“When I reflect on where I am and what I’m doing at this point in my life, I can’t help but feel amazed.” I’m Sebastián from Chile, and life has surprised me more than I ever imagined.
In 2008, I decided to study industrial engineering at one of the top universities in my country. This was my first real experience with cultural diversity and a broader worldview. I moved from my hometown, Linares, to Valparaiso, joining a university with over 4,000 students. There, I made some of my best friends and had the opportunity to learn from exceptional teachers.
Entering the labor market, I joined a highly competent team with many colleagues who had studied at top global universities. This exposure made me question if I could study abroad one day. However, my education didn’t include decent English instruction, so I challenged myself to learn it. At around age 25, I started reading books in English, translating each page word by word. This might seem late or odd to some, but it was a challenge I had to meet.
In my professional life, I’ve always upheld high standards of performance and integrity. I believe being a good leader, worker, and person are intertwined. Outside of work, I’m passionate about music and sports and cherish good friendships and my family. I’m fortunate to have a close-knit family, great friends, and my love, María, who has supported me throughout this journey.
Why an MBA?
After nine years of working in various roles, leading teams in major companies, and gaining experience in finance, digital transformation, and data analytics, I wanted to take the next step. With English as a tool, María and I decided to seek professional development opportunities abroad. I applied to several universities worldwide for my MBA and, to my surprise, was accepted by all of them. This boosted my confidence and affirmed that I deserved to take the next step.
Choosing the right university wasn’t easy, but IMD stood out. Its focus on leadership, sustainability, digital transformation, and the practical application of knowledge through its “Real Learning, Real Impact” approach resonated with me.
The impact of the program so far
The past five months have been transformative. I’ve learned from great professors like Ralf Boscheck, who offers a global economic perspective; Omar Toulan, who guides strategic decision-making; Florian Hoos, who integrates sustainability and accounting; and Amit Joshi, who provides deep insights into marketing and AI, and many others.
Friendship has been a key pillar. I’ve made very good friends from around the world — Switzerland, Denmark, Colombia, the USA, Sweden, and several other countries. Learning from each other has been an enriching experience.
I have also had the opportunity to share my passions with them, such as traveling, music, and cycling. By the way, Switzerland is one of the best places to cycle in the world.
The impact of the Staton Scholarship
Receiving the Staton Scholarship from IMD was a pivotal moment in my journey. The scholarship provided not only financial support but also a significant confidence boost. It recognized my potential and validated my hard work and determination. The Staton Scholarship has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my MBA without financial stress, enabling me to fully immerse myself in the program and make the most of this incredible opportunity.
IMD is not just an educational institution; it’s a transformative experience. The support and opportunities provided through scholarships like the Staton Scholarship make a significant difference, enabling MBA candidates like me to excel and reach new heights.
