Silvia Vazquez, a proud graduate of ours of the International Master in Management flourishes as a Junior SAP Consultant at one of the biggest consulting companies in the world called EY. We asked her how she climbed her way to success and how the master’s programme has helped her build her career.
Tell us a bit about your current job position and what a normal workday looks like for you
Every day is different. My work is very dynamic since there are legal issues on the scene that have to be organized very precisely and each one is different from the previous one. I rarely repeat tasks. What I like the most is the direct contact with international clients and that, after working hard for many months on some progress, the tasks come out satisfactorily.
Being part of one of the four largest consulting firms in the world is a challenge for many reasons.It is a competitive environment, very demanding, where you will work long hours and where you will not get bored. Of course, everything has its rewarding part!
How did you get your current job? Did you get help from EADA Career Department or the Alumni?
I always trusted the EADA Career Department a lot. In fact, for every interview I found, I contacted EADA to get feedback from the company and prepare for the interview as well as possible. I had several interviews through EADA Careers, but they didn’t quite fit my ideals. However, as I said, when I got the interview with EY, I put myself in EADA’s hands to be able to get the best out of me, and that’s how it was!
Focus on finding your greatest potential
What would be your advice for recent graduates when looking for work?
Without a doubt, my main advice is not to compare yourself with others. Each person is special and has their own added value. Trust yourself completely, because getting to where you have come from, I assure you that it is not easy at all. Focus on finding your greatest potential and making the most of it, instead of trying to be like someone around you.
Secondly, I recommend that you work very well with the organization and prepare a concise and structured strategy on how you will carry out the job search.
Third, give a lot of importance to the network and contacts. When you find a company or a position that suits you, be very proactive, ask for advice, for feedback and show interest to the reference person of this company/position.
Lastly, be patient. Finding a job is a job and you will require time, days of research, preparation, and nerves. But if you dedicate the necessary time and desire, you will have excellent results.
Making the most of it in order to benefit an entire team with the skills of each one
What have you learnt from your International Master in Management that you can apply on a daily basis?
Above all, EADA trained me to be prepared for the professional world.
It made me understand how people work on an emotional level and the importance of identifying the potential of each one and making the most of it in order to benefit an entire team with the skills of each one.
The importance of self-control, hard work and sacrifice.
It made me have a global vision at the level of multinational companies and understand every strategic detail. I discovered the keys to how a company works. Also, I developed management skills in terms of communication, leadership, organization, decision making and negotiation.
What aspects of the programme would you highlight?
First of all, the great knowledge of all the teachers who passionately dedicate hours to teach you everything they know.
Secondly, the importance they give to the development of soft skills. It is very important to be able to fit in at work, in the social field and with yourself.
Thirdly, the teaching/learning system. Completely different from what we are used to. Focusing on practical scenarios, proposing real strategies for international companies, and training your mind to achieve agility at the business level.