Students with outstanding GPAs and in the top 5% of their programs are handpicked to attend an immersive three-day course led by world-leading professors and professionals, as well as the program’s launching and closing ceremony. On top of this, they’re given one-of-a-kind opportunities to attend exclusive events with some of the business world’s most successful names, such as Amazon, The United Nations, and Cabify.
Discover what Elsa Arnaiz, a talented member of the program, has to say about it below.
Hi, I’m Elsa Arnaiz and I’m from Burgos in Spain. I’m about to finish my last year at IE University studying the Dual Degree in Laws and International Relations.
What exactly is the Honours Program?
How I see it, the Honours Program is a way of rewarding those students who have gone the extra mile in their studies. We get exclusive benefits like early access to conferences, special seminars, and expert training in order to further enhance our skills and maximize our potential. More generally though, it’s a really great way of IE University recognizing their most hardworking students.
What activities have you taken advantage of so far and which one did you like the most?
I’ve been lucky enough to participate in several activities, including the visit to Oliver Wyman and a roundtable led by IE University’s think tank LawAhead. However, the activity I enjoyed the most was the first seminar of the module, “Leaders of the Digital Future”, held on the 1st of February. On that Saturday morning, we had the pleasure of participating in different masterclasses on various but related topics, such as global challenges and the rise of artificial intelligence. At the end of the day, there was a brainstorming session that allowed us to reflect on the most pressing issues around the world and explore how we, as the next generation of global leaders, would go about resolving them.
What do you think is the key to academic success?
I think the key to success can be found within yourself. Of course, it’s a great help to be surrounded by ambitious students and amazing friends, as well as having access to exceptional help from experienced professors and expert advisors, but at the end of the day, the only one who can put the effort in and make things work is you. That’s why I believe the key reason I was granted the privilege of being a part of the Honours Program is my undying determination and strong work ethic. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter how much talent you have—if you don’t invest time and effort into your dreams, you’ll never be able to achieve them.
Why would you recommend that students try to become part of this program?
I would recommend students try to become part of the Honours Program because every single one of them would benefit from the fantastic opportunities it offers, as well as the expansive network of likeminded students who share similar interests and concerns, ultimately helping you to achieve your goals. You can learn a lot from both the seminars and other students, and of course, being part of such an exclusive program will help you stand out in today’s increasingly competitive workplace.
How has the Honours Program helped you and what do you think about it?
I won’t lie, at first I was a little bit skeptical of it. But fast-forward to now and I can say I’m extremely proud to call myself a member. I’ve learnt an immeasurable amount, not only about the challenges of tomorrow but also about myself and other students, which has all helped me to reflect and discern what type of professional I would like to become.
Overall, I think it’s a very unique experience. At its very core, it’s not simply about gathering up the top students just for the sake of it but actually allowing them to really become the best version of themselves by providing them with all the necessary skills, tools, and resources.
How would you sum up the Honours Program?
The Honours Program helps you to become the best version of yourself. It pushes you to explore the challenges of the world around you, while also encouraging you to take care of your mental health—an important factor that is often undermined.