How a state-of-the-art campus improves your university experience

Sponsored by IE University 

When considering where to study, it’s important to look beyond the course content and also consider the facilities at a university. After all, you’ll be spending the majority of your time on campus, so a positive study environment is essential. 

The best universities in the world recognise this, and invest significantly in providing state-of-the-art, innovative campuses to help benefit their students. At IE University, this investment has led to the opening of the IE Tower, an innovative, high-tech building in the centre of Madrid’s financial district.  

Its location provides a gateway for students to some of the biggest global employers, while the classrooms within the IE Tower are equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure the best possible study environment. To learn more about what it’s like to study in the IE Tower, we spoke to BBA student Gagi Eritsyan, who has also been heavily involved in extracurricular activities at IE University. 

What initially attracted you to studying at IE? 

After learning about the university from a friend, my initial attraction to studying at IE University and pursuing a business administration programme was two-fold. Firstly, I was drawn to the university's reputation for academic excellence and innovation. IE University is known for its rigorous academic curriculum and commitment to providing a forward-thinking education that prepares students for the challenges of the modern business world.  

This reputation aligned perfectly with my aspiration to receive a high-quality education in the field of business administration while being offered numerous opportunities for the practical development of business skills thanks to IE’s curriculum, exchange and internship opportunities, as well as in-school projects with leading global companies. 

What has been your experience of studying in Madrid? 

My answer to this question reflects on the second part of my answer to why I chose IE University; the location played a significant role in my decision. Madrid is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, known for its rich culture, diverse business environment and entrepreneurial spirit.  

Being able to study in such a dynamic setting with countless opportunities for networking, internships and cultural experiences was a major factor in choosing IE University. Besides academics, Madrid is arguably the best city for nightlife and gastronomy, making student life that much more enjoyable.    

What are your favourite aspects of studying at the IE Tower? 

Studying at the IE Tower is a fantastic experience, and my favourite aspects include its innovative features and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The open and spacious classrooms, panoramic views and incorporation of technology enhance my learning environment.  

The use of cutting-edge audiovisual equipment, interactive whiteboards and digital learning platforms foster dynamic and engaging classroom experiences. The library resources and research facilities provide access to extensive academic materials, supporting research and collaboration.  

IE prides itself on innovation and always opens doors for students to interact and be a part of building a comfortable student experience. One such example is the new classes that are being held utilising mixed reality headsets, where possibilities are quite literally endless.  

Furthermore, the commercial area below the tower makes it a lively and captivating hub for socialising with friends in a sprawling selection of cafes, restaurants, shops, movie theatres and more.  

Overall, the IE Tower's innovative features have greatly aided my studies and created an inspiring atmosphere for personal and academic success. 

What’s the most interesting aspect of studying at the IE Tower? 

My favourite aspect of studying at the IE Tower is the unique experience. Not many universities can offer both high-level teaching and a campus that is beloved by students and commuting to classes in the Cuatro Torres Business Area in Madrid, where the IE Tower stands tall, is an experience on its own.  

Surrounded by other skyscrapers full of offices from the world’s biggest companies, IE University’s modern tower seamlessly blends into the corporate skyline of world-class company offices and workspaces.    

What inspired you to get involved with some of the extracurricular activities at IE? 

Overall, what inspired me to get involved with these clubs and events was the chance to immerse myself in areas of interest, expand my knowledge and network, and connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion.  

These experiences have not only complemented my academic journey but have also sparked my entrepreneurial spirit and provided me with invaluable insights and connections for future endeavours.   

I joined the TechIE conference as head of the marketing department due to my passion for technology and its societal impact. It brings together thought leaders and innovators, providing a platform for exploring emerging trends and engaging in meaningful discussions.  

The conference keeps me updated on advancements, connects me with industry professionals and offers valuable insights into the tech world.  

Joining the IE Intellectual Property Club was a natural choice as I recognised the importance of intellectual property across industries. Through workshops, seminars and networking events, the club deepens understanding of intellectual property rights and their role in innovation and entrepreneurship. 

In the Marketing Club’s events department, I delved into various marketing strategies, consumer behaviour and industry trends. Workshops, guest lectures and case competitions enhance my marketing knowledge and practical skills while keeping me updated on the latest practices. 

Joining the IE Google Developer Students Club aligns with my passion for technology and innovation. It promotes knowledge of Google technologies like app development, machine learning and cloud computing. Workshops, coding challenges and hackathons offer opportunities to explore new technologies, collaborate with peers and develop practical skills.    

What have been the highlights of your involvement with the student clubs? 

The various clubs I have been involved with were all unforgettable experiences and remain something that I plan to continue pursuing in future semesters.  

The biggest highlight, other than the various events we had organised, and the wonderful communities we helped foster, has to be working with teams of such amazing individuals. Teamwork is truly one of the most prominent pillars in the IE community, and working with such diverse groups of people has helped me infinitely foster strong bonds and create connections I otherwise would not have been able to.  

Each step of the student club journey has taught me valuable lessons and life skills which I can implement in my personal and professional aspirations.  

Tell us a bit about HIVE and what led to its creation. 

Standing for ‘Highly Immersive Virtual Enterprise’, HIVE aims to introduce the IE student body to a rapidly growing platform, supported by a sphere of event spaces, galleries and connection zones.  

HIVE was born during my time with TechIE. I had always wanted to pursue a personal project that would test my skills in project management, leadership, creativity and technology, all while delivering value to the student community.  

Having learned about IE University’s investments in the virtual reality and mixed reality world, I thought that it would be a wonderful opportunity to create a project which would offer the student body a means of interacting with the virtual space and becoming accustomed to VR headset usage and metaspace architecture.  

Moreover, I wanted to create a platform that would unite the extensive number of student clubs and student-led projects by offering a unified platform for the student experience. Throughout the launch and progress of HIVE, each one of the carefully curated courses I had taken helped smooth the process.  

Building the HIVE truly showed me why the BBA degree is highly regarded for its versatility, practicality, and relevance in the business world, providing students with a comprehensive foundation and valuable skills for success in various industries.  

Besides the material taught in class, I also found extracurricular experiences and other pillars such as creativity, teamwork, community and diverse innovation to be crucial steps in forming what I hope will be a new standard for virtual interaction among students of IE and beyond.