Isidora Rodríguez Germany, IESE MBA Class of 2026
Age: 31
Hometown: Santiago, Chile
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master’s Degree in Marketing, both from Adolfo Ibáñez University Business School
Pre-MBA Work Experience: – Customer Intelligence Analyst, LATAM Airlines, ~1.5 years; Product Development Manager, LATAM Airlines, ~3 years; Senior Business Developer, Mercado Libre, ~1 year; Senior Development Coordinator, Fundación Luksic, ~1 year
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to pursue an MBA, among other reasons, because I want to really drive my career towards marketing. I strongly believe in continuous learning and personal growth—stagnation isn’t an option for me—so after gaining about 7 years of work experience, I felt it was the right time to deepen my strategic thinking and hone my leadership skills in order to support my long-term goals. Now felt like the perfect time to step back, reflect and boost these skills, having accumulated enough real-world experience to fully appreciate and apply all the knowledge I’m gaining.
Why did you choose IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
IESE stood out to me from the very beginning because of its reputation for academic excellence and strong emphasis on diversity, global exposure and practical learning. The school’s ability to attract top-level students and faculty from all around the world was particularly important to me, as I thrive in environments where I can learn from different cultures and perspectives. Barcelona’s unique setting also played a role, as I knew the city’s vibrant lifestyle would truly complement my MBA experience.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 is my passion for diversity and inclusion. Having worked in various environments and interacted with people from very diverse personal backgrounds, I bring a unique perspective on how these differences can foster creativity and innovation. I actively contribute to classroom discussions by sharing experiences from both my professional journey and my passion for understanding and appreciating other cultures. My enthusiasm for collaboration and respect for different viewpoints are traits that I believe can inspire others.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I love learning new languages! I’m currently working on trying to grasp Catalan while living in Barcelona and I’ve given several other languages a try over the years. I love how language reflects the culture behind it—it’s like diving into a whole new world of perspectives and ideas.
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I aim to work in marketing, specifically in product and brand development/management. I’m particularly drawn to companies that value creativity and innovation, as I want to work on creating products that resonate with consumers, shape brand identities and have a lasting impact. My ultimate goal is to lead brand strategy and product management teams, helping organizations grow through effective marketing.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would definitely do again is thoroughly research the school’s culture and its alignment with my values. Speaking to alumni, attending webinars and understanding how IESE fosters diversity and learning from different points of view was key in making my decision. It reassured me that this environment would nurture my personal and professional growth.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could change one thing, I would have started preparing for the GMAT/GRE earlier. I underestimated how long the preparation (and retakes!) would take, and it was especially challenging to tackle everything while also meeting the demands of a full-time job. More time would have reduced some of the stress I felt during the process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The waiting period after submitting my applications was the hardest part; filled with anxiety and anticipation. I would have skipped that if I could! What helped me get through it was staying focused on work, spending quality time with my husband (who is also in the MBA and was awaiting news as well) and keeping busy with my favorite hobbies.
What is your initial impression of the IESE students/culture/community?
My initial impression is that the community is incredibly collaborative, supportive and driven. The diversity in the classroom is both inspiring and humbling; everyone brings something unique to the table. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie, even amidst the competitive nature of an MBA program, which makes it an exciting and welcoming place to learn.
What is one thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me is how genuinely supportive IESE’s alumni network is. I expected a strong alumni presence, but I didn’t realize just how willing they would be to offer guidance, mentorship and even open doors to career opportunities. Whether it is through networking events or one-on-one conversations, the alumni community has been incredibly approachable and eager to help current students succeed. This level of connection and support has exceeded my expectations and reinforced how valuable the school’s network is, both during the MBA and beyond.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about balancing the rigorous academic workload with extracurriculars and networking. The program is very intense, and while I’m excited to dive into all the opportunities, I want to ensure I’m managing my time effectively and getting the chance to participate in the different types of activities that surround me.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the chance to work on real-life business cases in the marketing field and collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds. Learning from world-class professors with industry expertise and getting hands-on experience is something I’m really looking forward to. Also, sharing this journey with my husband is a unique and exciting aspect of this experience!
