21/02/2025
Are you looking for a life-changing experience?
For Constantin Behrens, the Master in Management at IE Business School isn’t just a step toward his dream career—it’s a gateway to global connections, new perspectives and invaluable experiences that are shaping his future.
With a background in banking and finance from Germany, Constantin sought a program that could broaden his horizons while deepening his expertise. For a finance professional like him, the Master in Management offers a balance of diverse topics taught with a solid grounding in business, as well as a variety of concentrations for students to focus on their specific areas of interest.
From Frankfurt to Madrid
Constantin made the decision to join IE Business School based on its reputation, its international presence and its location in the vibrant Spanish capital. “I think Madrid is one of the coolest cities in Europe,” he shares. Having spent time in Barcelona, he was drawn to the warmth of Spanish culture and the opportunity to learn one of the world’s most widely-spoken languages.
While exploring programs, Constantin considered studying in the US or London, but IE University stood out for its diversity and global reach. After speaking to alumni and attending events in Munich and Frankfurt, he says that IE University stood out. “For me, it was the best choice because of all the opportunities the university offers. Aside from the strong reputation IE University has, I think it is one of the only universities in Europe that has so many international offices and is so well-known outside of Europe,” he explains.
“Aside from the strong reputation IE University has, I think it is one of the only universities in Europe that has so many international offices and is so well-known outside of Europe.”
At first, Constantin considered pursuing a Master in Finance to complement his bachelor’s degree in the same field. But when a friend suggested the Master in Management, it caught his attention. “It gives you a broader outlook on different topics, and then you can choose the Finance & Investments concentration for a specific focus.”
Gaining real-world experience
Alongside his studies, Constantin actively participates in extracurricular opportunities to gain hands-on experience. One example is the M&A competition, which he describes as a pivotal experience.
As part of the competition, teams analyze companies within a chosen sector and develop M&A pitches for industry professionals from investment banking, private equity and consulting. He says he values not only the experience he’s gaining in this competition, but also the people he’s meeting and the mentorship. “We each get a mentor from our sector, so that it will definitely give us professional benefits for the future,” Constantin says.
He’s also benefited from guest speakers, including a vice chair from Morgan Stanley, who provided a closer look into the finance industry. “That gave me very valuable insights, because even when you work in M&A, you never really get to ask why you do something,” he adds.
Building a global network
One of the highlights of Constantin’s experience at IE Business School has been the diversity of his peers. “I’ve met people from Argentina, Colombia, India, Northern Africa and all over Europe who work in my field,” he says. “I think these are people I will definitely meet again later on in my career.” These connections extend beyond the classroom, forming a global network that will support his career for years to come.
“Everybody here is really working towards becoming the Next Best You. And since everybody is so motivated to become a better version of themselves, it gives you the momentum to keep developing new skills.”
This exposure to diverse classmates has helped Constantin gain invaluable skills for working with international teams. He explains, “The way you communicate is important. In some cultures, you sugarcoat a little bit more, and in others, you’re a little bit more direct. Also, in terms of working styles, some cultures are more reliant on independent work, while others are more eager to do teamwork, and others use more resources.” Learning to navigate these subtle differences is giving him a distinct advantage for his future career.
Looking ahead to a global career
Constantin is already preparing for the summer break by looking for internships. “I’m interviewing mainly for global M&A and capital markets positions in either Zurich or London.” His goal remains clear: to continue building a successful career in finance while leveraging the skills, connections and insights gained at IE Business School.
When asked about how IE University is giving him a competitive advantage in the job market, Constantin says, “Even just putting IE University on your LinkedIn profile means people will bombard you with job offers. Then, if you also engage with the IE Alumni network and IE Talent & Careers, it definitely has a very positive impact on your career opportunities.”
“If you engage with the IE Alumni network and IE Talent & Careers, it definitely has a very positive impact on your career opportunities.”
On top of the network and opportunities available, Constantin also values the mix of hard and soft skills he’s gaining for a global career. “As you would expect from any master’s degree, we are developing a lot of technical skills. But I think the most effective skills are the soft skills, which will be very strong since we’re doing so much team building as well. You really learn how to quickly assess the skills of every individual in your group, and then to apply them to different projects.”
An opportunity worth taking
For anyone considering pursuing the Master in Management, Constantin emphasizes the importance of embracing the international environment and taking full advantage of the opportunities IE Business School provides. The experience isn’t just academic—it’s a transformational journey in personal and professional growth.
“Everybody here is really working towards becoming the Next Best You,” explains Constantin. “And since everybody is so motivated to become a better version of themselves, it gives you the momentum to keep developing new skills.” With personal career coaches and a range of activities focused on understanding your weaknesses and developing your strengths, IE Talent & Careers helps students maximize their potential.
Beyond the learning and growing, Constantin genuinely appreciates the community of peers and professors he’s found at IE University. The helpful, friendly attitude has built a real sense of camaraderie and friendship. Constantin’s journey here is a testament to the power of a global education—he’s building the skills and network needed to succeed on an international stage.
