Juan David Peña
I’m from Cartagena, Colombia, and I am a civil engineer, specializing in construction and infrastructure project management. During my career so far, I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work on impactful construction projects for the competitive development of my country. Now looking to take the next step in my career, I chose to study at IE University for a whole host of reasons, but ultimately I wanted to learn as much as possible during my program.
“It is of great value that the program's faculty has been or is constantly linked to high-impact projects in the industry, which results in an enriching learning process.”
Bridging the gap between business and real estate development
Deciding to study the Dual Degree International MBA & Master in Real Estate Development at IE University was an easy decision for Juan and one that he had been working towards for a long time. “Studying in one of the most prestigious universities in Europe is the result of a life project that I have been building for more than eight years.”
Driven by his main motivation to learn as much as possible, Juan hopes to acquire maximum knowledge from both the business perspective offered by the International MBA and the specialized knowledge on urban development offered by the Master in Real Estate Development. With the combination of these two disciplines, Juan hopes to graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to improving the quality of life and development of his family, country and society as a whole.
The dual degree program offers a comprehensive foundation in the economic, financial, strategic and legal dimensions of real estate development at a global level. Coupled with the development of a solid understanding of management, and all with a holistic approach and practical insights from a highly experienced faculty, it is a perfect fit for students like Juan who want to take a deep dive into both worlds of management and real estate development.
The skills and knowledge Juan is gaining during his program will open doors to some of the most competitive job opportunities the market has to offer; he’ll be a prime candidate to participate in innovative projects that will generate impact across the globe and solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.
“Studying in one of the most prestigious universities in Europe is the result of a life project that I have been building for more than eight years.”
One challenge the real estate sector is currently facing is being able to quickly adapt to macroeconomic fluctuations as a result of geopolitical events in our post-pandemic world. Another challenge that many sectors worldwide are currently facing is sustainability—how to develop sustainable projects and technologies that contribute to net-zero emissions goals. By the end of the program, Juan will be ready to step up as an empowered leader who puts forward innovative and creative solutions to issues such as these.
So far in the program, Juan has gained many new skills and experiences to help him on his journey to creating a better future for the world around him. In particular, he highlights the international network he has acquired. Bringing together a range of multicultural profiles and diverse experiences from the construction industry, Juan has learned a lot from his peers. He also highlights the program’s faculty. Comprising industry professionals who work at top companies, the faculty is a source of inspiration for Juan. “It is of great value that the program's faculty has been or is constantly linked to high-impact projects in the industry, which results in an enriching learning process.”
Looking to the future, once he has graduated from the program, Juan has plans to be involved in the business development of a European company that has a major international impact in real estate, infrastructure and renewable energy projects. This will give him the opportunity to bring together his learnings from his program and discover his true potential in real estate development.