Isabel Fernandez Acin

IMD Business School

“Curious, fast-paced Spaniard who loves learning, traveling, padel, skiing, personal finance, community, and brainteasers.”

Hometown: Madrid, Spain

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am the eldest of seven siblings. Never a dull moment growing up!

Undergraduate School and Major: Universidad de Navarra, Spain, Global Management and Law

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Project Manager, UNIR (Universidad Internacional de La Rioja), a private open university in Spain focused on online education. It is based in Logroño, La Rioja, with a presence in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This role allowed me to experience first-hand how leveraging technology can multiply a company’s impact on society.

What has been the best part of being in a small class with this group of classmates? The best part has been truly getting to know my peers and forming lasting bonds in such a cohesive class. One year feels too short to dive deep with everyone, but the intimacy of our group makes it possible to understand each other’s ambitions and learn from one another’s experiences. A friend of mine has started scheduling one-on-one meetings with classmates to ensure meaningful conversations, and I’m seriously considering adopting this approach. With graduation just months away, I’m already starting to miss everyone! Our close-knit environment fosters a supportive atmosphere where everyone eagerly shares their knowledge and helps each other build future careers. It’s this spirit of collaboration and camaraderie that makes our class experience so special.

Aside from classmates, what part of IMD’s MBA programming led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? IMD’s professors – and their direct links with the industry – are game-changers. The learning is synced with real-world action, as professors bring fresh, actionable insights from their work with global companies straight into the classroom. This keeps us in sync with the fast-paced business world, allowing us to not just learn theory but apply it, understand global challenges, and network with the top executives who frequently visit our campus. This dynamic, practical approach, along with real-time learning and industry exposure, were key reasons for choosing IMD.

IMD is known for its academic rigor. What is one strategy you used that would help a future IMD MBA better adapt to the workload early on? My go-to strategy: baby steps and a six-week calendar view. By making a consistent effort daily – prepping cases and actively participating in lectures – you avoid last-minute stress and absorb knowledge more effectively. The six-week calendar helps identify key deliverables and plan ahead, ensuring you can balance academics with personal time. Smart planning allows you to enjoy the MBA experience to the fullest!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: At UNIR, I helped implement a data-driven culture within our marketing and academic teams, providing a clear focus on our strategic goals. As part of this initiative, I designed and launched a portfolio prioritization ranking system, efficiently onboarding over 2,000 participants. This comprehensive approach not only streamlined our processes, but also significantly enhanced our team’s productivity and impact.

Describe your biggest accomplishment at IMD so far: Aside from academic achievements, I’m proud of being part of the MBA’s football and swimming teams, participating in the Venture Award Challenge, and leading the Sustainability Committee’s walking challenge in June, which engaged many peers and boosted daily activity in a fun and competitive way.

Where is your favorite hang-out in Lausanne? Why do you (and your classmates) gravitate there? The lakeside is my happy place! Whether for a swim, a stroll, sunbathing, or chilling with a drink at Le Jetée (a seasonal bar right by Lac Léman from May to October), it’s just minutes from campus and always buzzing with good vibes. For a more panoramic view, the rooftop at Hotel Savoy in Ouchy is unbeatable. This historic spot offers breathtaking lake views and a curated cocktail menu, making it the ideal place to relax and celebrate with friends!

What has been your best memory at IMD thus far? One cherished memory is the farewell BBQ we held before the summer holidays. It was a heartfelt gathering of the entire class and their partners, marking the end of an intense first six months. The camaraderie and sense of family were palpable, highlighting the deep connections we’ve built.

What do you hope to do after graduation? Post-graduation, I’m eager to work in Switzerland, aiming to make a positive impact through technology. I’m particularly fascinated by how AI can revolutionize the future of business, and I can’t wait to be part of that transformative journey.

DON’T MISS: MEET IMD BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2024