Bernat Vilella Gabernet, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025
Bernat Vilella Gabernet, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025Age: 27
Hometown: Barcelona
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona), Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): four years in banking supervision at the European Central Bank and the Bank of Finland; one year in risk consulting at KPMG.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The need for a new challenge, the desire to better understand businesses and business models, to expand my network, to enhance my career; to experience, once again, the nervousness for a new city to live in, the excitement for a new country that can prove more suitable than my own to my character and ambitions.
Why did you choose Texas McCombs School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I knew Texas, I knew people: five years ago, I moved from a small nation in northeastern Spain to Texas for an undergraduate exchange program. It was only six months, but enough to realize that Texas McCombs had one of the strongest, supportive, and collaborative communities across the globe. Aside from its reputation, I wanted to be amongst talented students, decide on a highly customizable curriculum, be taught by leading faculty, and take part in top-tier student organizations dedicated to professional development: Wall Street for McCombs, the MBA Investment Fund… Overall, I was able to anticipate the MBA experience and the value of my MBA more accurately at Texas McCombs compared to other business schools.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Texas McCombs School of Business Class of 2025?
I come from a very diverse nation in a very diverse continent. I worked in Spain, Germany, and Finland, at the core of the European Union – a rather unique background for Texas. I know the benefits of cooperation and integration, and I can contribute to the range of views, opinions, experiences, and values of the Class of 2025.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have been to Las Vegas five times and have always left before acquiring a taste for gambling: Canyonlands, Zion, Capitol Reef, and many other wonders of the Colorado Plateau are just a few hours away.
Post-MBA career interests:
Banking.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
To plan long-term. Most obstacles are short-lived if there is a stable and clear and long-lasting goal.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have prepared earlier, applying in round 1 instead.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The application fee, of course.
What is your initial impression of the Texas McCombs students/culture/community?
Extremely positive, as expected: strong and supportive community, hardworking students, and top faculty in business.
What is one thing you have learned about Texas McCombs that has surprised you?
How professors are willing to help students outside the classroom.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Securing the right job.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Experience recruiting in the United States.
