Fiorella Gandolfo Schiappa-Pietra
I’m Fiorella from Peru, I did my bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering and have +5 years of work experience. The last 3 years before moving to Spain, I’ve been working in the cosmetics industry as Portfolio Owner and now I’m working in the Global Growth department at Cabify in Madrid. I describe myself as a very curious person, I love traveling, knowing new cultures and facing challenges… my biggest one was the IE experience which I fully recommend with eyes closed.
“IE greatest asset is Diversity: Embrace it, open your mind, and build your path to the best next you.”
DEFINE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN Master in Market Research and Consumer Behavior in ONE WORD.
Challenge.
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK PROGRAM HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?
The MRCB program at IE wasn't just a degree; it was a life-changer. Professionally, I’ve learned from the best professors Quant. and Qual. tools to decode consumers’ mind and interpret data, which is a must in today's data-driven world regardless the industry you are in. But personally, it did a 180° change on me, I found myself among an amazing mix of people from all over the globe, pushing me out of my comfort zone in the best way. It opened my eyes to the world and made me feel part of a global family. The experience not only boosted my career but also made me a richer person, in every sense.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE?
My favorite memory of the experience was undoubtedly the graduation. It was the moment I realized how much I had grown over the past year, I looked around and saw my friends, I remembered all what we had just experienced together and felt proud of us. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the IE experience I had crafted for myself, as well as the wealth of knowledge I had gained both inside and outside the classroom, knowledge that will stay with me forever.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY THIS PROGRAM AT IE?
IE's entrepreneurial mindset, international environment, and innovative atmosphere is perfectly aligned with what I was looking for, inspiring me to be a part of this vibrant community. I chose to study this program because it’s the perfect blend between psychology and data analysis in order to understand consumers’ mind and bring key insights to develop actionable strategies and driving businesses in the right direction.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE MAIN CHALLENGES THAT YOU ENCOUNTERED ON YOUR WAY? HOW DID YOUR MASTER PROGRAM AND IE HELP YOU THROUGH THESE CHALLENGES?
My main challenge was leaving behind my comfortable life, job, family, and friends in my home country to start fresh on a new continent. It was a daunting decision that required a leap of faith. However, my time at IE quickly reassured me that I had made the right choice. IE not only provided an excellent academic foundation but also fostered personal growth and resilience. This supportive environment made my transition and journey through the program incredibly rewarding, at the end it felt like home, and they gave me the tools and skills to find my actual job here in Madrid.
WHAT IS NETWORKING LIKE IN the program?
Networking was exceptional. I had the opportunity to connect with a talented group of students, alumni and professors from all around the world. The program's structure, which encourages teamwork at its fullest, made it easy to build strong professional relationships. The school also organized numerous events and industry-specific gatherings, which facilitated meaningful interactions. IE's emphasis on real-world experiences allowed me to network not just within the program but also with industry leaders, giving me some opportunities for my career.
