Marco Gam

IE Business School

“I am driven and passionate, with a deep desire to make a positive impact on people and the world.”

Age: 28

Hometown: Aarhus, Denmark

Fun fact about yourself: I love traveling solo and immersing myself in new cultures.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Aarhus Business School of Science, Bachelor in Economics and Business Administration

Where are you currently working? Conmedia – Managing Director, Founder

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I founded my company at the age of 20, and today we have almost 40 employees – and have plans to at least triple in size in the coming years. I’m incredibly proud of building up the company while completing my studies. For the past six years, I’ve successfully balanced full-time work and academics. However, what I’m most proud of is the company culture and community we’ve created. With an average age of just 25 years old, we’ve built a company based on friendships, passion, and energy.

Officially, we are a marketing agency but, in reality, we are much more. We focus on what makes sense for our employees, which in turn makes sense for the company. We’re essentially a big group of good friends chasing a dream together. It’s a unique experience that must be seen to be fully understood.

Our goal is to revolutionize the traditional workplace and create the best workplace in the world, inspiring others along the way. As the new generation, our culture is founded on strong social relationships, high ambitions, and a constant desire for growth and improvement. This combination is the driving force behind our company, and it is what I am most proud of.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I always dreamed of studying at one of the best business schools in the world. Initially, I thought this was impossible because running my company in Denmark prevented me from moving abroad. However, when I discovered the opportunity to pursue an online MBA at the top-ranked IE Business School, I knew it was the perfect solution. This allowed me to combine my dream of running a successful company with studying at a prestigious institution.

Today, few people have the same profile as I do, thanks to this unique combination of entrepreneurial experience and top-tier business education.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? In continuation of the above, the best part was that the online format allowed me to seamlessly combine my studies with running my company.

Additionally, it enabled me to connect with people from various cultures around the world. I was pleasantly surprised by the close relationships we were able to build online. It was truly amazing!

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The fact that we could get this close was pleasantly surprising to me. I made friends for life and have already visited some of them in different parts of the world.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? During my Bachelor’s, I completed my degree entirely through self-study without ever attending a class, so it’s difficult for me to make a direct comparison.

However, I believe that studying online is much more effective. Efficiency and knowing how to prioritize your time are absolutely crucial for achieving great academic results.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Prioritize building relationships – it makes the experience much easier and more enjoyable. If your program offers face-to-face weeks like ours did, make sure to attend and invest time in getting to know your classmates.

Additionally, stay disciplined by creating a plan and sticking to it. It can be easy to hide behind the screen, so push yourself to stay engaged and actively participate.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The program covered a wide range of business topics and constantly encouraged me to reflect on my own work. I have never learned so much about my own company, as I was forced to put things into perspective and think critically. I love challenging traditional theories, but to do so effectively, you must first understand them in depth.

Today, I am much more reflective and aware of various aspects of business. For example, we are currently undergoing a major internationalization process, and I am applying many of the insights I gained from the program.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation?  No – it’s my own company, and I am currently the highest standing person in the company.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? It was because of my work situation. Also, I was able to combine two of the things I love most: learning and working on my company. I believe that the extended online format allowed us to apply what we learned directly to our work, which significantly strengthened our understanding.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 15-20 hours per week.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? To make a difference and inspire others. We aim to create the best workplace in the world and, in doing so, revolutionize the way businesses are run.

DON’T MISS: BEST & BRIGHTEST ONLINE MBAS: CLASS OF 2024