When Mariana Fajardo enrolled in the Master in Business Event Management, she brought with her years of hands-on experience in hospitality. But what she was looking for wasn’t just a next step – it was a transformation. She dreamed of entering the world of high-impact events like fashion shows and international sports, but she knew that practical experience alone wouldn’t take her all the way.
Fast forward to today, Mariana is the co-founder and CEO of NOI, an event company rooted in creativity, strategy, and people-first experiences. We spoke with her about her journey through the program, what it taught her, and how it helped her rethink her role in the industry.
What was your career path before joining the MBEM?
Before joining the Master in Business Events Management, I was working in the hospitality industry, which allowed me to develop strong skills in customer service and organization. However, I was always drawn to large-scale events, especially fashion shows and sports events such as football games.
What led you to search for a program – and why this one?
I chose to pursue this master’s degree because I wanted to shift my career towards event management, and I believed the program would give me a broader vision of the industry and the tools to enter those more specialized areas. I was also very motivated by the fact that it was based in Barcelona – a beautiful, international city where countless events take place every year. I believed that studying there would open up more opportunities and allow me to connect with a wider network in the industry.
What were you hoping to gain – and did it match your expectations?
I was hoping to learn from professors with solid professional experience, expand my knowledge of how events are planned and executed, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry as a whole. I was also looking forward to building a strong network with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
In the end, the program definitely matched my expectations — it gave me both the theoretical and practical tools I needed, and it also allowed me to grow personally and professionally through real-world projects and international connections.
Was there a turning point during the course when you felt you had grown or evolved professionally?
I don’t think I realized it during the program itself, but the turning point came later, when I had to organize a real event in a city that wasn’t my own. It was in that moment that I truly understood how much I had grown. I had the tools, the confidence, and the strategic mindset to make it happen successfully. That experience made me realize how much the master’s had prepared me for real-world challenges.
How did this MBEM help you rethink your role in the events industry?
I started the program with a specific idea of what I wanted to do and the direction I thought my career would take. But throughout the Master in Business Events Management, I discovered my true potential and began to see new possibilities, especially in how I could apply what I’d learned back in my own city.
It led me to focus on social events, where I found a space to express my creativity, connect with people in a more personal way, and build a business that truly reflects my strengths and passion.
What was the most meaningful connection or conversation you had with other students?
Connecting with people from so many different countries and cultures truly opened my mind to new perspectives and possibilities. Every connection I made during the Master in Business Events Management had value – whether professionally or personally – and I’m still in touch with many of them today.
What would you say to someone who has experience but no formal education in event management?
I would encourage them to give themselves the opportunity to explore the world of events from a theoretical and strategic perspective. They might be surprised by how much there is to learn – from new trends and tools to areas of the industry they may not have considered before.
Formal education can give structure to your experience, broaden your understanding, and open doors you didn’t even know existed.