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Taking on the Big Apple at NYC Immersion Week

Discover how IE students unlocked exclusive access to NYC’s top companies—meeting industry leaders at Google, the UN, and the NYSE—while gaining insight into real-world challenges.

Stepping into the real world after college can feel overwhelming. Many graduates know the ins and outs of business, law or design but lack the practical knowledge needed to thrive—how to ace an interview, send a professional email, or navigate a work environment that’s constantly changing.

Research shows that blending academic learning with hands-on experiences and exposure to real-world scenarios helps students bridge the gap between theory and practical application. This approach sharpens critical thinking and problem-solving skills while building adaptability—essential for adjusting plans and strategies as projects evolve. It also gives students a clearer understanding of whether they’re truly suited for the industry they’re interested in pursuing.

NYC Immersion Week: A packed first day

At IE University our students learn from experts and observe the working world in action before plunging into it. Recently, IE Business School students participated in NYC Immersion Week. This thrilling one-week program packed a punch with guided tours and meetings with over 20 key representatives from major American and Spanish companies in business, banking and international relations.

NYC Immersion Week was organized by IE University’s New York Office and the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit American institution that represents companies wanting to establish business relationships between Spain and the United States. The Chamber has been facilitating access to the US job market for young internationals for 20 years.

Diplomatic encounters at the United Nations

First stop: the United Nations Headquarters—where international cooperation takes center stage.

Students were awe-struck as they realized they were standing at the epicenter of world diplomacy. Meeting Ana Jimenez, Deputy Permanent Representative of Spain to the UN, made the moment even more exciting. She shared personal stories about the realities of diplomacy and international relations, giving students a glimpse of what it takes to influence world policies. For those interested in international affairs, this visit was a career-defining moment.

A glimpse into Google

Then came Google. Walking into the tech giant’s NYC office felt like stepping into the future. The students explored interactive exhibits of Google’s cutting-edge work in artificial intelligence and machine learning. They also learned about digital marketing strategies straight from the industry leaders who are revolutionizing the field.

The vibe was electric, and for many students, it was a peek into what their future might look like. Who wouldn’t want to work in an environment that thrives on creativity and game-changing technology?

Experiencing the NYSE

Lastly, our students visited the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for a perfect end to a perfect first day.  Imagine standing on the iconic Trading Floor, where every deal made defines the global economy.

Students were given a guided tour, and the experience reached its peak during the Closing Bell ceremony—a symbol of the day’s hustle and accomplishments. “Watching the Closing Bell at the NYSE was an experience I will truly never forget,” said Tallulah Gurney, one of our Bachelor in Business Administration students. It was more than just a class trip for her; it was a window into the pulse of global finance.

NYC Immersion Week

Learning from the best

The rest of the week had students exploring the Big Apple, meeting top professionals like CEOs, banking executives, financiers, diplomats and consultants. These experts shared insights on everything from business strategies to sustainability and the social-impact efforts shaping their companies.

Here’s a look at some of the experts that students had the opportunity to learn from firsthand:

  • Miguel Fernández: CEO and cofounder of Capchase, a company dedicated to helping SaaS providers grow at a fast pace.
  • Alfonso Álvarez-Pallete: Managing Director of Alvarez & Marshal, an international firm specializing in performance improvement and business advisory services.
  • Daniel Ilundain: Partner at Palladium Equity Partners, a private equity firm investing in middle-market companies in the United States.
  • Blake Davies: CEO at Fredericks Michael & Co, a consulting firm known for financial services, digital transformation and their strategic initiatives.
  • Matthew Fredrikson: Managing Director at Ernst & Young and previously Vice President at American Express.
  • Ricardo Martínez: US Sustainability and Climate Leader at Deloitte, driving positive change through risk management.
  • John Alfonso: Partner and finance professional at Cohn Reznick, a top advisory, assurance and tax firm that provides strategic financial services to businesses, governments and nonprofits.
  • Miguel Leiria & Ruben Quendera: Engagement managers at McKinsey & Company.

These interactions didn’t just offer a glimpse into the corporate world of New York; they ignited curiosity about various career paths. Student Victor Vestlund summed it up well: “I gained a deeper understanding of my options for the future. Some speakers even made me curious about career paths I previously didn’t know existed.”

NYC Immersion Week

A crash course on the US job market

However, the week wasn’t just about company visits. The students also attended a workshop led by Carla Arimont and Gemma Cortijo, the executive director of the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce. The session covered everything from job-hunting strategies to navigating US work visas, providing practical tips on entering the American job market. This workshop was designed as a toolkit for students aiming to work in the United States, helping them feel more confident about their future career paths and foreign job markets.

A lasting impression

For many students, this experience was nothing short of transformational. One participant, Desislava Tsankova, said, “The whole week was memorable. We jumped between billion-dollar corporations like BlackRock and startups like Fredericks Michael & Co. What stuck with me most was the love every professional had for their work. They encouraged us younger folk that we could also make it and do what we love.”

NYC Immersion Week was just one of the many opportunities IE University provides for students to gain practical experience. Whether through travel programs, company visits, or expert workshops, students are constantly exposed to real-world challenges. These experiences are key to helping them enter the workforce with confidence, knowing they’re equipped to thrive in any industry.

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Annie Beasley is a Spanish-American journalist specialized in political journalism and feminist issues. Raised in Galicia, she spent her summers in the US, becoming fluent in English, Spanish, and Galician.

Her academic journey took her all over Spain. She started at Universidad de Valladolid, where she was a member of a student activist group, then went on to Universidad de València, and finally Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, where she’s currently working and pursuing postgraduate studies in voice acting. Each university offered a unique academic approach, giving her fresh insights into journalistic writing and access to an array of learning opportunities.

During college, she interned as a copywriter at a marketing firm in Madrid and went on to work as a communications specialist at Fractalia, a prestigious cybersecurity company.
Annie currently works at IE University as the editor of Driving Innovation, bringing a fresh, journalistic voice to the blog and focused on delivering insightful, informative content.

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