Ellynn Mahé, IESE MBA Class of 2022
Age: 29
Hometown: Born in Paris and raised in Lima
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Economics at Universidad del Pacífico – Lima
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years – 3 in economic and business consulting and 2 years in strategic planning in the high-education industry
Why business school? Why now?
In my latest job, I discovered my passion for strategic planning and the MBA was the natural next step to strengthen my leadership skills and prepare me for more Senior positions
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
In the world of business, it is easy to get lost between the financial results and the business goals frenzy. However, a humane leader is the one who remembers that each decision has an impact on other people’s lives. And this is the kind of leader I wanted (and still want!) to become. Hence, opting for IESE was an easy decision once I met four IESE alumni – two of them were my bosses.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I would say that the quest for balance is my most valuable feature: the balance between soft and hard skills, between strategic thinking and goal orientation traits and creativity and passion for details, between professional and personal life
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love my third name: Azul – which means blue in Spanish. It is also the name of one poetry book of Ruben Darío.
Post-MBA career interests?
I would love to continue working in strategic planning, but switch to the fashion and luxury industry. IESE Retail and Luxury Club is already helping me with this.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Definitely to talk with the alumni of the universities I was interested in.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Take some rest between my last day of work and the MBA start. I started the MBA classes one day after quitting my job and it was too hectic!
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have loved to skip the GMAT preparation, as most people would. However, something I notice helped me was to–at one point–start enjoying doing the exercises. When you start seeing it as a game, the stress goes down and it becomes easier and funnier…and that is when you nail it!
What is your initial impression of IESE’s students/culture/community?
Very oriented towards helping others.
One thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
To be honest, the academic load in the first term surprised me, but that is when you understand the importance of relying on teamwork and prioritization – two key skills for the business world…and even for daily life.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The journey to achieve a summer internship in one of my dream companies in the fashion and luxury industry.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Same answer as the question before. It really excites me and makes me anxious, but I guess it is normal when you really desire something.
