With a Business Administration and Management background and previous work experience in consulting, accounting and business development, Miguel Epifanio decided in 2020 to pursue the International Master in Management at EADA to expand his knowledge and international career possibilities. After graduation, he started to work as International Business Development Manager for the West African market at LAPP Policabos, in Portugal. Let’s see what he has to say about his experience at EADA and his current job.
Tell us a bit about your current job position and what a normal workday looks like for you?
My goal in the company is to generate business growth and maximize the sales of the whole group in West Africa, and even though this job position is based in Lisbon, Portugal, I must travel regularly to West African countries.
It is difficult to define a normal workday, as there are plenty of duties in this position. I would highlight, as my main responsibilities, researching potential business opportunities in West Africa, managing the sales pipeline and the relationship with the different customers, agents and distributors in the region. Additionally, I must plan and oversee marketing initiatives, attend industry events and I frequently build financial projections to develop quotes for prospective clients.
What have you learnt from your International Master in Management that you can apply on your daily basis?
I believe that, during my International Master in Management, I have developed several hard skills that I apply constantly in my job, especially related to marketing management and financial analysis.
Nevertheless, I would prefer to highlight the EADA case study methodology, that helped me increase my analytical skills, and the Leadership Development Programme in the Collbató Campus, that made me improve several soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, that are crucial in my daily basis interactions as a manager.
In business, you don’t do the exact same thing two days in a row, you must be ready to adapt and to change, which requires creativity and a constant analytical mindset."
What are you most passionate about in business and management?
What I like the most about business and management is the fact that you are always being challenged. In business, you don’t do the exact same thing two days in a row, you must be ready to adapt and to change, which requires creativity and a constant analytical mindset.
In addition, as part of the job of a manager, you are regularly dealing and working with people. This makes you be tested every day and adds even more unpredictability and entertainment to the job.
Why did you decide to come and study your Master in EADA?
In 2020, I decided that I needed to further develop my skills and increase my networking base, and, after analysing the different Business Schools Rankings, the brochures of several Universities, and after receiving some feedback from alumni, I was truly impressed with the Master in Management programme of EADA.
Moreover, having the opportunity of living in Barcelona, one of my favourite cities in the world, and, subsequently, the city center location of EADA, also contributed to my decision.
How would you describe your experience in EADA and Barcelona?
Studying at EADA was one of the best experiences that I had. Sharing a classroom with a group of wise and multicultural colleagues that helped me grow, both personally and professionally, was one of my favourite aspects during this experience.
Furthermore, the know-how and expertise of all the professors and directors that I had, together with the unconditional support that they give us, made me feel engaged and motivated through the entire master.
Lastly, the modern and innovative facilities that the University has, and being exposed to the Barcelona lifestyle, also contributed decisively for my fulfillment as an EADA student.
