new challenges is especially valuable in a place like Barcelona. In an inviting climate to explore and a culture embracing international students, it’s clear why Barcelona is a leading global MBA destination.

Experience an MBA in Barcelona and beyond

The decision to pursue an MBA in Barcelona wasn’t just about EADA for Isabela; it was also about the city itself. Barcelona’s culture, vibrant technology scene, and sunny weather create a unique and engaging environment for study and leisure alike. 

The city averages more than 300 hours of sunshine a month, making it one of the sunniest destinations in Europe. According to Isabela, the climate encourages people to get out more, explore the city, and make connections. The explorer attitude that Barcelona instills in you is especially important for an international student. (07:17)

The language barrier also proved to be a non-issue. In and out of the classroom, a culture of respect and inclusivity creates a comfortable environment for non-Spanish speakers.

Yet in a city that can offer such an attractive life, it’s important to find the right balance. After all, Isabela came to Spain to study an MBA, and she never lost sight of that. (14:44)

EADA Business School’s International MBA takes students beyond the city too, with the Collbató and Singapore modules. In the optional fourth term, those craving even more international exposure can participate in an exchange program with partner schools in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.

Concluding advice from Isabela

Isabela describes her time at EADA as a life-changing experience. It was her dream to study in Barcelona, and the reality was even better. She offers valuable advice to prospective students considering EADA Business School. “EADA looks for participants that bring something to the table, people who are willing to go the extra mile,” indicating that mere academic achievement is not enough. Students should be passionate and want to make an impact. (13:27)

EADA’s goal is to help people grow, but students must be ready to commit fully. Isabela points out that putting in the work makes all the difference, cautioning that the program is demanding but ultimately rewarding.

For questions about studying at EADA, contact an ambassador and to get your questions answered.