An international business degree: Perry Beckett and the Master in Management

4 min read

In search of an international business degree beyond your usual horizons? Want a master’s program that really challenges you? Perry Beckett’s story is now top of your reading list.

Perry’s a born-and-bred Brit. But after completing a finance degree in Italy, he decided studying abroad was an experience worth continuing. So he chose IE Business School in Madrid. Now, having completed the Master in Management with a specialization in finance, he’s back in London with a promising career at Pluto Finance.

Let’s find out more about Perry’s journey with IE Business School—and how you can make the right decision on your future.

How did the diverse community at IE Business School shape your global perspective?

“The international diversity at IE Business School is astounding. In my intake alone, we had around 300 to 350 students, representing about 43 nationalities—which is incredible. And when you look at the wider university, including undergraduates, MBAs, and other master’s and postgraduate programs, that number rises to around 92 or 95 nationalities.

“No matter if you’re introverted or extroverted, this environment pushes you out of your comfort zone. You’re not just sitting in a classroom with like-minded people—everyone has a different background, different opinions and different experiences. It encourages you to engage with diverse perspectives, which is never a bad thing. Whether you embrace it easily or need a little nudge, it definitely helps you become comfortable in a multicultural setting.”

What benefits did you gain from studying in a different country?

“Once you experience living in another country, you get that itch to do it again. In the UK, we’re used to doing things a certain way, but there are hundreds of different approaches. In places like Italy and Spain, the culture and pace of life are completely different. It’s hard to quantify, but when you study abroad, you form lifelong friendships across the world, and that changes your way of thinking. It gives you a sense of movement, a new way of looking at things.

“On a professional level, I think it will also have an impact on my long-term career. The company I work for is currently based in the UK only, but we’re looking at expanding across borders into places like Germany and beyond. In that respect, my experience will definitely be valuable in the future as the company grows into different geographies. For now, it hasn’t had a direct impact, but it’s given me the confidence to navigate international environments and work comfortably in diverse settings.”

How did the program help you develop skills that you apply in your day-to-day work?

“Group work was a constant throughout the semester, with final hand-ins, presentations, and collaboration along the way. We were placed in teams where backgrounds and nationalities vary, so we were naturally exposed to diverse perspectives. Over time, you learn to operate as an efficient team rather than just a group of individuals, playing to each other’s strengths while still collaborating toward a common goal.

“Another key skill I developed was the ability to clearly express and vocalize my thoughts. I learned how to synthesize information, present it effectively and ensure it was clear and digestible. That’s something extremely practical, especially in my work. A big part of what I do involves building decks, analyzing data and presenting it in a way that’s easy to understand—without unnecessary fluff—while also being able to defend my conclusions and explain why they matter.”

How did this experience contribute to your personal growth and confidence?

“After my experience at IE Business School, I feel like I can go anywhere in the world and have someone to reach out to locally. That’s a really special thing. Beyond the network I built, the cultural immersion in Spain was an exciting experience. It opened a lot of opportunities that might have seemed inaccessible before.

“Through these experiences, I developed a different way of looking at things and a greater sense of confidence. I became more comfortable in my own abilities, recognizing both my strengths and limitations. There’s a certain humility that comes with admitting you don’t know everything, and that’s something I took away from my time at IE Business School. Everything we’ve touched on—working with diverse teams, adapting to new environments and learning through experience—ties directly into both personal and professional development.”

What advice would you give to future students?

“I would say that you get out of this experience what you put into it. Mentality is everything. If you approach this experience with curiosity, an open mind and an appreciation for the opportunity, you’ll gain so much more than if you come in with a fixed mindset. The beauty of this school is its diversity—there are so many perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to learn from. But to benefit from them, you have to actively engage.

“My advice? Jump in with both feet. If you’re unsure about moving to a different country, that’s completely understandable—not everyone finds it easy. But once you start to connect with the people around you and embrace the environment, your mindset shifts. The more you immerse yourself, the more you’ll gain, both personally and professionally.”

Earning an international business degree at IE Business School

Think an international business degree could be for you? IE Business School should be top of your list.

The Master in Management focuses on both personal and professional growth. You’ll work closely with experts to discover your strengths, goals and purpose while gaining the tools to shape your future. Our curriculum blends core business knowledge, specialized electives and international exchanges—ensuring you’re prepared to make a real impact.

Looking for an international business degree that unlocks your full potential? Just graduated from your bachelor’s and want to enhance your skillset on a global scale? This is the program for you.

Join Perry for a free meet-and-greet in London

On April 8th, Perry 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.