Malai and Koichi are two International MBA students who shall be starting classes as part of the April 2012 intake. We caught up with them to ask them a few questions.
Hey guys! Tell us about yourselves…
Malai
Malai: Hi! I am Malai Srinivasan, originally from Chennai, India, but had been living in England, UK for about 10 years before moving over to Madrid recently. I am starting my International MBA course at IE from April. My educational background is in Mathematics and Environmental Engineering. My professional background is in a variety of fields with experience in – Utilities, Retail, Leisure and Entertainment, Food & Beverages – business sectors. Just prior to my IMBA at IE, I was the Assurance Manager for Veolia Water and Barista at Starbucks Coffee Company, in England.
Koichi
Koichi: I am Koichi from Tokyo, Japan. I have 8 years’ experience in finance and investment; lender for gambling industries and lesure hotels in a non-bank, arranger of securitizaitno in a security firm, and investor for Japanese hotels in an investment fund.
Why did you choose to come to IE?
M: I chose IE for its excellent faculty that is known for its impressive subject knowledge as well as for its pratical business world expertise, its student diversity, and its reputation around the globe.
K: I was drawn to IE’s reputation for entrepreneurship. In addition, IE’s power of diversity and the opportunity to learn Spanish were deciding factors.
What are the issues grabbing your attention in the news at the moment?
M: Syria, Facebook IPO, Sarkozy and Obama re-election, the Oscars, and Real Madrid FC!
K: European sovereign credit risk, Faceook IPO, TPP talks between Japan and US.
Finally, what things have you been up to since arriving in Madrid?
M: Since arriving in Madrid, I have been taking Spanish classes where I have had the opportunity to meet some of my future MBA classmates and getting to know a bit about my professors. I have found Madrid to be an absolutely spell-binding place to live! The city is filled with many wonderful museums, eye-catching public squares, and amazing places to eat out! In the past few days, I have had the opportunity to try my first Tapas and I have been left with longing for more! Together with that, Spanish people are absolutely friendly, social, and very outgoing in nature – so it´s all promising to be a great MBA experience!
K: I have also been taking the Spanish classes, and I already feel a very diverse environment. Discussing with intelligent people from different countries and backgrounds enables me to acquire a global perspective. I feel excited that I could potentially find my future business partner at IE!
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