From Colombia to Segovia: Manuela Correa Goes International to Build the Career of Her Dreams

Although it was a massive change, Manuela took it all in stride and made her new home in Segovia. There, she has enjoyed the quality teaching and innovative approach to learning, as well as an increasing number of career opportunities and career growth. Now in her second year, we recently spoke to Manuela for an in-depth look at her IE University experience and to understand why she’s thankful for the path she has taken.

“I’ve liked art and design all my life…because it is a tool that gives you the ability to innovate, transform and create new technologies and ideas that allow society to progress and solve problems.”

Manuela Correa

Why did you choose to come to IE University, and why this dual degree? 

I was looking for an international university where I could get out of my comfort zone, meet people that are from different backgrounds and learn from them and the experiences they’ve had. 

I’ve liked art and design all my life. It has always caught my attention because it is a tool that gives you the ability to innovate, transform and create new technologies and ideas that allow society to progress and solve problems. I chose the Dual Degree in Business Administration + Design because of the opportunities this combination would open for me in the future. I believe that the mix of math, business and art makes it balanced and opens your mindset to many things you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. 

So far, I’ve liked both the university and my career choice. I’ve met many people, made friends and traveled to many different places. 

What has your experience been like at IE University?  

I had the opportunity to be the coordinator of Segovia’s team in the Social Impact Lab, which simulates an internship while offering the mentorship of the professor in charge. There, we worked with Fundación Cadete—an NGO that aims to promote the social integration of children and young people with disabilities. 

I also received the IE Collaboration Award, which led me to work with the university’s Admissions department. This gave me the chance to apply to a project where I was selected to represent my program on Unibuddy, a student chat platform. 

I’ve also been to many different events at both IE Tower and Casa de la Moneda. For instance, I joined a cooking class held at IE Tower and went to a food exposition in Segovia. Overall, IE University offers many options for you to become involved in community life. 

How has IE University helped you with your personal and professional experiences? 

So far, I’ve had massive personal growth, starting with leaving my country, traveling to another continent and living away from my family. I’ve learned to manage my time and organize my days in order to balance all parts of my life. 

For me, coming to IE University wasn’t only about the knowledge I would obtain in class but the contacts I’d make throughout the program. The broad diversity of people that I’ve met has allowed me to broaden my mind and learn to work with those that think differently. In the end, this is extremely enriching for both my personal and professional future. 

What hobbies do you have? What do you like doing in your day-to-day life? 

I like drawing, traveling to new places and meeting new people, trying out new food, listening to music and also playing it. I love going for walks in Segovia, strolling near the river, or going to the Alcázar de Segovia to watch the sunset.

“…coming to IE University wasn’t only about the knowledge I would obtain in class but the contacts I’d make throughout the program.”

Manuela Correa

What path do you want to take in the future? 

I am still in the process of figuring out what exactly I want to do in the future. For now, some of my interests include graphic design and branding. I plan to continue exploring these to discover what I’m most passionate about and map out my plan for the future.

“Overall, IE University offers many options for you to become involved in community life.”

Manuela Correa