At IE University, we’re dedicated to our hands-on approach to education. We help students find internships in leading companies, allowing them to gain valuable practical experience in the world of work. One student, Ana Ocáriz, is putting her newly acquired skills to the test in her internship at EY wavespace.
Originally from Madrid, Ana Ocáriz has had a bit of international experience. She’s lived in Libya, Venezuela and Brazil, which played a crucial role in her choice of IE University. “The international environment made me feel right at home,” she says. Currently studying the Dual Degree in Business Administration & Data and Business Analytics, Ana landed a role as a Software Developer Intern atEY wavespace Madrid, where she uses the skills she’s learning in the classroom to tackle her daily responsibilities.
The Dual Degree in Business Administration & Data and Business Analytics is designed to prepare students to understand and analyze data for corporate growth. Imparting skills in the business and data fields, students gain a comprehensive skill set that opens doors to various career options. These very skills made Ana stand out from other candidates during the competitive selection process.
Skills for the ideal software developer candidate
Álvaro Cid, Senior Manager at EY wavespace Data and AI Centre of Excellence, saw a lot of positive qualities in Ana. “She’s motivated, proactive and has knowledge of both the business and technology sides of our job.”
In examining the candidate pool, Álvaro explains that the main quality their hiring managers consider is an up-to-date skill set. “When hiring interns from IE University, we look at their experience and knowledge. We’re also glad to have people from diverse backgrounds.” Ana checked all the boxes.
EY wavespace Madrid is at the heart of the data and AI wave, exposing Ana to many pioneering projects. “The company is right at the forefront of innovation, which ties directly into what I do at IE University.”
Skills that cross over
Through her dual degree studies, Ana has learned to work alongside global teams of different backgrounds and perspectives. This soft skill is invaluable in her daily tasks at EY wavespace Madrid. “I collaborate not only with my team but with clients themselves. I’ve had a lot of client-facing practice, which puts me directly in the market and helps me see the latest trends firsthand.”
Ana isn’t the only one learning; the company is gaining new insights from her fresh perspective. “Ana has given us good ideas about how we can improve our processes,” Álvaro admits. “She’s been involved in many business proposals and tech projects, including the digital twin we are currently building.”
The internship at EY wavespace Madrid is quite atypical. Ana isn’t simply doing busy work—she’s actively involved in real-world projects and practicing advanced concepts on the go. She says these benefits came as “a very big surprise, in a good way.”
Skills for the future
The Dual Degree in Business Administration & Data and Business Analytics prepared Ana to thrive in more than the technical aspects of her internship. The clubs, workshops and myriad experiential opportunities at IE University have allowed her to communicate confidently, work well as part of a diverse team and build strong professional connections.
As for students looking to complete an internship too, Ana says, “Push yourself into something you’re really interested in. Even if it doesn’t 100% align with your job title, you can always find new paths to get there.”
Paula Outon is an experienced graphic designer and marketer with a solid academic and professional background. Her academic journey took her from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, where she specialized in Graphic Design with a focus on Branding, to Australia, where she furthered her expertise in Fine Arts in Digital Media. Upon returning to her home country, Paula gained valuable experience in Digital Marketing.
Her passion for understanding consumer behavior led her to Spain, where she completed a Master’s in Marketing Research and Consumer Behavior at IE University. Paula continues advancing her marketing career, leveraging her diverse skill set and international experience.
