“The tip is always to research, to network in all phases. And network just means talking to people. So, if you have a plan before, like even before you start an MBA, talk to people, test your plan. ‘This is what I’ve done. This is what I want to do. What do you think?’ So, test your plan and be ready to pivot when needed. To have a plan is good. But, I don’t expect it to be set in stone because I know with new information, new ideas come up.”

What does IESE look for in MBA applicants? How do they evaluate your academic aptitude, post-MBA career goals, leadership potential and fit? In this episode, IESE MBA Admissions Director Patrik Wallen shares candid insights into what makes candidates stand out — and what makes IESE’s two-year MBA unique.

Topics

Program Highlights – What Makes the IESE MBA Unique?

• Introduction (0:00)
• What Makes the IESE MBA Unique? (3:30)
• IESE’s Reputation with Employers (11:30)
• IESE MBA’s Two-Year Course Structure (14:27)
• Living, Studying & Working in Barcelona, Spain (18:37)
• The Importance of Speaking the Local Language: Spanish (25:10)

IESE MBA Admissions & Scholarships – How to Improve Your Chances? 

• What IESE MBA Looks for When Building a Class (28:00)
• Patrik’s Thoughts on Post-MBA Goals (37:00)
• GMAT/GRE Scores & GPA (41:45)
• Resumes (48:00)
• Written Essays & Video Essays (52:45)
• Letters of Recommendation (55:35)
• Interviews & IESE MBA’s Assessment Day (57:45)
• How IESE MBA Admissions Views Scholarships & How Applicants Can Win Funding (1:03:35)

Career Opportunities at IESE – What to Know & How to Prepare

• Has AI Affected Recruiting for Consulting? (1:10:55)
• IESE MBA’s Grading System (1:17:30)
• What Applicants Need to Know about Landing Jobs in Spain & Europe (1:20:05)
• Structured Recruiting & Unstructured Recruiting: What Applicants Can Expect from IESE’s Career Services (1:27:45)

About Our Guest

Patrik Wallen is the MBA Admissions Director at IESE Business School. Previously, he was Director of IESE’s Career Development Center. Before joining IESE, Patrik worked as a general manager in hospitality, founded a fish importing business and worked as a software consultant. Patrik got his Masters in Science in Computer Science from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and his MBA from IESE in 2007.

Show Notes

• IESE MBA
• Get feedback on your profile from IESE MBA’s Admissions Team before you apply
• IESE MBA Scholarships and Post-Graduation Payment Aid (PPA) for MBAs

IESE Full-time MBA Highlights

IESE Full-Time MBA Highlights (last updated November 2025)

• Length, Intake, Size: 15 or 19-months, September intake, 420 students/year
• Typical Class: 5.4 years average work experience / 85% international with 50+ nationalities / GMAT Focus range (545-715); GRE Verbal range (143-170) and GRE Quantitative range (143-170)
• Curriculum:
  • 70 Full-time professors from 25+ countries with 100% open door policy
  • Year 1
    • 20 core courses with professors, case-study method used 80% of the time
  • Summer: corporate internship, summer entrepreneurship experience, or social impact internship
  • Year 2
    • Global exchange programs for one trimester (around 90 students go each year to 30 exchange partners)
    • International 1-2 week modules in Mexico, Shenzhen & Hong Kong, New York, Nairobi, Madrid
    • Choose from 140+ electives
    • Capstone project where students solve real world problems
  • Concentrations: International Business, Finance, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Tech, Data Analytics & Digital Business, and Sustainability & Responsible Business
  • Optional: students opting for 15-month length complete elective courses during summer term
• Admissions: IESE is looking for academic ability, personal drive, confidence, leadership, work experience, international outlook, good communication skills, team player mentality and strong values
  • 3-10 years of professional experienced recommended
  • 4 application rounds between September and May (last round for EU passport holders only)
• Careers:
  • Visas: MBA graduates can apply for a one-year residence permit to search for a job in Spain; this job search visa expires when they get a work permit
  • Placement, Class of 2024: 77% received offers w/in 3 months, €101,600 avg starting salary (€35,100 avg starting bonus), graduates experienced 139% increase in salary after 3 years
  • Top Destinations, Class of 2024: 22% Spain, 25% Rest of Europe (not Spain) / 21% Latin America / 16% Middle East / 10% Asia Pacific / 4% North America
  • Top Industries, Class of 2024: 41% consulting / 17% finance / 30% industry / 12% technology
  • Top Functions, Class of 2024: 47% consulting / 18% finance / 14% marketing & sales / 10% corporate management / 7% operations & logistics
  • 400+ recruiting companies
• Scholarships: 25+ types of scholarships available. About 45% of admitted students were offered a scholarship, 65% of women admitted received a scholarship, generally ranging from 10-50% of tuition fee.
• Rankings: Ranked #3 business school worldwide by Financial Times in 2025
• Alumni: 60,000+ IESE alumni from 150+ countries with 40+ global chapters; over 240 continuous learning sessions annually
• Tuition: €114,000; Estimated living costs €1,500-2,500/month
• Accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS, ANECA

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