Alexandra Bernal
I come from Barranquilla, Colombia. Barranquilla is located in the Caribbean Cost of Colombia and it is a city that is characterized by the happiness of its people. In 2014, I graduated as a Business Administrator. My work experience began in 2012 as a human resources intern at Pfizer Laboratories, and as a marketing intern at Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices. Then I worked in the Santo Domingo Foundation from 2019 until I came to Madrid on September 2022. I’m the youngest of 3 siblings, aunt to two nephews and I have a cat that has been with me for 13 years. I like to dance, music, nature, reading, exercising, and spending time with family and friends. My family is my pillar, the most important thing I have. Thanks to their unconditional support, I have been able to achieve all my personal and professional goals.
“IE University is really interested in the well-being of students, and offers all the tools for us to achieve our personal and professional goals.”
Learning inside and outside the classroom
Alexandra Bernal joined the IE University family from Colombia, where she grew up with her two siblings in the vibrant coastal city of Barranquilla. After graduating from high school in 2006, Alexandra moved to the capital Bogotá to earn her Bachelor in Business Administration at the Colegio de Estudios Superiores de Administración, completing her degree in 2014. Aside from the technical knowledge and skills Alexandra acquired through her course, she says it was there she learned about the importance of human talent, and she particularly appreciated the heightened cultural awareness that befriending Colombians from around the country gave her in addition to her studies.
Following internships with Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, and roles in the Colombian Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Housing, Alexandra embarked on a Master in Business Administration in 2018. Alongside her studies, she worked at the Santo Domingo Foundation in a position supporting greater equality and access to resources for all Colombians. These roles have allowed her to orient her career toward the public sector, where she has been able to channel her joy in serving others through concrete initiatives dedicated to improving quality of life and access to welfare.
Keen for further professional growth, Alexandra decided to pursue the Master in International Relations at IE University because she hoped to immerse herself in a multicultural environment brimming with different worldviews. The experience on offer at IE University fit the bill perfectly, promising a world-class education in the latest and most relevant socio-political concepts, analytical and theoretical perspectives, and global affairs, as well as a bustling, international environment.
“I feel my classmates and I really are a family.”
Given her desire to serve and drive positive change that can benefit all members of society, Alexandra was eager to gain new understanding of public policy, government, economics and global issues as they relate to and influence citizens’ quality of life. The customizability of the program means that students have the option of focusing on a particular region, and they also choose from three core tracks: Geopolitics and Diplomacy, International Economics and Business, and Global Governance and Cooperation. When she graduates, Alexandra hopes to use her new knowledge to tackle better the issues that impact both the public and private sectors, through creative and innovative solutions.
Alexandra feels she has learned something from every single one of her courses, from those on geopolitics to economics to technology. She particularly enjoyed the “Analysis of International Economy” and “International Theory and Strategy” courses, which pushed her to change her original plan to follow the Global Governance and International Cooperation track to instead concentrate on International Economics and Business. She also recommends “Mastering Your Mind in the Digital Era," which equips students with the tools to balance their personal and professional goals and maintain a strong sense of well-being.
Living in Madrid offers countless ways to stimulate the mind, socialize and unwind after a long day of studying. Alexandra relishes the diverse array of activities the city places on her doorstep, from dinner with friends to spending time alone with nature in parks, or visiting museums. Exploring the city center, she lets her mind wander. Following this up with a visit to the Museo del Prado and then drinks with friends is her ideal day off her studies.
Above all, IE University caught Alexandra’s eye because of its strong community of passionate people, and she hasn’t been disappointed. She has felt energized by the dedication and enthusiasm of her colleagues and identifies with their zest for learning and life. This environment has made attending lessons a source of joy and has allowed Alexandra to do exactly what she finds most fulfilling: be in contact with people, be a support to them, and learn from them.
