Where did you work before coming to Bucerius?
I worked as an in-house lawyer at Neix, a broker-dealer in Argentina. Prior to that, I was an associate in the capital markets team at Salaverri, Burgio & Wetzler Malbrán, a law firm based in Buenos Aires. I have had the fortune to work at the intersection of law and business since my graduation, so my master’s choice was very easy.
Why did you decide to study in Germany?
I always wanted to have an experience abroad that could combine academic challenges with professional growth. After some research, I decided to study in Germany because the MLB Program seemed very interesting and aligned closely with my professional goals. Even though I did not have a specific country in mind, I was particularly attracted to Europe because of its high quality of life and rich culture.
What makes the MLB Program so special in your opinion?
Since I began studying law, I realized that the language spoken by lawyers is often very different from the language spoken by businesspeople, and vice versa. Later, while working, I realized that many frequent professional challenges come from these differences in problem-solving approaches. Therefore, an interdisciplinary program like the MLB is key for my professional growth.
Once I started classes, I observed that the program´s diversity—both in the nationalities and backgrounds of the students—is its greatest asset. Classroom discussions are enriched and are often complemented by after class conversations over coffee and Franzbrötchen, or beer and pretzels. Depending on the time.
What are the biggest differences between Germany and Argentina?
That’s a tough one. I think the main differences are cultural. Argentina, on the one side, feels more flexible and where people tend to always have time for a spontaneous coffee. Germany, on the other side, is way more structured. So do not be surprised if a German friend tries to book a dinner months in advance.
What’s an experience in Hamburg that is completely new to you?
Hamburg has surprised me in many ways. The start of the MLB Program coincided with summer, and getting to know the city in that context was incredible. The network of canals that connects the city and the opportunity to explore them while rowing was undoubtedly one of the highlights of Hamburg so far.
Additionally, the Bucerius campus is beautiful year-round, but especially in summer, when after each class we had the chance to stay outside, enjoy the sunshine, and get to know our new classmates better.
MEET OUR MLB STUDENTS
Each year people from all over the world come to study the Bucerius Master of Law and Business. In the Meet interviews they tell their stories. Click here to get to know the other students.
ALL PORTRAITS
How do you like living in Hamburg?
I love it, it is my favorite German city so far. It feels organized and clean yet full of life, with very friendly people, something especially valuable in the beginning. It has the perfect balance between being a big and diverse city with plenty of cultural offerings, while still feeling small, with most of the things just 20 minutes away.
You have in worked in compliance - What are your future career plans?
I would like to gain more experience here in Germany. I believe that having experience in compliance and capital markets, combined with what I have learned at Bucerius and the business perspective it offers, gives me a solid base to continue my career in Germany.
What advice would you give to future students coming to Bucerius?
First, learn German. People truly value it when you show genuine interest in learning about their culture, and language is one of the most important aspects of that. That said, I must confess that, so far, not knowing German very well has never been a barrier in my daily life.
Second, take advantage of all the extracurricular activities that the MLB team always offers. I believe some of the best memories I have of the program come from moments or conversations I have had in these occasions. Trips, coffees, company visits—everything is planned, and you can really see the effort they put into making everyone feel comfortable and part of not just a master’s program, but of a group of friends.
JUAN IGNACIO, Thanks for the interview!
