Emma Barbian

IESE Business School at the University of Navarra

“Texas native with a global mindset, I’m an animal lover and mental health advocate.”

Hometown: Plainview, Texas

Fun Fact about yourself: I’ve been to Antarctica and the Arctic.

Undergraduate School and Major: The University of Texas at Austin, Marketing

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Meta, Sales Campaign Activation Manager

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? The case method allows future managers to practice decision-making in extreme uncertainty in a safe environment. You can have 70 people in a class looking at the same dilemma and receive 70 different approaches because of the diversity of thought and experience. The classroom discussion evolves and takes unexpected paths that can challenge your preconceived notions.

What has been your favorite part of Barcelona so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA? Put simply, Barcelona is fun! You’re surrounded by art, museums, music, bars, restaurants and cafes, the beach, and a rich cultural history. You won’t be bored in the city, and the classmates you meet at IESE make your experience exponentially more fun.

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? I was attracted by the opportunity to complete the Business Spanish Program and take electives in Spanish. The teachers are amazing, and the friends you make in class offer you another vibrant social group to connect with.

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? Absolutely! I will say it was an adjustment to go back into a classroom five days a week. However, the classroom discussions and the relationships that you build in your section make you look forward to seeing each other in class because you know it’s going to be fun and insightful.

Lean on your team! You are there to support each other, so take the time to build strong relationships at the start. Having a strong relationship with your team makes all the difference in the world.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at IESE? The Communications class we had in the first weeks of school was memorable. You’re just getting to know your team and you’re practicing public speaking at the same time. It’s like diving into the deep end of the pool! We shared so many laughs and really supported each other.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: I came in second place at the MBB Case Competition, which was my first time ever doing a case competition!

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far?  I love the hangouts that my team has. We often go out to dinner or hangout together at someone’s apartment. These informal gatherings are such a highlight for me, and we have learned so much about each other.

DON’T MISS: MEET IESE BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

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