Abha Kiran Padhye
Although my background is in dentistry, when I joined IE Business School’s MIM I transformed into an entrepreneur of tomorrow. I’m originally from India, and I will soon study in Canada thanks to IE’s Beyond Borders Exchange Program. During my five-year bachelor’s at dental school, I could never stop imagining how much I could shine as an entrepreneur or as a leader if I could just have the opportunity to enhance my natural set of skills. I didn’t think twice before applying because there was something about the school that convinced me that it was exactly what I’d been looking for.
IE Business School has been a rollercoaster. The events and activities are always a rush, and it’s intensive class structure and challenging assignments are thrilling. The amazing cultural integration, and the satisfaction of having successfully completed this exciting ride at graduation gives you a remarkable feeling of accomplishment. It’s a journey full of learning and growth on a personal and professional level. IE Business School builds character and nurtures talent.
"Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it."This beautiful quote from Sir Winston Churchill has long been my life’s mantra."
DEFINE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE MASTER IN MANAGEMENT IN ONE SENTENCE.
It’s been a life-changing journey of transformation, having gone from being a medical professional to a motivated entrepreneur.
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK THE PROGRAM HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE, PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?
Imagine being a dentist in a business school and not having a clue what was going to be covered in the program.
That was my situation when I joined the MIM. I believed I had an entrepreneurial skill set, although I knew it was essential to gain entrepreneurial knowledge as well. When I began my journey at IE Business School, I was afraid that I might not connect with with my peers or that I would get lost in this huge transitional process. Ten months later, I’m an empowered, motivated and highly skilled woman with the capacity to be a good manager, and the ability to take risks as an entrepreneur.When I joined the MIM, I was recently married and had to leave my husband back in India. Although I gave up my honeymoon period to be a proud alumni of IE Business School, I have no regrets doing so!
The school’s healthy and engaging environment helped me to maintain emotional balance, and I have developed a resilient character as a result. I have to say, as well as helping with the professional aspects, IE Business School and the MIM played a large part in my personal development.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE PROGRAM?
The opportunity to take part in a live Q&A on IE Business School’s official Facebook page with prospective students from different countries. It was definitely an experience I cherished as it helped me become more confidence when answering spontaneous questions, and also allowed me to gain recognition among my peers.
WHAT IS NETWORKING LIKE IN THE MIM?
I believe one of the key advantages in being a part of the MIM is the vast alumni network that we gain access to. Thanks to numerous networking events, we get the opportunity to meet people from the huge alumni network. For example, I recently visited Silicon Valley, San Francisco for the Global Immersion Week. While there, I was overwhelmed to be hosted by IE alumni in industry giants like Google and WhatsApp. The GIW was an eye-opener. It allowed me to see the wide arena of opportunities available for the MIMs after graduation. Aside from this, it was the opportunity of a lifetime to liaise with the founders and CEOs of these world-renowned companies. We were able to have one-on-one discussions with them regarding founding and managing a company, as well as surviving in a competitive industry.