How to change your career: Joe Hansen and the International MBA

4 min read

Wondering how to change your career? For Joe Hansen, the decision to move from the UK to Spain for the International MBA at IE Business School was a leap into the unknown. Many of his family and friends thought he was crazy to leave a secure job and go to a country where he didn’t speak the local language—especially in the midst of the global pandemic. 

But Joe was looking for the kind of personal and professional growth that is brought about by change and challenge. We sat down with Joe to learn more about how his educational journey at IE Business School opened a world of new possibilities for his future.

Tell us about what brought you to the International MBA.

“After graduating from my undergraduate program, I joined Shell, but after six years, I felt ready for something new. When I started looking at schools, IE Business School stood out. I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do next, but I knew that tech had been a common thread throughout my career, and it was what I wanted to focus on in the future.”

Why did you choose IE Business School?

“One factor was the entrepreneurial spirit and the variety of startup labs the school offers. Another was the broad range of employers and industries that recruit from IE Business School. At the time, big names like AWS and Meta were key recruiters, which appealed to me because I wanted to work in a tech company or with products where technology was central.”

What challenges did you face in moving to Madrid?

“Before moving to Spain, I barely spoke any Spanish. What surprises me now is how comfortable I’ve become with the language. Sometimes, I replay memories in my head and realize the entire conversation was in Spanish, which is something I never thought I’d be able to do. Now, it feels a bit like I’ve unlocked an expansion pack in life—I can work or travel in many countries and connect with people on a much deeper level because I speak another language.”

How did the International MBA help you achieve your career goals?

“The International MBA has given me the confidence to have conversations about what I want professionally and take more risks in my career. It also gave me the confidence to approach interviews and job opportunities differently. It helped me realize that interviews are a two-way street. Before, I focused on impressing employers, but now I see it more like a first date—do I want to work with this company? I guess I have gained clarity in what I am looking for and the confidence to go after it.”

What professional skills did you gain in the program that have helped you in your career?

“One key skill I developed was leadership—specifically, how to lead a team effectively. I also learned the importance of coaching others. In team projects, if someone struggled, I focused on how to set them up for success. For example, if a team member was strong in finance but less confident in creative tasks, I’d help balance responsibilities based on our skill sets to ensure the whole team succeeded.”

How did the diverse community in the International MBA impact you?

“What I loved most was seeing how people from different industries and backgrounds approached problems. During case studies, someone from heavy metals or pharmaceuticals might offer a completely different perspective, which was eye-opening.

“Now, I take that experience into my professional life. Disagreement doesn’t have to be abrasive or aggressive. You can disagree respectfully and debate intelligently to get better answers and better solutions.”

What stood out for you in your experience at IE Business School?

“One standout was the professors. Many were industry leaders actively working in their fields. For example, my strategy professor was a Senior Vice President at McKinsey, and the Internet of Things course was taught by someone whose day job was at AWS.

“This real-world expertise made the learning experience incredibly relevant. Their case studies were based on current industry practices, and they were always up-to-date with the latest trends because that’s part of their job. At the same time, despite being experts in their fields, they were quite open to being challenged on different topics. So they encouraged debate, which helps you to really test that you actually understand the problem at hand.”

Would you recommend the International MBA to others?

“Yes, definitely. I can say that for me, it changed my career path. I always knew I wanted to stay in tech, but this was the first time in a long time that I truly felt in the driver’s seat of my career. The program’s strong connections with a wide range of employers, combined with the opportunities that arise and the incredibly supportive alumni network, make a huge difference. People are genuinely happy to help—you can reach out to alumni and ask about their experiences at different companies, and they’ll gladly share insights.

“I often get asked whether an MBA is worth it, especially when people compare it to online courses. But for me, it’s not just about the academic content. Going through the whole experience, getting to debate with diverse peers and being surrounded by so many other smart people who challenge you to be a better version of yourself is powerful. 

“My biggest takeaway is that the program enabled me to be in the driver’s seat of my career, rather than doubting whether it’s worth the risk to make changes. The program empowers you to pursue your goals. For example, quite a few of my classmates now have their own startups, and they’re doing really well. I think that’s in part thanks to the quality of the education and the coaching that we received as part of the International MBA.”

How to change your career with IE Business School

Joe’s journey can act as a compass as you consider how to change your career. And IE Business School could be the catalyst for that change.

Interested in studying the International MBA? We’ll help you refine your skills, clarify your career path, and align your goals with a deeper purpose. Our philosophy is all about giving you the tools to lead with impact, shape your future and transform yourself. That’s what makes us a world-leading institution.

And join Joe for a free meet-and-greet in London

Left with any lingering doubts? On April 8th, Joe and other UK graduates of IE Business School will join us for an insightful Q&A in London. Sign up, drop in and see if they can help you make the right decision on your future.