Iñigo, Associate Professor at IESE Business School: Advize Career Interview
Iñigo's journey from a business and economics degree in Barcelona, punctuated by early work experience including a research assistantship, to a prestigious Associate Professorship at IESE Business School, is a compelling story of academic and professional growth.
A management consulting stint and an MBA preceded an unexpected PhD opportunity at UCLA, focusing on marketing and psychology. The role involves teaching, impactful research leading to publications, and significant consulting work.
A fulfilling aspect is the integration of these three areas, connecting theory to practice for student benefit.
While balancing research demands remains challenging, the classroom interaction and intellectual stimulation of research are highlights.
Success in this field requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with intellectual sharpness and precise writing ability.
Iñigo emphasizes the importance of completing projects and highlights the unexpected political dynamics within academia. Aspiring professionals are advised to explore research assistant roles for firsthand experience and networking.
A strong work ethic developed during undergraduate side jobs also contributed significantly to Iñigo's success. Finally, Iñigo's Christian faith profoundly shapes their perspective, emphasizing a purpose-driven approach to business.
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Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Iñigo
Associate Professor
IESE Business School
University of Barcelona, 2002
MBA, IESE Business School; PhD Anderson UCLA
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Economics
Education
Education
None Applicable
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Career Path of an Associate Professor at IESE Business School
Iñigo's career path began with a business and economics degree in Barcelona, punctuated by various part-time jobs, including "being an RA at a business school," before a three-year stint as a management consultant in a large Spanish firm. Following an MBA, an unexpected PhD opportunity at UCLA Anderson led to a five-year program focusing on marketing and psychology, ultimately resulting in their current position as an Associate Professor at IESE Business School.
Main Responsibilities of an Associate Professor at IESE Business School
Iñigo's main responsibilities as an Associate Professor at IESE Business School are "teaching a number of courses" and conducting "enough research that leads to a number of publications," but Iñigo also voluntarily takes on a third role, working with companies as an advisor, consultant, or board member, a commitment that has grown over their career.
A Day In The Life Of An Associate Professor At IESE Business School
A typical week for Iñigo, an Associate Professor at IESE Business School, involves a blend of teaching, research, and consulting; "a typical day is difficult to describe," but the teaching days are energy-intensive, requiring preparation, class time, and follow-up, while other days are dedicated to research projects, literature reviews, and client work.
Most Important Skills For An Associate Professor At IESE Business School
For a successful career as an Associate Professor at IESE Business School, strong interpersonal skills are crucial, as "being good at enjoying relationships and the give and take of human interaction" facilitates understanding students and tailoring teaching. Equally important are communication skills to effectively convey complex business concepts and research focus for sustained intellectual pursuits.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Associate Professor At IESE Business School
Iñigo, an Associate Professor at IESE Business School, finds the most rewarding aspect of their role is "connect[ing] all three hats"—research, teaching, and practical industry experience—creating a fulfilling experience for both Iñigo and their students. The "special moment" when students grasp the connections between these areas is particularly gratifying.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Associate Professor at IESE Business School
Even after a decade as an Associate Professor at IESE Business School, Iñigo finds "balancing the research aspect" of the role the most challenging, specifically citing the difficulty in "staying on top of projects" and "pushing projects forward" despite the competing demands of teaching and other responsibilities. This highlights the significant time commitment and ongoing organizational demands inherent in an academic career at this level.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Academia Industry As An Associate Professor
Iñigo's favorite aspect of academia is "the interaction in the classroom" and exposure to diverse backgrounds and industries, allowing for continuous learning from students with varied experiences. The intellectually challenging research component is also fulfilling, forcing precise thinking and improving communication skills through "the way you theorize and write."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Higher Education Industry, According To An Associate Professor At IESE Business School
To thrive as a professor, a combination of teaching and research excellence is crucial. A good teacher demonstrates "good interaction with people," strong conceptualization skills, and the ability to connect theory to real-world examples, while a successful researcher possesses "intellectual sharpness," a knack for formulating insightful questions, and strong writing skills—the capacity to write "concisely, precisely, persuasively, interestingly, and elegantly."
What an Associate Professor at IESE Business School Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Academia
Iñigo, an Associate Professor at IESE Business School, wishes someone had warned him about "the politics of academic institutions," explaining that the flat departmental structure fosters a sometimes "unsophisticated" competition where everyone believes they possess the optimal approach, leading to unexpected political dynamics. This insight highlights a crucial, unanticipated aspect of academic life.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Associate Professors
Iñigo, an Associate Professor, cautions against directly pursuing a professorship without careful consideration, noting that "it's a very specific kind of work" with a lengthy PhD process and uncertain job prospects afterward. Instead, Iñigo suggests exploring the field via research assistant roles to gain "exposure to what a profession does," advising prospective students to network with current PhD students and professors to make informed decisions.
Significant Career Lesson From A Partner At A Consulting Company
A significant career lesson Iñigo learned from a former partner was the importance of "finishing things," even if it means sacrificing some perfection for completion. This involved prioritizing closure on tasks, building momentum by moving on to the next project, and recognizing the value in "just close, close, finish, finish."
College Experiences That Helped An Associate Professor At IESE Business School Succeed
During Iñigo's undergraduate years at the University of Barcelona, a key factor in their career success was "always had side jobs that... entails some level of responsibility," gaining valuable experience and building a CV. This exposure to diverse work experiences proved to be a significant asset in their later career as an Associate Professor at IESE Business School.
How Identity Has Influenced an Associate Professor at IESE Business School's Career
Iñigo's Christian faith profoundly influences their career, grounding their perspective in the belief that "people are at the center," and that profit serves a larger purpose of positive societal impact. This conviction, rooted in their upbringing, forms a foundation for an optimistic view of business and management's potential to contribute to society.
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