Sana Naseem
After graduating from her Bachelor in Computer Software Engineering, Sana worked at IBM as a Technical Support Consultant and a Data Developer in her home country Pakistan. There, she learned multiple new skills as she also developed her many interests such as; Business Analytics, Agile Development, Design Thinking, Big Data, SQL, Consultation, Employer Branding, Marketing & Sales. In January 2021, she joined IE University to study the Tech MBA. Her interests, engineering and technical background played a huge role in choosing this program, as she strives to reach her career goals through learning about the financial, economic and technological landscape of businesses.
"No work is big or small. Keep giving your all to what you do, and the rest will work out on its own."
DEFINE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN (THE PROGRAM) IN ONE WORD.
Exhilarating
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE TECH MBA OVER A TRADITIONAL MBA?
Considering that I am an engineer coming from a technical background with professional experience that enabled me to build some valuable hard skills, I was in search of a program that could equip me with the soft skills and the business acumen in addition to being technically well-versed. Naturally, Tech MBA was my first choice to add those important skills to my repertoire of competencies over a traditional MBA.
HOW DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT IE SO FAR IS PREPARING YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE PROFESSIONAL CAREER?
With a highly curated blend of technical and business courses, I am getting a flavour of it all. I am getting a change to align my experiences with my career goals by learning about businesses’ financial, economic, and technological landscape. An unparalleled platform to build upon my soft skills and have the chance to interact with highly accomplished industry leaders to learn from them and follow in their footsteps.
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK PROGRAM HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY AT THIS MOMENT?
I feel the program has tremendously impacted my career plans. I am surer than ever about what my career aspirations are and what I need to do to achieve those. On a personal front, I am becoming much more adaptive and ready to take on new challenges. I am making friends and thoroughly enjoying this fast-paced experience.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAY-TO-DAY AT THE TECH MBA.
My day-to-day starts with attending knowledge-sharing academic sessions lead by our dedicated faculty members, followed by taking that much-needed coffee break to later attending events organized by IE clubs with partner companies. Mandatory and optional career success sessions are there to help with industry-focused profile building outside of the classroom.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR IE CANDIDATES PURSUING A CAREER IN TECH? WHAT SKILLS DO YOU CONSIDER ARE NEEDED TO SUCCEED IN THIS FIELD?
My advice to the candidates would be to cultivate a mindset for change. With technology evolving at such a fast pace, it is crucial to stay adaptive and be proactive. More than ever, soft skills in addition to hard technical skills are an absolute must to succeed now.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
There is no such thing as an overnight sensation. You need to build things slowly and carefully keeping the ‘purpose’ at the center. Most importantly, you need to enjoy the ride as you go on and find joy in what you do.
WHAT IS NETWORKING LIKE IN THE PROGRAM?
We have a variety of virtual networking sessions, to adapt to the new normal in the COVID-19 era. There are a lot of company events where IE alumni share their experiences and share with the audience the necessary next steps to be taken for their career progression. There is always someone who you can turn to for support.
IF SOMEONE WAS CONSIDERING GOING TO IE, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?
I would advise they take the orientation and pre-term preparation seriously. I would suggest them to expect a lot of pressure with deadlines, multi-tasking, and challenges that come with it and just be prepared for one hell of a ride.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY THIS PROGRAM AT IE?
I was drawn to pick IE’s offer over all the other admission offers because of its active approach to transfer learning into practice by managing team projects, working on real-life cases, and equipping oneself with the most sought-after industry skills. For me, these were the crucial elements in addition to having access to internationally placed alumni and seeking their guidance along the way.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISHED YOU KNEW, BEFORE STARTING THE PROGRAM.
I wish I had prior literacy in Finance, Accounting and Economics like courses. With the fast-paced environment of the degree, it’s quite a task to start becoming familiar with such concepts, let alone be good at them. I also wish, I knew how important it was to learn the local language because it would have made my life so much easier. If you are somebody who is planning to move to Spain, get started with learning Spanish right away.