B-UIC 17

Be UIC-Alumni
Interview with...
Clara
Usandizaga
Alumni Bachelor’s Degree
in Business Administration and Management
(English Programme)
Graduating class of 2019
Clara studied the Bachelor’s Degree in ADE English Programme and was third in her graduating class.
In 2019, she received the Prize for the Best University Curriculum awarded by the Catalan College of
Economists. She currently works as an Associate at McKinsey, where she joined in 2021 as a Business
Analyst. She has just been admitted to Yale University to pursue an MBA.
By Cristina Prats
— Who is Clara Usandizaga?
I’m Peli’s and Fina’s daughter and Claudia’s sister; I
think that’s what defines me the most!
I studied the ADE English Programme at the
UIC Barcelona. I started my professional career in
the fashion industry in Barcelona. Today, I live in
Madrid where I work in strategic consulting, and
this summer I will be moving to the United States to
study an MBA at Yale University.
— You have just been accepted at Yale. What
was the process like and how did the
opportunity come about?
Yes, and I am excited! It has been a long and
demanding process, lots of reflection, studying
and exam preparation, paperwork, mentoring and
advice.
As part of my professional development, McKinsey
has given me the opportunity to continue my
studies by pursuing an MBA. It is a unique
opportunity and I feel extremely grateful to be able
to enjoy it. I have always had in mind pursuing an
MBA, but honestly this opportunity exceeds all my
expectations.
— How would you describe your time at
UIC Barcelona and how did it influence your
personal and professional career?
Very, very positive! I was extremely happy during
my years in college, and UIC Barcelona helped me
grow in values and provided me with a great
foundation to begin my professional career. I
believe there is great balance between the
academic and personal development opportunities
offered at UIC Barcelona, which are crucial for the
professional world. I would not be where I am
today without the education I received.
— What values do you think the university has
given you and how are they reflected in your
daily work?
I would highlight five things that made an impact on
me: learning to value the small things, always doing
things to the best of one’s ability, making that extra
effort, empathizing with those around us, and
stopping from time to time to see where you are
going and allow yourself to reflect on whether you’re
in the right path for you. I try to apply these in my daily
life, both at work and at home.
I see daily work as a long-distance race. It occupies a
large part of our lives, and I think it is crucial to be
satisfied with what you are doing throughout the long
hours you dedicate to your work. I have seen how the
values that the UIC transmits help a lot in that aspect.
Another thing I learned at the UIC, which I have come
to find very relevant in my life, is the importance of
surrounding yourself with people you admire, from
whom you can learn, and whom you can trust.
— What memories do you have from your time
at the university? (A subject, a teacher, an
anecdote…)
Undoubtedly the best part of studying at UIC are
the friends I made and keep as of today. I met some
of my best friends in college, and we truly have a
special group!
36 — B-UIC