Ursula Benavides is currently completing her final year of the IESE MBA program. Relying on her experience in banking and networking skills, she was able to gain access to the fintech scene in Europe via Vienna's Easyfeed. She shares her perspectives on how you can follow
What is your background prior to the MBA?
Before the MBA, I was working as a Relationship Manager in Corporate Banking - Santander Peru. I used to manage a portfolio of Peruvian equity-owed companies.
What was your recruitment experience like in first year?
I knew I wanted to do a triple jump: industry, position and geography, and I was also very interested in the Fintech industry. Since I had a background in finance, for me it was a logical step to try it. So early on, I decided I would look for a position related to business development, as I wanted a more strategic role too.
Most recruitment processes in Fintech are unstructured, so I was aware that I would need to do a lot of research and networking on my own. I found the Fintech Trek and talking to second years and alumni in the industry very helpful (being part of the Fintech club helped a lot!).
I used to keep track of the companies that interested me, which contacts I could have in those companies or that could lead me to those companies, when and how to reach out to them.
What was your internship like?
I was working as a Business Developer for a French Fintech Startup based in Vienna. The main task was to help them expand their client base, and open the Spanish market. To do so, I had to work on refreshing the company's marketing material, especially the pitch deck, and propose a model to improve the company's website. At the same time, I worked on strategies to build a funnel that would generate more leads to the company in a sustainable way. By doing so, we were able to schedule several demos with prospect customers and start new business relationships.
Did any first year experiences help you with the internship?
For me, integrating all the knowledge you get during the first year was the most important thing. Of course, some courses were more helpful than others as I was in a strategic and sales position, but insights from all the classes we had and the cases we did were very useful.
In my case, our experience doing presentations during the first year was key, especially the ones made for case competitions, as you need to prepare something that is very informative but attractive at the same time for the end user. That was a very good practice.
What would you advise to the incoming class looking to have a similar experience?
Since the recruitment process is very unstructured, be structured with your own research and networking.
Don't wait too long to start talking to people that are related to the industry in some way and definitely don't be afraid to cold call anyone who you think could be helpful.
If you are not very familiar with the industry, talk to people who are, participate in the activities and events of the Fintech Club. You don't need to attend everything, but be somehow involved.
The information flow in the Whatsapp chat can be very helpful to introduce you in the industry. And most importantly, manage your expectations.
*Extra advice to everyone: if you see a job posting on Symplicity that you are interested it, apply ASAP! Don't wait until the deadlines.