Olivia Ehlis
Born and raised in Barcelona, I would describe myself as a curious, committed and open-minded person. I am passionate and dedicated to driving positive change through sustainability and social impact within organizations. I love exploring new horizons and immersing myself in rich cultural experiences that shape my worldview. Additionally, as a dedicated fashion enthusiast, I appreciate the artistry and creativity in clothing—engaging in art and cultural activities is something I truly enjoy. In my spare time, I enjoy playing padel, going running or practicing yoga. I also find joy in sharing my interests with friends and family, creating meaningful connections through shared passions.
"The Master in International Development prepares professionals to tackle complex problems by finding clear solutions."
The perfect blend of analytical and soft skills
Olivia has always had a strong interest in international affairs and sustainability but her interest was piqued during her bachelor’s studies. Through her program, which combined communication, international relations and business management, and a range of diverse internships, Olivia realized that development and sustainability weren’t simply interests, they were passions she had to pursue.
Growing up, Olivia was fortunate to visit many different places, and she believes this has shaped her personality and career aspirations today. Since she was a child, she has been immersing herself in the culture of new countries. These experiences have made her a more open-minded and adaptable person.
With this in mind, it was only natural that Olivia decided to do an exchange semester in Bangkok, Thailand at the end of her bachelor’s program. It was during these six exciting months that Olivia discovered Southeast Asia and its charm. But she also witnessed the pressing need for sustainable initiatives to improve people’s quality of life and the environment, which ultimately drove her to apply for the Master in International Development at IE University. She is confident that the program will serve as a catalyst for her to make an impact and secure a position in international development.
IE University stood out to Olivia during the application process for its rich curriculum, widely recognized as the best in the field having been developed in collaboration with the UNSSC. Looking back, Olivia is happy with the choice she made, as she is benefitting from a world-renowned faculty of experts who have been instrumental in her continuous learning journey.
Thanks to the program’s wide range of topics related to sustainable development, Olivia is much closer to finding a role that will allow her to pursue her career goals. She hopes to launch her career by advancing an organization’s sustainable transition, contributing to the holistic development of societies across the globe while enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. Her strong work ethic, coupled with her blend of analytical and soft skills, will undoubtedly set her apart from the competition when it comes to applications.
“Justice is very important to me. I aspire to use my skills and competencies to give back to society and make a positive impact in an organization and society.”
Equally valuable are the connections that Olivia has made within the IE Community. Hearing about other people’s backgrounds and professional journeys so far offers Olivia a broader perspective of the world beyond her own experiences. Additionally, IE University’s commitment to championing diversity across its programs drew Olivia to the institution, as well as its prestige and exclusive networking opportunities.
Looking back on her experience so far, Olivia describes IE University as “one of a kind. It’s enriching and transformative. IE University fosters constant innovation and cultivates a multicultural environment, ensuring a richer and more inclusive approach to learning.” What’s more, Olivia believes that studying in Madrid offers the perfect blend of academic excellence and a lively social scene.
To anyone considering the Master in International Development, Olivia tells them to be authentic and adaptable. “Bring your background and opinion to class and don’t be afraid to be yourself. Everyone’s opinions are welcomed and contribute to our collective growth,” she adds. Olivia also recommends being proactive in making the most of IE University’s resources—Olivia joined the IE Net Impact Club as the events and organizing club officer. She was later elected president of the club, which made her enjoy her IE University experience even more.
Indeed that’s Olivia’s final piece of advice for prospective students, as she concludes by advising any new members of the community to find and join a club that aligns with their values. With so many clubs available among IE University’s diverse student body, they’ll have no trouble finding one.
