Rosa Soares
I am married with six children, a daughter-in-law and one grandson. After retiring from 32 years as a tax adviser at Deloitte, I decided that I wanted to broaden and update my legal horizons. Inspired, I applied for the Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Global Corporate Compliance at IE University.
Having worked with taxes for so many years, I consider it as my industry. Tax compliance is very important, because taxes are the main income that governments receive in order to carry out their programs and help the most vulnerable members of society. Accordingly, if people and businesses evade taxes, the development of the corresponding countries is at risk.
"The program's multidisciplinary approach and its international component clearly attracted me."
Why did you choose IE University?
One of my sons is part of the alumni community of IE Business School and I was impressed with his learning experience at IE University. In addition, I became interested in IE University’s multidisciplinary approach to law, as well as their international environment.
Why did you decide to specialize in compliance?
I decided to specialize in compliance after realizing that I wanted to broaden my legal horizons beyond my many years of working in tax law. In addition, I was invited to be a non-executive director and member of the audit committee of a Portuguese listed company in the energy sector, and a member of the compensation committee of a Portuguese company in the wine business (both with operations abroad). So learning global compliance law was very useful for these new roles.
What specific attributes of the program caught your attention?
The program’s multidisciplinary approach and its international component clearly attracted me. The fact that it was part-time and mostly virtual was also an important factor for me; I was able to work in the previously mentioned non-executive roles and manage my family.
How do you think compliance can impact businesses and society?
Compliance makes sure companies, employees and society as a whole do the right thing. In a world torn by wars, the pandemic and environmental and social issues, the only way to thrive and go forward is to push each one of us and our institutions to do the right thing. If this is not the case, the existing distortions will increase instead of ending.
Tell us something that has surprised you about IE University, and about the program you’re currently studying.
The diversity of my colleagues, both geographically and professionally, surprised me very positively. I also appreciate the fact that all the professors have extensive professional experience. These positive surprises clearly enriched my learning experience this year.
How has the experience studying at the same university as your daughter been?
I feel that being able to discuss learning experiences, legal issues and meeting up with my daughter, MarÃa do Rosario Soares, at IE University is truly a privilege.
How would you sum up your experience at IE University?
All that I learned, and the new people I met—including colleagues, professors and staff—made my experience at IE University extremely interesting and enriching.
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