Originally from Mexico City, Tamara began her working life in hospitality before moving into a career in marketing. And while her work in the Mexican capital was gathering pace, she realised that an MBA would “help her to take things to the next level,” she explains. “I was also interested in moving overseas, and to exploring work opportunities in Europe.”
Choosing CBS – and Copenhagen
Tamara approached her MBA search with a programme-first mindset, exploring options across multiple European countries. “I kind of decided based on the programmes themselves,” she explains, applying wherever she found a strong academic and structural fit.
CBS quickly emerged as her top choice, largely because of how closely it aligned with her goals. “I just trusted that this was the right programme for me,” she says, highlighting the balance between academic breadth and practical application, as well as the international focus and small cohort size.
A key motivation was the desire to move beyond a narrow marketing outlook. “I wanted a broader business perspective… to be able to be in conversations regarding finance or accounting and understand how those areas affect marketing,” she explains.
Structure and fit
The programme’s one-year format also played a practical role, allowing her to minimise time away from the world of work while still gaining a full MBA experience. Equally important was the built-in internship, which she saw as essential. “Having the opportunity to work in the country that you're studying… was definitely so important to me,” she says, both in terms of applying knowledge and building a professional foothold in Europe.
The cohort experience further reinforced her decision. With a smaller class size than most, the CBS programme offered a highly personalised environment where students could build strong relationships and learn from one another. “It was amazing to be able to get to know everybody,” she says, adding that the international structure created both a rich learning experience and a supportive community from day one.
Adapting to life in Denmark
Relocating from Mexico to Denmark required significant planning, and Tamara credits early preparation and support from CBS as key factors in making the transition manageable. “They were super clear in their communication, and helped me to understand everything that I needed to do,” she says.
Once settled, Copenhagen quickly proved to be a strong fit. “It’s a very friendly city… very easy to adapt,” says Tamara. Plus, cycling, clean air and proximity to the water all contribute to what she describes as a healthier way of living. “I move every day by bike… it allows you to have a very healthy lifestyle,” she notes, adding that the city’s culture encourages a different pace and perspective on work and life.
Developing leadership and business fluency
One of the most significant outcomes of the MBA was the development of Tamara’s leadership capability, particularly in a global context. “I think something that really stuck with me is leadership,” Tamara says, reflecting on the programme’s emphasis on teamwork, collaboration and real-world scenarios.
Through group work and diverse team interactions, she gained experience working with people from diverse backgrounds. This was reinforced through practical elements such as a leadership simulator, which provided an opportunity to apply these skills in a more immersive setting. She explains, “working with different people from different backgrounds… really stepped up my skills.”
Alongside leadership, the MBA has also deepened Tamara’s understanding of core business functions. Coming from a marketing background, she found subjects such as finance, accounting and operations particularly valuable. These areas provided context that enabled her to engage in broader discussions and understand how different functions interact. “It gave me a lot of context… and made me feel more comfortable stepping into those conversations,” she says.
From internship to international career
During the programme, Tamara completed a summer internship at Maersk, gaining experience within the globally recognised Danish organisation and strengthening her local professional profile. This experience proved to be an important stepping stone as she transitioned into the Danish job market.
Following graduation, she secured a role at Omnicom Media Group in Copenhagen, joining as a Client Manager and working on media strategy for L’Oréal Nordics. The position represents a clear progression from her previous roles, both in terms of responsibility and strategic involvement.
“The MBA was definitely an element for me to be considered for a senior position,” she says, noting that the qualification helped differentiate her profile and demonstrate readiness for a more advanced role.
In her current position, she acts as a key point of contact for the client while contributing to the development of integrated media strategies across multiple channels, including social media, television and out-of-home campaigns. The pace and complexity of the work have accelerated her development further. “It’s very fun, very fast-paced… I’ve learned a lot,” she says.
A broader perspective on career growth
The MBA has enabled Tamara to move from a specialised role into a more strategic and internationally positioned career, while also embedding her within the Danish professional landscape. The combination of academic learning, internship experience and local exposure created a smoother transition into full-time work.
“The fact that I was already living here… made my starting process way more smooth,” she explains, highlighting how familiarity with the environment and market reduced barriers when entering the workforce.
Looking ahead, she remains focused on continuing her development within the marketing and beauty industry, while staying open to future opportunities that align with her interests. “I’m super open… as long as it stays on this track,” she says.
Advice for future participation
For those considering a similar path, Tamara emphasises the importance of preparation and timing. Starting the process early allowed her to manage the complexities of applying, relocating and settling into a new country in a structured way.
She also highlights the importance of the international environment, both in terms of learning and community. For students moving abroad, having a strong cohort network can make a meaningful difference, both socially and professionally, as they establish themselves in a new market.
Lasting impact
Now settled in Copenhagen, Tamara sees the MBA as a defining step in her career progression. It enabled her to broaden her skill set, strengthen her professional profile and access opportunities that would have been difficult to reach otherwise.
Tamara’s journey from Mexico to Denmark reflects the broader value of the CBS FTMBA: equipping professionals with the skills, perspective and experience needed to operate in global environments, while supporting their transition into new and competitive job markets. For more information, visit: https://efteruddannelse.cbs.dk/en/mba/programmes/full-time-mba