Victoria Giustiniani Zorrilla
Born and raised in Milan, Italy, I am proud to bring with me the Italian and Spanish cultural blend. I have always had a great desire to immerse myself in the culture of Madrid, and I can say that my journey has been a fusion of roots and aspirations.
My academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in Economics and Management of Cultural and Performing Arts, which I completed at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan in 2020. Fueled by a passion for the ever-evolving world of digital, I chose to explore its impact on event marketing, culminating in an honors thesis.
My drive for knowledge and deep curiosity led me to IE University, where I pursued a Master's degree in Digital Marketing in September 2021. An experience that allowed me to grow academically, professionally, and personally. My dedication and commitment paid off: I was named to the Dean's List and was proud to receive an award for the best Capstone Project in collaboration with IKEA.
My professional journey, began and follows with Graphite, a U.S.-based digital marketing agency specialized in Growth marketing and SEO. I began my career as a Content Lead Intern, and then steadily climbed the ranks over the course of a year and assumed the role of Senior Content Manager. In this role, I have the privilege of managing several clients and projects, spearheading growth and success.
“Your experience at IE can and will be life changing on so many different levels. Seize EVERY opportunity, whether academic, professional or otherwise. You will come out of it grown, transformed and happy.”
DEFINE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN ONE WORD.
Enriching.
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK PROGRAM HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?
First of all, clearly, preparation. The program allowed me to learn about the "ins and outs" of digital and digital marketing in general, giving me all the tools I needed to take my first steps in this world but also, and above all, to continue to evolve with it, since it's an ever-evolving hurricane in the midst of which, if not properly prepared, it's easy to get lost. Another key factor is definitely networking and preparing for one's debut in the world of work. IE offers endless opportunities to learn about (and get to know) each other in the world of work, and provides constant support in finding and defining one's career path, so that work is an opportunity to thrive and progress professionally while keeping interests, values and goals in mind at all times. IE is a great opportunity (and perhaps this is the aspect that has made the most difference in my professional development) for personal growth. IE has a holistic approach on multiple fronts: in the method of teaching and study, in the cultural blend that characterizes it, and in the variety of teachings imparted. Everything is an opportunity to confront the other side: different approaches, different aspirations, different ways of thinking, different values. I believe this constant exposure to such endless diversity has been, if at times challenging, the most enriching experience of my life, which has gifted me with a great open-mindedness and so many opportunities to learn something new, which I carry (and will carry forever) with me.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE?
I have so many good memories. I met so many wonderful people who taught me so much in all aspects, professionally and personally. But I think the best moment I will carry with me forever though is the day we presented our final project to our professors and to IKEA. I was blessed to work with a group of wonderful ladies, who in addition to being great professionals are also dear friends of mine. We worked hard for that project and built it together with such dedication, really making it our own. The moment we presented it was one of great satisfaction but also a very emotional one: not only were we presenting something we believed in so strongly, but we were also closing the master's experience together as friends. And these ladies are now part of my everyday life.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY THIS PROGRAM AT IE?
The reasons why I chose to study at IE are several. First of all, certainly, the practical orientation, which I think is one of the most distinctive features of IE. The program is designed precisely to bridge the gap between theory and putting it into practice in the world and in real life. In my previous graduate studies, I had never had the opportunity to use this approach to study, and I can say that IE's method of teaching aligned perfectly with my career goals, as I wanted to gain practical skills and knowledge that would make me job-ready after graduation.
Another aspect that made a difference in my choice is definitely the international perspective, with a diverse student body that I knew would broaden my horizons and provide a global perspective.
And, of course, also the academic excellence and the university's commitment to providing high-quality education. I had heard great things about the program I eventually enrolled in, especially its rich to comprehensive curriculum, faculty, and professional outlets.
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?
One of the challenges I faced in my professional life was the lack of previous experience in SEO. Although SEO was not part of my program, the digital marketing and analytics expertise I gained at IE University provided me with the tools and adaptability needed to assimilate and understand the principles of SEO and quickly apply them in my job. The program's focus on the broader digital marketing landscape provided me with analytical and problem-solving skills, which were crucial in navigating the field of SEO. Another challenge was certainly the very nature of the company I work for, which operates in a highly dynamic and fast-paced environment. I often found myself (and still do) juggling multiple projects and dealing with several clients at once. IE University's emphasis on teamwork and multiple projects during the master's program proved to be a great asset and learning opportunity.
It was the experience of managing multiple projects simultaneously during my studies that mirrored the real-world challenges I faced in the workplace. The capability to collaborate effectively across teams, effectively prioritize tasks, and time management are skills that I honed during the program and immediately put into practice in my work.
WHAT IS NETWORKING LIKE IN the program?
The master's program is a mine of contacts. The student community is very diverse, and brings together people from diverse backgrounds, which allows for an enriching experience and exposure to a global network of peers with unique knowledge. The industry-relevant projects during your studies allow you to collaborate with outside organizations, putting you in direct contact with professionals of all kinds. Classes taught by industry experts provide valuable networking opportunities, while IE University's Career Services organizes events, career fairs and seminars to foster contacts. The extensive alumni network is a very valuable source of mentoring and career advice. The bottom line is that this program is also intended to facilitate networking and cultivate lasting professional relationships.
