From Classroom to Corporate: Daria’s Journey from ESEI to Schneider Electric
At ESEI International Business School in Barcelona, students from across the world come together to develop their knowledge, grow professionally, and prepare for global careers. For Daria, a 24-year-old from Saint Petersburg, Russia, this decision led to a new life in Spain, a transformative academic experience, and a rewarding role at Schneider Electric.
Daria describes herself as someone who enjoys living an active lifestyle, doing sports and travelling. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Management in Russia, she decided to continue in a similar field but with a stronger focus on practical application. “After four years of a primarily theoretical programme, I felt it was extremely important to apply my knowledge to real business cases and develop practical skills that would help me grow as a professional person prepared for the real job market,” she says.
That motivation led her to ESEI’s MBA in Business Management, which combines academic theory with real-world experience. “What attracted me the most to ESEI was its practice-based learning concept,” she explains. “Additionally, I was for sure inspired by the international environment of the school. This global atmosphere helps students to broaden their horizons and build valuable connections which is essential for a successful future career.”
Learning by Doing
From the beginning, Daria found ESEI to be a supportive and engaging environment. “Studying at ESEI has been a very comfortable and valuable experience. In addition to developing market-relevant skills, which fully met my initial expectations, I truly appreciated the supportive and engaging learning environment created by the professors,” she says.
Her professors, many of whom are active professionals, played a key role in her development. “Each mentor was always willing to offer professional advice, share their background and expertise, and guide us in taking our first steps toward finding desired career opportunities.”
ESEI’s commitment to hands-on learning was also reflected in its workshops, guest lectures, and networking events. “What also made the experience special was the variety of workshops and networking events that ESEI regularly organised. Throughout the programme, we had the possibility to attend sessions led by guest speakers from different industries, as well as visit the offices of well-known companies.”
These experiences helped Daria grow both personally and professionally. She reflects that her time at ESEI strengthened her skills and made her “more confident, open-minded, and ready to take on new challenges in an international business environment.”
From the Classroom to Schneider Electric
During her studies, Daria first learned about Schneider Electric through one of her professors, Antonio Jose Elfarkh, whose professional journey inspired her. “His passionate presentation about the company, personal career journey, and his continuous support inspired me to have a thought of becoming a part of this remarkable organisation,” she recalls.
A few months later, she joined Schneider Electric as an intern and, after successfully completing the training programme, became a full-time employee. “Since then, I have continued to grow and develop within the company, discovering new opportunities for professional development, personal growth, and self-realisation every day.”
In her current role as an Integration Developer, Daria is responsible for building and maintaining digital connections between business systems. “The main focus of my work is building integration channels between internal systems and third-party business platforms to ensure smooth and accurate business documents flow,” she explains. “Each project involves a large cross-functional team of service owners, architects, and developers, which requires maintaining constant and effective collaboration to deliver results that fully meet business requirements.”
Her work requires a mix of technical and interpersonal skills. “I believe that in my field both hard and soft skills are crucial. On the technical side, I need a bunch of IT, programming and cybersecurity abilities, knowing the specifications of integration platforms and software included in the enterprise integration processes. But equally important here is the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, maintaining clear communication and a solution-oriented attitude.”
Thriving in a Culture of Innovation
Daria appreciates Schneider Electric’s strong focus on continuous learning and innovation. “Schneider Electric provides numerous opportunities for continuous development and learning, both within one’s role and across other business processes within the company. Every employee has unlimited access to internal and external learning platforms and is always encouraged to explore and enhance their skills in various areas.”
She adds that the company places great importance on keeping employees informed about new technologies. “The company is highly committed to keeping employees up to date with the latest technologies and innovations. Schneider Electric actively supports training programmes, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives focused on emerging technologies, digital tools, and innovative solutions.”
This approach, she says, helps employees remain motivated and engaged. “This culture of continuous learning and innovation not only strengthens professional expertise but also fosters creativity, adaptability, and a proactive mindset among employees, allowing them to drive meaningful impact within the company.”
Advice for Future ESEI Students
Reflecting on her experience, Daria encourages current and future students to take advantage of every opportunity to connect and learn. “My advice is, of course, to actively build and develop your professional network. For example, one of the most accessible opportunities for ESEI students is the Career Fair event, where the school invites business representatives offering positions for entry-level professionals,” she says.
She highlights how ESEI’s professors often bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. “Due to the school’s strong commitment to practice-based learning, many professors have extensive business experience and can provide valuable guidance, and sometimes even real career opportunities, across various industries.”
Persistence, she adds, is key. “It is also crucial to learn how to knock on even the most ‘closed’ doors and never give up. Networking isn’t just about meeting people; it’s about building genuine relationships, seeking mentorship, and consistently putting yourself in environments where growth opportunities arise.”
Life and Growth in Barcelona
Living in Barcelona has also shaped Daria’s outlook on life and work. “Barcelona, in general, is always about an international community. It’s a city full of open-minded, ambitious, and curious people,” she says. The diversity and openness of the city have inspired her to keep exploring new opportunities and ideas.
Her long-term goal is to continue developing professionally while nurturing her entrepreneurial ambitions. “My dream is to gain valuable corporate experience, challenge myself across different areas involving various key business processes, and, one day, successfully realise my entrepreneurial ambitions.”
Daria’s story reflects ESEI’s mission to prepare students for meaningful global careers by combining academic excellence, practical learning, and personal growth. Her journey from Saint Petersburg to Barcelona, and now to a global role at Schneider Electric, demonstrates what can happen when education, opportunity, and determination come together.
Explore ESEI’s Programmes
👉If you’re considering starting your own journey in Barcelona, explore ESEI’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and see how we can support you as you settle into life here.
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