Elena Yustres
My name is Elena Yustres Rodríguez and I’m in my fourth year of the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics (PPLE). I’ve always enjoyed learning about how things work and making connections between different topics as a way to understand the world, and the PLE was perfect for that. When I’m not studying, you can find me going for a run with friends, practicing yoga, visiting new cities or unexplored corners of Madrid, or reading a book with some good music in the background.
"Push yourself, because no one else is going to do it for you. I try to be my best version in all aspects of my life, and have learned to enjoy the process!"
A Curious Nature and the Year to Learn
Elena Yustres didn’t enter university knowing what her passion was, but she did know what she was looking for in a program: something unique, holistic and innovative. When she found the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics (PPLE) at IE University, she knew it was exactly what she needed. The broad range of subjects—history, comparative law, economics, politics and sociology, to name a few—was appealing to her curious nature. And since she was one of the first students to enroll in this relatively new program, she got to experience an open structure and an “experimental” nature, which she found enriching.
Another factor that landed Elena at IE University was its distinctive international culture and community. Having lived in three different countries and been exposed to different ways of thinking, diversity was a top priority for her. Now, she’s come to realize that IE University is much more than a university: the sense of community with both professors and other students, she says, is much greater than anywhere else. These elements combined have led to a classroom dynamic she finds fascinating, full of eye-opening discussions and debates.
Now in her last year, Elena looks back at her time at IE University fondly, going as far as to say that it’s made her a more confident, responsible and caring professional and citizen. She believes she has been equipped with all the tools needed for her professional and personal life: from artistic expression to entrepreneurship.
What does the future hold for Elena? Thanks to her two summer internships at financial institutions—she’s currently an intern at Deutsche Bank—she has developed a keen interest in finance and may very well follow that path. Alternatively, she would love to pursue a profession in the public sector, either at a national level or at the European Union, where she could put her international skills into practice. Either way, she’s sure to stay busy and continue feeding her yearn to learn.