I was in the middle of completing my MBA at IE Business School when the COVID-19 pandemic locked down the city of Madrid and the entire country. During these challenging times, I noticed a growing role for e-commerce. Intrigued, I formed my own startup. I fell in love with the creative process and knew I wanted to continue studying to learn more about customer-centric thinking, product, experience, and service design. The MAM programwas the perfect fit. Yale was one of my dream schools, and it lived up to my expectations, providing me the opportunity to connect with a global cohort of students, faculty, and clubs that celebrates design thinking in solving complex problems.
The Yale SOM curriculum is flexible and fluid. It allows students to create their own path. The program I designed helped me to bridge the gaps in my skill set, equipping me with the necessary knowledge to enter the design and innovation world. I was offered the opportunity to put into practice what I had learned in the classroom. For example, in Listening to the Customer, we conducted user research and statistical analysis to help a startup connect with customers. In my final semester, I’ve done an independent study helping a global firm reimagine their business model in a post-COVID-19 world.
Being an MAM student in a hybrid learning environment is challenging. I made a concerted effort to put myself out there—safely—and the community responded with open arms. I immersed myself in the Design + Innovation Club. Huge shout-out to them—they’re my favorite club. I learned to cook with Chef Dave, debated which local eatery served the best pizza, and met the most wonderful people.
The most important asset the program provided was the people I met, and the diversity of thought I encountered. As I take my next steps after graduation, I’m confident that I have the support of the MAM program and the wider Yale SOM community.
