MBA Alumni Profile: Marcelo de Mello, IE

Marcelo de Mello picked out his MBA at IE after careful consideration, and shares his story with us here. 

1. Why did you decide to attend your Business School?

IE has a markedly entrepreneurial approach that has created a unique environment to help me to reach my personal objectives and achieve further personal improvement. Besides this, it offers a bi-lingual program (English and Spanish) and a truly international atmosphere. Another strong point is that the IE programme works as a bridge between Europe and Latin America, which can create many opportunities for me when it comes to setting up my own business in Brazil. It is also important to mention that Spanish companies have been investing heavily in Brazil.

2. What research did you undertake in selecting your school?

I talked with many alumni and visited MBA fairs, and I took a look at rankings and websites about the subject.

3. Did you consider an executive MBA? If so, why did (or did you not) decide to take an Executive MBA?

No I didn't. I wanted a complete and full experience dedicating myself 100% to my MBA. I believe that an MBA is not only a way to improve your knowledge and skills, but also provides the opportunity to live in a foreign country, learning about a different culture and creating an international network.

4. What are the benefits of studying outside your home country?

Studying abroad brings many benefits such as learning about other cultures and languages, improving your communication and negotiation skills, and more importantly, developing a broad perspective about the world and a global mindset.      

5. How are you financing your studies?

I am using my savings to support myself and my wife and my family is helping to pay the MBA. I didn't get a loan or financial help because Brazil was going through a turbulent economic period last year and it was practically impossible.      

6. Did you apply for any scholarships? Which ones? Were you successful?

I was unable to secure a scholarship. I applied for scholarships from Instituto Ling, Rotary Club and Instituto Carolina. I also applied for a scholarship sponsored by the Instituto de Empresa Foundation, but unfortunately I was not successful.      

7. What are your career objectives after your MBA? What were you doing before your MBA?

I worked for 7 years for Johnson and Johnson in the Marketing Department, being responsible for a wide range of products. After the MBA I would like to work abroad for 2- 3 years and them return to Brazil to start up my own company.