Sanjna Gupta

IESE Business School at the University of Navarra

“Biomedical scientist turned business leader, passionate about solving life science challenges with empathy and innovation.”

Hometown: Düsseldorf, Germany

Fun Fact About Yourself: Born in Germany, raised on Indian traditions, educated in England, and now embracing the MBA lifestyle in Spain – I truly love cultures, travelling and, most importantly, food from all over the world.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Warwick (UK), BSc Biomedical Sciences

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: QIAGEN, Business Development Manager

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? The case method is an incredible way to learn from each other and see things from different global perspectives. It not only provides real-world scenarios to tackle, but also encourages questioning, critical thinking and problem-solving on the spot – allowing us to apply theoretical knowledge. Whether it’s understanding how an industry works in different geographical settings or learning from classmates’ diverse experiences, it offers a steep learning curve and challenges open-mindedness. As future managers with a shared passion for impact, this method allows us to immerse ourselves in various business settings and helps to develop strong leadership skills, communication and decision-making.

What has been your favorite part of Barcelona so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA? My favorite part of Barcelona so far has been its vibrant and lively atmosphere that pulses day and night. Each neighborhood offers something unique, from stunning architecture to the Mediterranean lifestyle, and the city’s incredible food scene keeps me constantly exploring. The booming industries, innovation hubs, and the city’s pursuit of creativity and festivals contribute to a positive and passionate vibe that is truly inspiring, wherever you go. With its dynamic energy and IESE’s diverse cohort of classmates, Barcelona creates an ideal environment for collaboration that allows personal growth on an extremely deep level, making it the perfect place to pursue an MBA.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the one key part of the IESE Business School MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? What stood out to me apart from the appealing selection of elective modules covering the most relevant topics of global trends, were the extensive opportunities for international exposure beyond the Barcelona MBA curriculum. The international modules in China, Mexico, the USA, and Kenya, the exchange programs with top business schools and the impactful summer internship all provide an incredibly rich experience. These opportunities maximize cultural immersion and learning, offering the global perspective which we require for leading multinational organizations.

The IESE MBA is known for heavy reading and rigorous academics. Has the program lived up to its reputation? What advice would you give to first-years to help them thrive in the early months of the program? Yes, the IESE MBA has absolutely lived up to its reputation for academic rigor, especially with daily reading and case preparation alongside career tasks and student-club related responsibilities. To be completely frank, it’s been challenging to establish a routine that keeps up with this workload. But it has helped me significantly improve my time management and prioritization skills across all aspects of my life, including the personal and social side. My advice to first-years would be to plan ahead, learn to prioritize in both your studies and personal life, and embrace collaborative learning because it’s often more efficient. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but remember, everyone is in the same boat, and the outcome is worth it. Most importantly, take time to recharge and maintain balance!

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at IESE? It’s difficult to narrow this down, but I would highlight two courses that have stood out to me: Financial Accounting with the hilarious Prof. Marc Badia and Leadership with the authentic and super impactful Prof. Alejandro Moreno-Salamanca. Financial Accounting has provided me with a solid understanding of the quantitative side of business and the crucial role numbers play in driving success. On the other hand, Leadership has focused on the human element of management, emphasizing the challenges and skills needed to lead teams effectively.

As for clubs, I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in the Healthcare Club so far. As First Year Director for Treks and Corporate Relations, it’s been a platform where I’ve been able to connect with like-minded individuals internally and externally who share my passion for healthcare innovation and making a positive impact on the industry. The opportunity to engage with industry professionals, gain insights into trends, and foster connections has been invaluable. This experience aligns perfectly with my personal mission to use my skills and knowledge to drive change in the healthcare field.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my biggest, most formative accomplishments has been leading the establishment of the Custom Assay Design & Validation segment within QIAGEN’s Genomic Services division. I drove the strategic development, financial foundation, and commercial setup of this new business line, leading cross-functional teams and managing key stakeholder relationships. My leadership, communication, and empathy were crucial in aligning teams and ensuring operational excellence which reinforced my passion for building businesses and driving innovation in the life science sector.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: So far as an MBA student, my biggest accomplishment has been immersing myself in the rich and supportive IESE environment across various facets. Through my involvement in the Future Female Leaders Award space, connection with fellow Excellence Scholars, and engagement with both the German and Indian sides of the community, I’ve had the privilege of contributing while learning from others. Additionally, supporting promotional activities and being active in the Healthcare Club has expanded my horizons and allowed me to build a network rooted in a shared passion for positive global impact and authenticity. These experiences have helped me grow both personally and professionally, while contributing meaningfully to the IESE community.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory as an MBA so far revolves around the people I am lucky to be spending my time: My amazing MBA team, Madrid-7, and the diverse group of classmates I’ve met and am excited to connect with daily. With Madrid-7, every day has been filled with laughter, authenticity, and incredible support – making our team dynamic truly special. Outside of my team, the exposure to my classmates’ rich cultures has been equally memorable, alongside super fun events like the pre-MBA boat party, the Mexican “El Grito” celebration, the Argentinian “Asado,” the Indian “Diwali” celebration, section-specific Secret Santa and Christmas get-togethers – my first term at the MBA has been filled with unforgettable moments and memories. These experiences have allowed me to form genuine connections with people who are positive and energetic. I´m truly grateful for this shared “journey of a lifetime”.

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