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4 years
Colombia
2026
Male
Score: 325 GRE
GPA: 3.8
Pre-MBA industry: Finance: Investment Banking
Post-MBA industry: Finance: Investment Banking
LBS
Full Time MBA
Full Time MBA
Round 2,
2026
13 days ago
5 Nov 2025 10:11
13 days ago
5 Nov 2025 05:11
Academic:
- Graduated with a Bachelor's in Economics (2021) from one of the top three universities in my country, an institution with a strong alumni presence at London Business School, my target program.
- While my GPA was below average due to personal challenges early on, I significantly improved my performance during the final years, graduating with strength in the fields that shaped my professional path.
- I co-founded my university’s Finance Club, the first of its kind in the country. It quickly became a launchpad for students securing top finance roles and continues to be a key platform for future talent.
Professional:
- I began my career at a New York–based global elite boutique investment bank, one of the top three firms worldwide, where I spent four years in M&A (Analyst and Associate) based in Bogotá.
- Recognized as a top-bucket performer, I was fast-tracked twice, advising on over 4 billion dollars in closed transactions across Latin America.
- Afterward, I co-founded a real estate private equity firm, where I currently lead strategy and fundraising. We are in the process of raising 50 million dollars from institutional investors and family offices, targeting high-quality opportunities across the region.
Rationale for Pursuing an MBA:
- Geographic expansion. Relocating to the United Kingdom is both a personal and professional step to learn, grow, and operate in one of the most sophisticated financial ecosystems in the world.
- Career acceleration. I aim to transition into Private Equity or Investment Banking in London, where I am already in conversation with former colleagues from my previous firm.
- Long-term vision. My ambition is to found an investment firm focused on Latin America, connecting global capital with the region’s most compelling opportunities.
- Graduated with a Bachelor's in Economics (2021) from one of the top three universities in my country, an institution with a strong alumni presence at London Business School, my target program.
- While my GPA was below average due to personal challenges early on, I significantly improved my performance during the final years, graduating with strength in the fields that shaped my professional path.
- I co-founded my university’s Finance Club, the first of its kind in the country. It quickly became a launchpad for students securing top finance roles and continues to be a key platform for future talent.
Professional:
- I began my career at a New York–based global elite boutique investment bank, one of the top three firms worldwide, where I spent four years in M&A (Analyst and Associate) based in Bogotá.
- Recognized as a top-bucket performer, I was fast-tracked twice, advising on over 4 billion dollars in closed transactions across Latin America.
- Afterward, I co-founded a real estate private equity firm, where I currently lead strategy and fundraising. We are in the process of raising 50 million dollars from institutional investors and family offices, targeting high-quality opportunities across the region.
Rationale for Pursuing an MBA:
- Geographic expansion. Relocating to the United Kingdom is both a personal and professional step to learn, grow, and operate in one of the most sophisticated financial ecosystems in the world.
- Career acceleration. I aim to transition into Private Equity or Investment Banking in London, where I am already in conversation with former colleagues from my previous firm.
- Long-term vision. My ambition is to found an investment firm focused on Latin America, connecting global capital with the region’s most compelling opportunities.
How Adcoms might read you:
1) Domain depth & outcomes: Investment banking M&A track record + $4bn advised, quantify your role, responsibilities, and deal outcomes. This signals technical ability, decision-making judgment, and readiness for PE.
2) Operator/GP evidence: Co-founding a PE firm and leading fundraising is huge, showing traction (commitments, lead LPs, term-sheet stage, due diligence wins, or first deals). This differentiates you from pure bankers.
3) Global mobility & London rationale: explain concretely why London (LP base; return to global team) and specify short-term 2-year roles you’ll pursue (associate / vice-associate at a London PE shop or IB role).
4) Academic and test proof: GRE 325 is fine, but LBS will compare your scores to the class. Offset with very strong LORs & examples of quantitative rigor.
Risks:
Signal your PE readiness and the seriousness of your fundraiser. Provide crisp metrics on the PE firm: current AUM target ($50m), existing commitments (names & types of investors if permissible), stage (first close / term sheet/pipeline), any small wins (signed LOIs, preferred shares secured). If LPs are confidential, ask them for permission to anonymize, but state “anchor investor committed” if true. This shows you already operate on the PE side, not just advising deals. Why: LBS values operator/GP evidence, and this makes you stand out vs bankers who only advise.
Sharpen post-MBA plan: Primary pathway: Associate at a London PE or placement into a London bulge/elite bank that funnels into PE. Name target firms or tiers and why you are qualified for them. Back-up pathway: join a London private credit / FO advisory that builds the UK LP / GP network.
In essays, map the concrete steps LBS will enable: PE recruitment channels, career services, clubs (LBS Private Equity & Venture Capital Club), London network, and internships/placement stats.
LORs: A senior banker (MD or Head of region) who can speak to deal with responsibility, judgment, and promotions. Another, either a co-founder/partner in your PE firm who can speak to your leadership/entrepreneurial abilities and fundraising role, or an investor/LP or senior client you’ve worked with who can attest to your credibility.
Post submission. If you attend LBS events (virtual or in-person), send a short 1-2 sentence interest update to the admissions team referencing the event and one concrete insight you gained.
Network with LBS alumni who are currently in London PE/IB teams and alumni from your country (Colombia), use the LBS alumni directory, LinkedIn, and LBS Careers events. Ask two tight questions: (a) What was the most valuable LBS experience that helped you get into London PE? (b) Which clubs, recruiters, or courses should I target while at LBS to land Associate roles in London? Always ask for 1-line advice you can quote in essays. Explicitly reference LBS’s PE & VC club, career treks, and the London market in your “why LBS” essay so adcoms see evidence of research and genuine fit.
Are you open to applying to 1-2 additional schools (INSEAD, Saïd, Cambridge/Judge) to broaden your chances?
This YouTube video with LBS Alumni might give you some insights.
Most of the applicants who worked with Shantanu for the LBS Applications recently received an Interview Invite.
We would love to learn more about your academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experiences, and personal journey so we can offer a more tailored assessment of your profile and evaluate your chances at your target schools more accurately. Feel free to book a profile evaluation session.
Register for our Upcoming ESSAY WORKSHOPS. Craft essays that shine: pick powerful stories, match your goals with each school, and showcase authentic leadership. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond
The workshop will be led by Shantanu, an INSEAD alumnus who has supported many applicants in securing admission from top global schools. Feel free to register for the session by filling out this GOOGLE FORM.