For one IE University graduate, the answer began with a move from Madrid to Manhattan through the IE New York College Master’s in Management. By combining international education with real-world finance experience, he transformed New York into both a classroom and a launchpad for a global career.
Through IE University’s 3+1 pathway, Maximilian Marka completed his Bachelor’s in Business Administration while beginning a Master’s in Management at IE New York College (IENYC). Along the way, he gained experience across consulting, banking, venture capital, and asset management.
The result is a professional profile shaped by international exposure and the fast-moving energy of one of the world’s most influential financial centers.
For students considering studying business in New York City, Maximilian’s journey illustrates how academic opportunity and real-world experience can intersect in powerful ways.
Originally from Madrid, Maximilian began his academic journey at IE University, where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. When the opportunity arose to continue his studies in New York through the IE New York College 3+1 program, the decision felt like a natural next move.
“I chose IENYC for the opportunity to combine my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees through the 3+1 program while gaining experience through the STEM OPT work visa and living in New York City.”
For many international students, studying in New York is about more than earning a degree. It is about entering a professional ecosystem where global industries, financial markets, and career opportunities converge.
“I knew it was the right time to take the next step when I found the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree while gaining international experience,” he explains. “This path allowed me to grow professionally in an environment where I could thrive while earning a graduate degree aligned with my long-term goals.”
Before arriving in New York, he had already developed significant professional experience. His background includes roles at Deloitte in Risk Advisory and Mergers and Acquisitions, as well as at Deutsche Bank in Credit Risk Management for large corporates across the United States and Europe.
Additional experience in venture capital and asset management further expanded his exposure to financial markets and investment strategies.
New York offered the chance to place those experiences within a much larger global context.
At the center of the experience is the IE New York College Master’s in Management, a program designed to connect academic learning with real-world business challenges.
“The program is highly applied, with a strong emphasis on case studies, discussions, and group work,” he says. “It feels far more collaborative than traditional theory-focused classes.”
This approach encourages students to engage actively with business problems while learning from the diverse perspectives of their classmates. In a classroom that brings together students from different countries and professional backgrounds, discussions often mirror the complexity of real-world decision making.
One particularly impactful experience came through a finance seminar that examined major business cases through rigorous analysis.
“Led by an exceptional professor, the seminar worked through complex case studies using a deep analytical approach,” he explains. “It provided a much stronger understanding of how financial decisions are made in practice.”
Another course that stood out was Economic Concepts and Policies, which connected macroeconomic theory to real global developments.
“The course gave a clear understanding of current macroeconomic conditions and showed how policy decisions directly shape politics, markets, and business strategy.”
Beyond technical knowledge, the program has also strengthened essential professional skills for Maximilian such as public speaking, teamwork, and collaborative problem solving. Working closely with classmates from different cultures has helped him approach leadership and communication from new perspectives.
One of the most surprising aspects of studying in New York for Maximilian has been the role networking plays in career development.
“I knew networking would be important, but what stood out was how strongly professionals here emphasize it as an ongoing practice.”
In many industries, especially finance and consulting, relationships play a central role in identifying opportunities and building long-term careers.
In New York City, those conversations happen constantly, whether through formal networking events or everyday professional interactions.
“Consistent relationship-building and open conversations play a much larger role in career growth than I initially expected.”
For students studying business in New York City, access to professionals, companies, and industry events creates a unique environment for career exploration and mentorship.
Living in New York City quickly changes how students approach their time, goals, and ambitions.
“Living in New York is completely different from visiting as a tourist,” Maximilian explains. “Exploring neighborhoods, local restaurants, parks, and everyday spaces gives you a much more authentic understanding of the city.”
Over time, the rhythm of the city begins to influence daily habits. The pace is faster, the expectations are higher, and the sense of momentum is constant.
“The city has changed how I move and work,” he says. “From walking faster to planning my time more carefully, it pushes you to become more focused and motivated.”
Sometimes the most powerful lessons happen outside the classroom. Simply observing the people around you can be a source of motivation.
“Seeing how people manage demanding schedules and stay focused on their goals is incredibly inspiring,” he says. “It pushes me to work harder and stay disciplined.”
In many ways, New York itself becomes part of the learning experience.
Balancing a demanding graduate program with the intensity of New York requires adaptability and resilience. For him, the experience reinforced an important realization about the environments where he performs best. As Maximilian puts it:
“I have learned that I thrive in fast-paced and demanding environments.”
Facing new challenges, navigating professional expectations, and adapting to life in a global city strengthened his confidence and decision-making skills. These experiences have helped Maximilian develop the mindset required to succeed in competitive industries.
“The combination of an applied academic program and the intensity of New York City creates constant real-world exposure,” he explains.
When asked to summarize the experience in three words, he answers simply: Applied. Challenging. Transformative.
For students considering a Master’s in Management in New York City, IE New York College offers a powerful combination of applied learning, international perspective, and access to one of the world’s most dynamic professional environments.
Through collaborative coursework, industry connections, and the daily energy of New York, students develop the analytical skills, confidence, and global networks needed to pursue ambitious career paths.
“IENYC is preparing me for what comes next by equipping me with strong analytical skills, real-world experience, and a global professional network.”
From Madrid to Manhattan, Maximilian’s journey reflects the spirit of the IENYC Hustle: students who use New York City as the ultimate classroom while building momentum toward their professional goals.
For those ready to challenge themselves and turn global ambition into opportunity, the IE New York College Master’s in Management offers a unique platform to begin that journey.
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