The MBA Life of a UC3M Student

This article is sponsored by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Learn more about courses on offer at the university

Eduardo Carretero Cobos is a current MBA student at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Previously, he studied computer engineering and has been working for AyB Cose Co. in Guangzhou, China for the past five years. He chose to study an MBA as he didn’t have any business related academic credentials and wanted to broaden his knowledge and career prospects. Eduardo gives us some insight into his life studying for an MBA.

What is the typical lesson structure for the MBA program?

We have one subject per day 10:00 until 13:00 Monday to Friday. Usually, the first part of the class consists of theory and the second part of the class is focused on practicing the theory, either by presentations, group work or seminars. This gets everyone involved and is a good way to learn new things and practice our skills in different ways. The course is organized by trimesters; in the second and third trimester, one part of the course is an elective so you can further explore those subjects in which you are more interested. Apart from that we have optional research seminars on Friday afternoons where different lecturers from the university talk about their most recent research. I think this type of lesson structure gives students the chance to get the most from the MBA and the opportunity to focus on areas they really enjoy.

What is the teaching style on the MBA?

There are two key points regarding the UC3M MBA program that make it really interesting. The first one is that we are a small group (25 students), so the teaching method is very dynamic and participative. All of our teachers are also focused on research in their specific areas, so we are receiving firsthand knowledge from subject experts. I suppose we get the best of both worlds; a small and interactive study group and also one-to-one support where needed.

How do you balance your MBA life with independent study?

MBA life can be very hectic. We usually have around 15 weekly hours of class, and easily twice as much of independent study, of which two thirds is taken up by group work (most of our assignments are to be fulfilled in groups, as well as the business plan that we have to present by the end of the academic year). The other third I use for individual study and research time.

What is your favorite part of MBA life?

Probably my favorite aspect of MBA life is that we are an extremely heterogeneous group in terms of nationalities, so you are not just learning from the MBA program itself but you are also learning about different cultures by working with your colleagues. There is so much to learn both in terms of life’s journeys and from a business perspective. Perhaps the disadvantage in my case could be that given the fact I’m Spanish, the environment is not so intriguing to me because I’m already very familiar with it, as opposed to a new international student who may never have been to Madrid or experienced student life here.

What do you hope to achieve at the end of this MBA?

Of course, I want to have a general overview of business administration, but I also hope that this master’s will be the cornerstone of my future career development. It is a great opportunity, even for me, a Spanish student, and I am continually learning as the weeks go on.

Do you have any thoughts on Madrid as an international study destination?

Madrid is a wonderful city in which to study. There is so much diversity and so many things to do here that it’s impossible to get bored! Additionally, Madrid is a very international city so regardless of hobbies and interests there’s something everyone can enjoy, be it sports, dining out or leisure activities, and there is always an opportunity to integrate with new people and fully embrace student life here. I have made some great friends from around the world on this MBA program.

How have friends and colleagues added to your MBA experience?

From a social point of view, the general ambiance of the class couldn’t be better. We all come from different countries and backgrounds so naturally the study environment is extremely enriching, and even though we have diverse backgrounds, the attitude everybody seems to adopt (both students and professors) is a very positive one.

This article is sponsored by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.