Priscila is a 59-year-old from Rio de Janeiro, with degrees in Economics and Business Administration from PUC-RJ and Missouri State University in the United States. After years working in the Brazilian financial market, she decided to change the course of her career and pursued an MBA in Sports Management at the Real Madrid School, at the Universidad Europea de Madrid. During her studies, she opened her own company and continued investing in her international career.
Are you curious to know what took Priscila to Spain? Read the full story below:
“I wanted to have an experience in Spain, in Europe, at the biggest club in the world, and in a cosmopolitan city. Yes, I considered choosing the country to learn a new language, Spanish, to consolidate this new language that I had already been studying, and I looked into other countries like England, for example, because I spoke English much better than Spanish at the time.”
Gradeup was excellent in showing me options, helping with the selection process, and guiding me through university applications, including cover letters, language tests, and interviews. Furthermore, their networking with universities provides access to important information and contacts. They shorten the path and are experienced in the field. I had to rewrite my letter of intent about three times, for example, and without their guidance, I wouldn’t have known how.
In my financial plan, I had savings set aside for this exchange program.
I also studied economics at PUC in Rio de Janeiro for two years, and I saw how different the educational models are. Specifically in my MBA, I had contact with executives from the sports market, the classes were more practical and less theoretical, with case studies and a strong focus on group work, because, after all, nothing is done alone.
The course was important; you network within the industry and with students in the sports industry. Studying abroad exposes you to a new culture, a different way of communicating, and for me, a new industry: sports. The age contrast in the program was remarkable, with an average age of approximately 28 among the participants. This brought both opportunities and challenges. It’s a stimulating environment, and forming close friendships isn’t easy due to the generational difference, with about 90% of the participants being young men, the same age as my daughter.
My overall assessment was excellent. I also got to live in a city like Madrid, which has a lot of culture, a lot of beauty, a lot of safety; you can walk in the streets, use public transport, and completely step out of your comfort zone, meeting people. And for a year I learned everything I could at the university of the biggest team in the world, Real Madrid Fútbol Club, in addition to other sports. I took two international trips, one to NY (USA) and another to London (UK), the biggest sports markets in the world.
I used my study period to travel and get to know new places, new people, new relationships; it was great. As I said, exchange programs are wonderful for life because you get moving, it’s not just studying, it’s a life experience as a whole.
While still in college, I opened my own company, called Fin Sports Advisory , a sports marketing and finance agency, and I’m currently working there. We are a sports agency with marketing and finance services for B2B and B2C clients, B2-athletes, B2-fans. We develop products, negotiate sponsorships, among other functions. Our approach is based on the “Together we are one” and Full Approach Methodology . www.finsportsadvisory.com
I love working and I love new adventures, and I’m very excited about this new phase. I finished my course with joy, both for graduating and for opening the company. And now, like any new business, it requires a lot of dedication and hard work.
Another challenge, I believe, was genuinely integrating into Spanish society. Avoiding the tendency to limit myself to circles of Brazilian expatriates and truly immersing myself in the local culture is a continuous learning process of stepping outside my comfort zone. I firmly believe that fulfilling the dreams we nurture is fundamental in life. When we have the opportunity to realize them, the experience usually doesn’t disappoint. Although challenges are inevitable, my journey to Spain perfectly exemplifies this search for new experiences at an age where I no longer had any ties, having already taken care of my daughter, my parents who passed away, and being divorced. So, the freedom to literally do whatever I wanted, a feeling of detachment. Reducing my baggage, leaving behind the company of family and friends, the comfort of the “known.”
I’m grateful to the Gradeup team, especially Leonardo Trench, for guiding me! I’m very pleased with what I’ve accomplished and with what’s yet to come. Let’s get to work!”
This is Priscila’s story, who transformed her life and career through international education. If you also want to study abroad, talk to us!