Industry Insiders: ESEI’s Expert Network Prepare Students for Success
At ESEI International Business School, we believe in providing our students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond textbooks and lectures. One of the ways we achieve this is by inviting subject matter experts as guest speakers and this is a crucial part of our curriculum. Today, we want to acknowledge and thank all the incredible guest speakers who have generously shared their time, knowledge, and expertise with our students during the Fall 2024 semester.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Our guest speakers have played a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By sharing real-world experiences and insights, they have helped our students understand how classroom learning translates into tangible skills and knowledge in various industries. This exposure has been invaluable in preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities that await them in their future careers.
We take pride in the diversity of our guest speakers, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries. This variety has allowed our students to gain insights into multiple fields, from emerging technologies in business to sustainability, to sports management, to digital marketing, and innovation and entrepreneurship, among others. By introducing our students to diverse viewpoints and experiences, we’ve fostered critical thinking and a more inclusive understanding of the global business landscape.
Retelling of Stories
Many of our guest speakers have shared their personal career journeys, including the challenges they’ve faced and the successes they’ve achieved. These stories have been incredibly motivating for our students, helping them explore potential career paths and set ambitious goals for themselves. The firsthand information provided by these industry professionals has given our students a clearer picture of various career options and the skills required to succeed in them.
Interacting with guest speakers has also helped our students develop essential soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and networking. These interactions have provided opportunities for students to ask insightful questions, engage in professional conversations, and learn how to present their ideas clearly. Such skills are crucial for success in higher education and the workforce, giving our students a significant advantage as they embark on their careers.
ESEI Guest Speakers
Real-world learning is a cornerstone of our school, and the commitment to bring in guest speakers regularly in classes exemplifies this commitment. By bringing industry experts directly into our classrooms, we provide our students with invaluable insights, practical knowledge, and a glimpse into the realities of various professional fields. Here’s a list of our esteemed guest speakers and their contributions:
An expert in support operations, Jean-Pascal shared insights on what an impactful Customer Service and Customer Experience organization is, including execution, product guidance, cost per ticket, engagement) and which metrics/KPIs are relevant for it.
A seasoned expert with two decades of experience in European-Chinese trade shared comprehensive insights into China’s evolving global power dynamics and international economic influence with the International Relations and International Business students.
The EMEA Manufacturing director at Microsoft shared with our Bachelors students how digital disruption in sales for big companies like Microsoft are changing. He also shared some AI tools that are valuable for sales departments.
Having spent years growing tech companies, especially in the Fintech space, Alessandro brought his strong expertise to share with students an overview of the AI foundations and how those can be applied to the Marketing domain.
Ana Costa (SEM Data & Measurement Product Manager)
Ana, a seasoned Data and Measurement expert specializing in Digital Marketing, shared her extensive experience from eDreams ODIGEO, demonstrating how Big Data techniques can revolutionize marketing efficiency through real-world case studies and interactive discussions.
Axel, an ESEI Business Administration alumnus, shared his inspiring entrepreneurial journey with SU-V, a company he founded that produces innovative, eco-friendly laundry sheets. He discussed how he transformed challenges into opportunities while developing a product designed to reduce waste, save energy, and protect the environment.
Lluis, a Growth Marketing expert currently at PDPAOLA, one of Spain’s fastest-growing e-commerce brands, shared his extensive knowledge in data-driven marketing automation.His session covered key marketing technology principles, explore the domain of marketing automation and its associated tech platforms, and provide practical examples of automation techniques.
María Santos (Brother Barcelona Escuela de Creativos)
María Santos, a Digital Creative Director with 12+ years of global experience, shared her expertise in creating immersive marketing experiences through VR, AR, and cutting-edge technologies. The interactive session explored XR technology’s potential to drive innovation and emotional engagement, covering key principles, use cases, and practical insights.
Bob de Wilde, an experienced Business Innovation Coach, shared his entrepreneurial insights on customer understanding and market segmentation. The session also provided valuable support and feedback for students’ final projects, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world applications in digital marketing strategies.
Drawing from her research on workforce agility and digital transformation, Dr. Barakat shared insights on effectively implementing agility in organizations. The online session offered students practical knowledge on navigating the challenges of integrating new technologies in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
A seasoned CFO with over 10 years of experience in fast-growth scale-ups, Isaac shared insights from Paack’s financial journey. The session covered crucial aspects of entrepreneurial finance, including managing rapid growth, fundraising strategies, the evolving role of CFOs, and various financing options.
These guest speakers have significantly enriched our students’ learning experience, bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise have provided our students with a multifaceted view of the business world, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their future careers.
To all our guest speakers: your contributions have been invaluable. You’ve enriched our students’ educational experience, provided them with real-world insights, and inspired them to reach for their goals. Your willingness to share your expertise has made a lasting impact on our students’ lives and future careers.
At ESEI, we’re committed to continuing this tradition of bringing diverse, experienced professionals into our classrooms. We believe that this exposure to experts gives our students a unique advantage, preparing them not just for their first job, but for long-term success in their chosen fields.
To our students: we encourage you to reflect on these experiences, apply the insights you’ve gained, and use them as stepping stones towards your future success. The connections you’ve made and the knowledge you’ve acquired are invaluable assets as you move forward in your academic and professional journeys.
We look forward to welcoming more inspiring speakers in the future and continuing to provide our students with these enriching learning opportunities!
See other ways how ESEI prepares its students for their future careers! Check ESEI’s Project-Based Learning Methodology.
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