Daniel Araujo, a former MER student, holds a Masters's degree in Telecommunications Engineering and Networking. He worked as executive vice president at Exctos when he decided to pursue the Global EMBA program of IESE to hone his management skills. He partnered with MER (myEssayReview) for his application for IESE and was accepted into the program. Daniel is currently a second-year student and has kindly agreed to share his experience with us.
Learn about Daniel's exciting journey to the IESE, his enriching IESE experiences, and his advice to prospective applicants -in his recent interview with Poonam.
Poonam: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad? What do you do now?
Daniel: I am originally from Angola and studied Computer and Telecommunications Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia for my undergraduate degree. I then pursued a Master of Science in Telecommunications Engineering and Networking at Penn. Currently, I am the General Manager of an IT services company based out of Portugal.
Poonam: When did you start thinking about Global EMBA? Why now? What are your post-EMBA career goals and long-term goals?
Daniel: Pursuing an MBA was always a goal I had set for myself after completing my master’s degree in engineering. Initially, I planned to enroll in a business school five years after finishing my engineering degree, but my career took off, and I was promoted to a management position. So taking two years off to return to university was no longer an option. I started thinking about the Global MBA approximately two years ago when I joined my current job. The possibility of working and studying full-time felt like the perfect option, and I got to a point in my career where I felt that I really needed to join a program that would hone my skills as a manager. Post EMBA, I intend to stay at my current job and consolidate and capitalize on all the knowledge I have gained.
Poonam: What is your favorite thing about IESE so far? What part of this program you have enjoyed the most so far?
Daniel: The diversity of the program and the quality level of the class have been my favorite things so far. In a class of 40 people, I have top managers from 35 different nationalities that work in very distinct industries.
Poonam: Is there anything you would like to change about the program?
Daniel: I am overall extremely happy with the program, and it has been such a journey of discovery that I would not change anything.
Poonam: Looking back, what was the most challenging aspect of the school admissions process? How did you approach that challenge and overcome it? How would you advise other EMBA applicants who are facing similar challenges?
Daniel: The most challenging aspect for me was getting back into the rhythm of studying after being away from school for 10 years. Preparing for the GMAT, writing those admission essays, and at the same time devoting time to work and family required a lot of self-discipline. My one piece of advice to other applicants is to stay disciplined and focused; this is the one way to make it up this hill.
Poonam: How challenging is it to manage school, work, and family at the same time? Do you have any time management tips for prospective students?
Daniel: Managing school, work, and family is extremely challenging, especially since the program involves traveling to a different country every six weeks. Time management is crucial, and again, self-discipline is essential. I would also add that having family support is paramount. There is no way I would have been able to do this program if my wife had not been there for me all along.
Poonam: Absolutely!!! Do you have any admissions tips for applicants for IESE Global Executive MBA?
Daniel: My greatest advice would be the following:
1) Be yourself at your best.
2) Make sure that you submit your best possible application (this is where having a stunning essay review by Poonam can be of great help)
3) Make sure you are joining this program for the right reasons. If you are pursuing an EMBA purely because you want a career promotion, you are already on the wrong foot. If you do not have the right drive and incentive in a demanding program such as IESE, it will be a very long 16 months.
Poonam: Thanks for the valuable advice. What are your favorite non-school books? What are your hobbies?
Daniel: I loved to read “Papillon” by Henri Charriére, “The Utopia Generation” by Pepetela, and “100 Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I am an avid sports practitioner, and I very much enjoy personal fitness classes as well as traveling.
Poonam: Is there any other advice you would like to offer to prospective MBA students?
Daniel: I would simply wish them the best of luck with their application process and business school experience.
Poonam: Thank you, Daniel, for sharing your story with us. Good luck with your IESE experience and your future career.
Click here for Daniel’s Testimonial of MER Services.
Click here for Daniel’s GMAT Club Review.
You can connect with Daniel via https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view1418736
Since 2011, MER (myEssayReview) has helped many applicants get accepted into the top 20 MBA programs. (Poonam is among the top 5 most- reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club.)
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