The final session of the autumn term for the inaugural Academic Excellence Programme (PEA) was held on Thursday, 4 December 2014, with a talk on leadership by David Mas, the former Olympic sailing instructor, and the presentations for the Consulting Competition.

During his talk, Mas referred to his many years of experience at the forefront of the Olympic movement and how this taught him the importance of “being a good role model”, as well as the ability to react and make decisions under difficult circumstances. According to Mas, these qualities are among the key characteristics of a true leader. He also emphasized the importance of being humble and learning lessons from others that can help you grow both personally and professionally.

Mas then went on to debunk one of the most common myths about leadership by asserting that leaders are created, not born. He concluded his talk by encouraging the students to dedicate themselves to something they are passionate about. “This will help you begin a virtuous circle of enthusiasm and tenacity, which in turn will make you a leader in your field”, he said.

After the talk by the Olympic sailing instructor, the students presented their projects for the Consulting Competition to a panel made up of four professionals from the academic and business worlds. “The presentations were of high quality and demonstrated an in-depth analysis. They showcased the students’ mastery of the concepts they have learned during their degree programme and in the PEA. The approach was highly practical and realistic”, affirmed Luis Jover, who coordinates and lectures in the programme.  

The session was brought to a close by Jover and Pedro García del Barrio, the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences and a UIC lecturer, who handed over the diplomas to the students completing this inaugural edition of the PEA.

About the PEA

The UIC’s Academic Excellence Programme (PEA), which goes by the specific title of “Bridging University and Business”, is a seminar for the most outstanding students in the second to fourth years of the Business Administration programme. It is run by the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences and is currently in its inaugural edition. 

The programme comprises two modules offered in two semesters of the academic year. Each module has five sessions dedicated to different areas of management that feature distinguished guest speakers from the world of business. Additionally, the students take part each semester in the Consulting Competition, in which they have to form a consultancy group and prepare a response to a specific business-related challenge. At the end of the two modules, the students present their proposals to a panel of experts.