From Iceland to Barcelona: How ESEI Alumni Oliver Darrason Built a Global Marketing Career
Originally from Iceland, Oliver Darrason decided to leave his job in finance and take a leap of faith that would change the course of his life. Moving to Barcelona to study at ESEI International Business School, he found not only a new direction in his career but also an international community that opened doors to opportunities he had never imagined.
Taking a Leap of Faith
After earning his bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from the University of Iceland, Oliver spent a year working as a business manager at an investment bank, overseeing loans for mortgages and cars. After some time, he realised that the financial sector wasn’t where his interests lay.
He chose to move to Barcelona to study at ESEI and further his education. “I decided to step outside my comfort zone and come here as an international student in my early 20s. It felt like the perfect moment to invest in myself and create lasting memories,” he explains.
Oliver chose ESEI’s Master’s in Digital Marketing because he felt the project based learning model was ideal for digital marketing. “It’s project based studying and the learning model is super well suited for digital marketing because you’ve learned all theory before in the bachelor and other studies and then you go more hands on, do projects and stuff like that,” he said.
This approach allowed him to put theory into practice through real projects, while significantly strengthening his public speaking abilities and gaining hands-on experience that extended beyond the classroom.
A Defining Experience: Marketing Manager for TEDxESEI
One of the most significant moments in Oliver’s ESEI journey came when he took on the role of Marketing Manager for the TEDxESEI event. In this position, he led the event’s marketing strategy, content creation, and promotion.
“It was my first real experience in marketing outside the classroom,” Oliver says. “We developed the campaign strategy, created posters, managed content, and promoted the event. It was such a rewarding experience. It was a clear sign that I was exactly where I was meant to be.”
What he didn’t expect was that this university project would directly lead him to his current job.
“After the event, I met someone from the audience. She asked about my plans after graduation, and I told her I was looking for a marketing job. She said she knew someone at a company called Teleperformance and connected us. I applied for a few positions there, and that’s how I got my job. If I hadn’t joined TEDxESEI, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Building a Career in Barcelona
Today, Oliver works as an Account Strategist for Google Ads through Teleperformance, one of Google’s partner consulting companies based in Barcelona. Impressively, he was promoted just two months after starting.
“Working here has been a huge learning experience,” he says. “Living and working in Barcelona is very different from being a student here, but I’m embracing every challenge and growing every day.”
“The Best Year of My Life”
Reflecting on his time in Barcelona, Oliver describes his year at ESEI as the best of his life. “To be honest, living and studying in Barcelona has been incredible—it really feels like the best year of my life”, he says.
Beyond the academic experience, what stood out most to Oliver was the social and international network he built. “Be active socially and make the most of every opportunity,” he advises. “You’re not just here for the education—you’re also here for the connections. Now I have friends all over the world, and it’s opened so many doors for me.”
By connecting with students from all over the world, he gained not only personal growth but also valuable opportunities. “Getting involved in events like the university’s TEDx talk was a huge factor in landing my job,” he shares, showing how his network directly helped launch his career.”
For Oliver, ESEI represented more than just marketing studies—it was an experience of personal growth, connection, and building a global network that still enriches his life today.
Advice for Future ESEI Students
When asked what advice he would give future international students, Oliver says, “Again, be as active as you can socially. Get involved in everything the university offers. You’re not just here for the education—you’re here for the network and the experiences. Those are the things that can truly change your life.”
For Oliver, saying “yes” to opportunities like TEDxESEI defined his path. It turned a school project into the foundation of a professional career and a life he loves.
Looking Ahead
Oliver’s goal is to continue growing in marketing, with aspirations to one day become a Marketing Manager. Whether his journey takes him back to Iceland or keeps him in Barcelona, his time at ESEI will always remain the turning point.
“I see this time as an investment, not just in my education, but in myself,” he reflects. “ESEI gave me the space to grow, connect, and discover what I truly want to do.”
Explore ESEI’s Programmes
👉If you’re considering starting your own journey in Barcelona, explore ESEI’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and see how we can support you as you settle into life here.
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