Meet IE’s MBA Class of 2017

María de Gregorio Verdejo

IE Business School

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Enthusiastic outgoing person who deeply believes truth shall set you free.

Hometown: Madrid, Spain

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have an irrational fear of dogs; the smallest Chihuahua looks like Chewbacca to me.

Undergraduate School and Major: Universidad Complutense de Madrid – Pharmacist and Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte – Radiopharmacist.

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Hospital Universitario La Paz (Madrid, Spain)- Radiopharmacist and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (Manchester, United Kingdom)- Radiopharmaceutical Scientist.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During my time at the Christie Hospital, I led a project to develop and establish a novel diagnostic tool for the detection and staging of neuroendrocrine tumours. After a year of development, the test has now become an integral procedure in the diagnosis of patients.  It has also led to dramatic improvements in therapy plans for a wide range of suitable patients, while also maintained the Christie Hospital at the forefront of oncology diagnosis and treatment.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Personally, I have chosen to begin this process so that I may improve my future career prospects by building a greater professional network while also developing and broadening my skill and knowledge profile.  I also believe my clinical skills and background will give me a different perspective and knowledge base than other candidates on the program. I believe that future candidates must also look at not only what they want from the program but also what they can contribute — as some of the best ideas are created from diversity and collaboration. Therefore, the decision to apply and commit to the program should be carefully considered so that they can truly feel that it is right for them.

In addition, the actual application process (GMAT, essays, interviews etc.) can be quite daunting and overwhelming. I would recommend that all candidates be themselves and do not be afraid to express their true values, personality and background. I believe we all have something special to offer, something that can enrich and add to the experience of our peers.

I would also strongly suggest planning the process in advance, so that you may give yourself enough time in advance to properly prepare for each stage of the process. Finally, I would say this: don’t forget to enjoy the process, the challenge and the excitement of how your life changes when you get accepted in a certain business school.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? IE has an entrepreneurial and socially innovative spirit that aligns perfectly with my own personal values and way of life. In addition, I believe the high percentage of international students and our combined cultural differences will help to expand our horizons and create the perfect melting pot for novel, innovative idea generation.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My ideal professional role would involve being in a clinical senior management position responsible for developing and implementing a patient-focused cultural change across the medical system.  Here, patients and their outcomes would at the centre of every decision and form the backbone of all medical care.

I know I have a long way to go to reach a position where I have the capacity to instigate this scale of change. However, my personal and professional experiences to date, coupled with the skills and knowledge attained from completing this program, will hopefully give me access to these opportunities in the future so that I may give back to society what I have received over all these years.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I would like to be thought of as a dependable, hard-working and trustworthy person, who always looks to contribute to the group while also actively looking to involve others. I have been told that I am always smiling so I would also like to be remembered for my positive outlook and to be known by my peers as a means of support if and when it is needed.