The goal of the Fundación "la Caixa" graduate studies abroad scholarships is to foster the talent of the most outstanding students by furthering their education at the top universities in the world. In this 43rd edition, scholarships were awarded to 100 university students from all over Spain, and Esade alumni Paula Vila, who was admitted to Columbia University to further her education was one of the chosen ones because of her excellence.
After living in Ireland, Paula started her bachelor’s in International Relations at the Blanquerna-URL Faculty of Communication and International Relations in 2016. She earned two scholarships to study abroad one semester at the American University in Washington, D.C. (USA). Vila specialized in Economics and International Development. During this period, she participated in United Nations projects and partnered with a research center. She has been working at Accenture as a consultant since 2020. In 2023, she earned the Empowering Women award, which enabled her to pursue an Executive Master in Finance from Esade. Now, thanks to the Fundación "la Caixa" scholarship, Vila will be able to further her education in the graduate degree in International Relations at Columbia University in New York.
Her career is a testimony to perseverance and excellence, and she is the only Esade student to be awarded this highly prestigious scholarship this year, which was granted to just 100 of the 1,045 applicants. In this interview, we talk about her experience, new challenges, and how her Esade education has prepared her for this new international chapter in her life.
- What did it mean for you to receive the prestigious Fundación "la Caixa" scholarship?
I was so happy! It was recognition of perseverance, a validation of the efforts of a long-distance race, an opportunity to inspire and give back.
- You earned the Esade Executive Master in Finance with a specialization in Blockchain. How do you think this education has prepared you to rise to the challenges and opportunities of today’s finance sector?
Many goals and opportunities can be addressed by negotiating and reaching agreements. The Executive Master in Finance does a great job because it constantly presents us with scenarios where you have to combine your technical knowledge with your social skills. You’re crippled if you only have one of these.
- Your next step is an MPA in International Finances at Columbia University, with a specialization in Quantitative Analysis and Data Analytics. What is driving you to learn more about this field?
I’m fascinated by the vast amount of data that citizens, companies, and governments generate every day. When I was pursuing my bachelor’s in International Relations at Blanquerna (Universitat Ramón Llull), I read that “data are the new oil.” Since then, I’ve been convinced that knowing how to analyze and interpret data is crucial not only for understanding the world but also for transforming it. I want to acquire advanced tools to work with vast amounts of information, extract knowledge, and contribute to more informed and responsible decision-making with our sights set on future generations.
- Could you share with us some of your hypotheses or initial concerns about how this technology may transform the world of finances and especially influence the way economic crises are handled?
I am worried about a scenario in which we once again make decisions – either out of impatience or unconsciously – that we cannot justify.
- You highlight the support of the “Empowering Women” initiative during your master’s at Esade. What role do you think these networks play in professional success?
As Sheryl Sandberg insightfully said in her book Lean In (2013), women often have mentors who guide them, but not always sponsors who go a step further: they put their prestige and influence on the line to help you advance. You have to be prepared, trust yourself, and have the courage to knock at the door.
- You work at Accenture Strategy & Consulting from Switzerland and now you’re going to New York. What are the advantages and challenges of having your professional career in such a dynamic, competitive international setting?
Constantly being surrounded by people who are much more talented and knowledgeable than you is a source of motivation. Like the saying goes, “If you’re the smartest one in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” The main challenge is probably building a sustainable career, that is, one that can last decades without compromising your health. I strongly recommend reading Byung-Chul Han’s essay The Burnout Society.
- What does it mean to you to be a member of Esade Alumni, and how would you rate the support you’ve received from the Association and the international chapters like the one in Zurich?
Even though I live in Geneva, I’ve felt strong support from the Esade Alumni group in Zurich. They hold lots of events, and we all help each other via the WhatsApp group.
- How do you expect this relationship to continue once you’re in New York?
Thanks to the Esade Alumni mentoring program, I’ve met a former Accenture consultant who has been living in New York for many years. I’m really looking forward to meeting her in person and listening to the stories of other members of the New York chapter.
- What key tips would you give Esade students who dream about international opportunities like yours?
First, invest in learning languages and speaking them fluently. Secondly, analyze all the possibilities within your reach, design different strategies, and persist.
- What are your aspirations after you finish your degree at Columbia?
I like to think that in two years I’ll be doing something that I can’t even imagine today. Meantime, as Picasso said, you will “find me working.”
