Fortune Magazine is the author of one of the most reproduced lists in the world: top 12 entrepreneurs who have contributed the most to business culture. Although it was published almost a decade ago, the names have not changed: from Steve Jobs to Muhammad Yunus, it lists all those who founded businesses that literally “changed the world as we knew it.” And no name belongs to a woman.
Women’s entrepreneurial activity has increased by 10% in the last two years worldwide, according to the latest data from the Special Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report on female entrepreneurship published by the Observatory of Entrepreneurship. In Spain, the gender gap has been constantly shrinking for a decade, with 55.7% of male entrepreneurs and 44.3% of female entrepreneurs.
Preparing professionals for a dynamic business landscape
At ESIC Business & Marketing School (Spain) we are aware of the moment of constant change in which we live. Things will never be as slow as they have been, the speed of change will increase and with it, the demand on professionals to constantly update their knowledge and skills. The school was born more than 54 years ago to help students face the labour market, being a constant change engine for organisations and society.
In this quest to provide our students with the tools they need to be successful in the labour market, it is essential to develop their critical thinking and encourage independent learning. ESIC was born as the first school of Marketing in Spain, but since its foundation it has grown and broadened its horizons. The school launched programmes such as the Full-time MBA, with the aim of providing the sector with professionals and entrepreneurs whose training is adapted to today's business reality.
We encourage our students to embrace continuous learning which will help them face adverse conditions. We also want them to believe in their own ideas while we support them in our seedbed of entrepreneurs. Perseverance, risk acceptance, nonconformity, realism, reflection, observation, and communication are some of the qualities we encourage in our students. These are the basic tools they need to make their way in the working environment.
Diverse skills for a global career
Combining these soft skills with knowledge in the field of robotics, artificial intelligence or the internet of things is a good way to step into an uncertain future. The mix between interpersonal qualities and know-how of the latest technology is the ultimate preparation for those professions that may not yet exist.
In addition, having an international vision of business helps professionals succeed in their career on a global level. “The diversity of people from various countries and different cultures was a relevant factor in the classroom. Being able to share extraordinary experiences in each country and to contribute different perspectives enriched me on a professional level,” explains Kelly Sierra, an alumna of the programme.
