Dagný Engilbertsdóttir, IESE MBA Class of 2019
Age: 28
Hometown: Garðabær, Iceland (Reykjavík capital area)
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Iceland, economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 4.5 years at Íslandsbanki, one of Iceland’s major banks—2.5 years in treasury and two years in capital markets (FX brokerage and flow trading)
Why business school? Why now? When I started working after graduation I promised myself that I would continue my studies in one to three years’ time. However, due to exciting opportunities at work and personal circumstances, those one to three years ended up being four years, but by that time I was eager to be a student again.
Business school had not always been my plan, especially not an MBA as the degree is not very common in Nordic countries. However, working for four years helped me realize my interests and aspirations better than before. I wasn’t going to study just to study—I wanted to find a program that incorporated my interests but also gave me the opportunity to strengthen certain skills. Business school turned out to be the best mix of subjects and experiences I was looking for and a great step for me in order to gain international experience.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? There were several factors that drew me to IESE. Firstly, I wanted to stay in Europe and I was very excited about living in Barcelona—which, btw, has definitely lived up to my aspirations and had a big impact on the total experience! Secondly, I liked IESE’s focus on general management and the mission of creating leaders that truly think of the total impact they have through their work. Finally, I felt that a longer program (19 months or two school years) meant IESE really was going to make sure you had experienced everything you wanted to experience and had the chance to work on all aspects you wanted to improve. I also liked the sound of the case method used in IESE—that is, all classes build on real cases, so students really see the impact and usefulness of their studies.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? Coming from a Nordic country I think I bring in a different and an important perspective when it comes to gender equality, work-life balance, and sustainability. After having unexpected health issues in the first term I think I also unintentionally reminded people that anything can happen to each one of us and to not take things for granted. The whole class really came together and showed me unforgettable support, which I think showed the true spirit of IESE.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? I once worked as an air hostess.
Post-MBA career interests? Currently I’m still undecided—I’m interested in too many things! Consulting, venture capital, entrepreneurship are all on my list…
Advice to current prospective applicants:
— One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Speak to students who are currently studying at the schools you’re looking at or have recently graduated—preferably someone you know or have some connection with. That was one of the things that had a big impact on my final decision.
— One thing you would change or do differently? I would have wanted to have taken the GMAT before I went all-in on the application process. I knew I was going to do further studies, so even though I didn’t know exactly what I planned on studying, it was always going to be very likely that I needed the GMAT. It would have really made the application process easier had I gotten it over and done with earlier.
— Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? Studying for the GMAT alongside a full-time job is not always easy, so it would have been really nice to skip that part! My boyfriend really helped me stay motivated during the process and kept me on track, so I think it’s really good to have someone by your side, either as emotional support or someone who is going through the same process as you and can study with you.
Greatest highlight so far at IESE? “On campus” I’m torn between two very different events. On a sentimental note is the time when all the sections got together and made me a music video when I had to suddenly go back home for an operation. It really made me feel supported and loved. Then on the other end of the spectrum I literally cried with laughter last week when a team that lost a class competition had to choreograph a dance for our section. It was one of the best performances I have ever seen!
“Off campus” I would have to say all the great dinners I’ve been to; section dinners, cultural dinners, birthday dinners, team dinners, etc. It’s a real privilege to live in a city with so many good restaurants at fair prices. Not many people have apartments that are big enough to have many people over, so being able to go out every now and then to wine and dine really has brought people together and given us some of our best memories!
One thing about IESE that you didn’t expect before arriving? How busy we are from day one and how quickly you have to make yourself prioritize. It can be tough for people who don’t know exactly what they want (as myself) but in a way it forces you to set your focus as it is simply impossible to do everything.
Thing you were most anxious about in your first year at IESE? It’s sometimes hard to be sure that you’re staying true to yourself and not following the herd, for example regarding summer internships. Some internships you need to start preparing for very early on, and so it’s easy to become either anxious that you didn’t try/prepare for something or feel like you wasted your time preparing for things you didn’t actually want.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? I was really excited for Multi-Culti which is a cultural party where everyone brings food and beverages from their home countries and many have cultural shows also! It was an absolutely amazing night! Now I’m genuinely looking forward to what’s left of our first year. Each section has gotten closer with time, and the whole class knows each other better now. We have exciting projects ahead, and the weather is starting to get good again! We’re all aware that we’ll be in many different places this summer, so I think everyone will be trying to make the most of these last months.
