Dynamic Achievers: Balancing Academic Excellence and Engaged Campus Life

When asked about their time at IE School of Science and Technology, students praise the capacity to prioritize real-life experiences and professional development. With more than 132 countries represented, 6,000 students, 140 clubs and 500 events, it is possible to meet someone from a new country every weekend at IE University and have a myriad of events to attend each night. According to the QS World University Rankings, “IE shapes leaders who drive innovation and change in organizations, providing a learning environment where technologies and diversity play a key role in fostering global vision, an entrepreneurial mindset and a humanistic approach."

Here is a closer look at some standouts who shared their experience:

Esther-Gail Fraser, Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics (2024)

Esther-Gail Fraser is a Jamaican global citizen. Throughout her life, she has lived in different countries and immersed herself in diverse cultures. This exposure has nurtured her curiosity about the intricate relationship between culture, technology, and the collective future, which led her to pursue a degree in Data & Business Analytics at IE University. “I have always been captivated by the possibility of bridging both technical and humanistic domains, and my program  offers me an avenue to achieve this by participating in a variety of impactful projects that refine my ability to seamlessly integrate the qualitative and the quantitative,” said Fraser.

Besides pursuing a demanding bachelor degree in Data & Business Analytics, Fraser is also the Vice-President of IE Big Data & AI Club, where she is responsible for the strategic management and marketing of the club’s innovative events. Additionally, she has hosted several notable events, including acting as a master of ceremonies for the TEDx Madrid event at IE and moderating a crucial panel on Cybersecurity during the TechIE conference.

“My journey at IE has ingrained in me the importance of having a “tribe” of people to trek with you. The world is constantly changing - technological trends, academic obligations, personal relationships - everything demands flexibility. Your tribe of friends and support system are the ones that will help you maneuver successfully. Invest in them as they invest in you,” explained Fraser.

Victoria Volman, Double Bachelor in PPLE and Data (2026)

Victoria Volman is now a second year PPLE and Data student from Argentina. “If there is something that I love about IE, it is the student community!” stated Volman. In fact, she has been involved in the IE Women & Allies office, where she has implemented programs that seek to promote gender equality. She has also been an officer at the IE WellBeing Club in Segovia, and she hosted events for up to 50 people on everything related to well-being. Volman also participated in the Law Without Walls Sprint, while mentoring four first year students.

This year, Volman took part in IE's yearly Data Visualization Competition, where her team won first place in two out of three categories. Currently, she is looking forward to joining the IE Coding Club, as part of their Events Team.

“IE is everyone's cup of tea. It's a school where diversity flourishes, creating an environment where each and every individual can carve their own unique path. What has made my experience ever more special is the opportunity of sharing it with the most interesting and kind people. IE has helped me find my tribe, and, in doing so, also myself,” said Volman.

Felix Gomez-Guillamon, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (2025)

Felix Gomez-Guillamon just finished his second year as a student in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence in Segova. His interest in the overlapping fields of technology and engineering led him to this path, and he expressed his excitement to continue learning and making contributions to these ever-evolving industries.

Starting from his very first year, his journey has been an engaging combination of academic and practical experience. It began with his participation in a Datathon, “an intensive event that pushed my analytical skills to the limit and sparked my passion for solving complex, data-driven problems,” he explained. Later, after winning a stock pitch competition, he joined the EDEN Fund, where he learned the technical side of investment strategies. More recently, he had the opportunity to be part of the Catalyst Impact Lecture Series, a program that offered him firsthand experience with tech startups and the future trends in technology. Gomez emphasized that each of these experiences has enriched his education, and helped him apply his learning in a real-world context through personal projects.

“Reflecting on my university experience, I value the interactions with other motivated students. It's an environment that stimulates intellectual growth and promotes collaboration. We're all here to learn, explore, and extend the limits of our knowledge. This shared sense of ambition has been a key part of my rewarding university journey,” he said.

Marya Mufti, Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics (2024)

Marya Mufti is currently a third year BDBA student, originally from Palestine, she grew up in the United States. From the beginning of her second year, she has been serving as the Lead Marketing Coordinator for the Coding Club managing all socials and helping her teammates organise events. Not only that, but she has also participated in datathons, with the Sustainability Datathon and the Mind Challenge with Makro España, being the latest.

Besides a busy life on campus, she helps out the IE Women’s Basketball team from time to time as she is a “retired” athlete. “I played basketball my whole life and decided not to pursue it in college, but I love to help the women’s Basketball team and meet the girls on the team!” explained Mufti.

“My experience at IE is an incredible way to become more open minded and learn from my multi-cultural classmates. With such an international environment, I am being challenged in my ways of thinking. I recommend all students to put themselves out there and challenge their limits. There are several opportunities presented both inside and outside the school to ask questions, learn new things, and strengthen your skills. These few years are certainly not easy but searching for these opportunities makes you a more inquisitive individual!” said Mufti.

Neal Lasowski, Double Bachelor in PPLE and Data (2026)

Neal Lasowski is a third-year student pursuing a dual degree in PPLE and a Data and Business Analytics. He has always been passionate about multidisciplinary studies and says he’s always keen to expand his horizons. He also explained that his broad field of study has helped him cultivate a diverse and comprehensive worldview.

During his time at IE, he has been involved in a range of activities, including volunteering at Segovia, where he helped with food distribution. He applauded the opportunity to connect with the local community, and valued the sense of empathy and social responsibility that grew in him. In addition, he also attended the talk by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI which inspired him to contribute to the exciting and rapidly evolving field of AI.

Lasowski’s recommendation to his fellow students: "It is all about the people you meet and connect with, so be open to everyone! Our time at IE is a unique convergence of minds from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines. Engage in meaningful dialogues, forge lasting relationships, and learn from each other's experiences. The knowledge you gain from textbooks is valuable, but the wisdom you acquire from people is priceless. So, embrace the diversity and let every interaction enrich your perspective and shape your journey."

Manuela Miranda, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (2024)

Manuela Miranda is currently a third year Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence student from Colombia. She has been involved in a variety of activities throughout her years at IE University including participating in student-led clubs and attending various career-related events such as the visit of Sam Altman, CEO of Open AI. Miranda highlights her involvement in the Big Data and AI club, in which she holds the position of the marketing coordinator. “This has really helped me gain valuable experience and knowledge not only in my area of studies but also in unrelated topics such as marketing,” explained Miranda.

“I would say that the most valuable thing that IE University has to offer is its incredible networking and culture immersion opportunities,” she said. “It has no comparison to other places in the world since it allows you to get to know so many different cultures in a truly deep way, as well as all of the networking that comes with it.”