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FROM LBS Admissions Blog: LondonLAB: Masters in Analytics & Management |
By Marisa Reventos, Senior Manager – Experiential Learning LondonLAB is a 10-week consulting style project designed to help an organisation address a current analytical business challenge. This is a faculty-led, experiential course that allows Masters in Analytics and Management (MAM) students to engage in a live project and tackle a business challenge for leading companies in London. Students apply the learning from their core courses to develop solutions that have real-world impact. Marco Laube (MAM2021) shares his experience of participating in LondonLAB. The Client Eleven of my classmates and I had the chance to work with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Since its inception in 1991, the EBRD has invested almost €150 billion in a total of more than 6,000 projects. The bank is committed to championing progress towards market-oriented economies and the promotion of private and entrepreneurial initiative. It was extremely rewarding to work with a client with such a significant impact on the lives of millions of people. I was particularly intrigued by the bank’s commitment to promoting environmentally sound and sustainable development. The Business Challenge As a multilateral development bank, the EBRD has over 60 offices in more than 40 countries. This results in a mobile and diverse workforce. Therefore, the client sought to understand how mobility and geographical location have affected the careers of employees; and if there are characteristics of individual persons or organisational units that could explain different levels of geographical mobility or career progression. To answer these questions, we were provided with a dataset containing anonymised information on more than 6,500 employees covering a period of 5 years. The Setup From the very beginning, we students were in full charge of the project. This included scheduling the meetings with the client, scoping and structuring the project, and defining roles and responsibilities within the team. We were organised into two groups of 6 students, with each team working on the same research question from a different perspective. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, team members were spread around the world and across different time zones. Consequently, one of the biggest challenges and a great learning was managing and motivating a global team in a fast-paced, dynamic, and virtual environment. What adds to this is that group members had diverse backgrounds with unique skillsets. Thanks to our core course on Performing in Organisations, we were able to leverage this fact and maximise the quality of our work and the impact on our client. The Data Science Life Cycle By far, the best part of LondonLAB is to tackle a real-world problem and to have the chance to execute the entire “Data Science Life Cycle”. You really get a flavour of how it is to work as a data scientist. Phase 1: Business Understanding We started by gaining a deep understanding of the business case and had intensive talks with the client. This was of utmost importance, as our project required a careful definition of the objects of analysis. As an example, we had to agree on how to measure “career progression” and how to aggregate this for multiple employees and years. Only when you truly understand the business challenge and know what to analyse can you proceed to the next phase! Phase 2: Data Preparation Working on a real-world-problem means working with real-world data. This in turn means that a significant amount of time is needed to make sense of the data and to clean it. We had to join multiple datasets, impute missing values with custom-made algorithms, normalise attributes, and engineer new features. You know what they say: “Data scientists spend 80% of their time cleaning and manipulating data and only 20% actually analysing it” – well, it’s true! Phase 3: Exploratory Data Analysis Intertwined with phase 2 was the exploratory analysis of our data. We created over 200 graphs and tables to get to know the data and facilitate the modelling process. This was a vital step as it enabled us to discover and fix systematic data errors that had occurred during the export of the data from the client’s systems and would have otherwise distorted our results. Phase 4: Modelling We built over 70 statistical models and were able to apply the whole range of tools and techniques that we had been taught in core courses such as Applied Statistics, Data Science for Business, and Machine Learning for Big Data. We were thrilled to be supported by our professor Francesca Franco, who provided invaluable inspiration and helped us shape the path ahead. There was always a need to adapt to new findings as new additional avenues for further investigation evolved. The project was highly dynamic, and we had to prioritise different actions and analyses. This is also why we were in regular contact with the client and the other team to keep aligned. Phase 5: Explanation and Visualisation The ultimate goal was to provide insightful analyses and help the client to gain new perspectives. For this, we had to present our findings in a clear way, taking into account the audience’s background. Therefore, we produced various graphs visualising our results, ranging from world maps and alluvial diagrams to well-known bar charts. The Insights It was amazing to see how much work both teams had put into the project, with the final results exceeding the client’s expectations by far. While we found that there are stark differences in the levels of employee mobility within the organisation, both teams came to the conclusion that this is not due to structural inequalities, but can be explained by the growth of certain divisions and office locations. That is, the EBRD offers equal opportunities across the organisational structure and no systematic discrimination is happening with regards to career progression. This is an invaluable insight that will inform future decisions across the whole human resources department. Some of the slides were directly used by the People Analytics Team in a presentation to the board of the bank. All in all, LondonLAB was a transformative experience, with the opportunity to apply all our knowledge and learned skills in one big project, having a real-world impact! The post LondonLAB: Masters in Analytics & Management appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Masters in Finance: How to submit a strong early application |
[b]By [url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-tait-499781180/]Charlotte Tait[/url], MiF Student Recruitment Associate[/b] Applications for the [b][url=https://www.london.edu/campaigns/masters-degrees/masters-in-finance]Masters in Finance (MiF)[/url][/b] programme starting in August 2022 are open! As our first application deadline on Tuesday 28th September is fast approaching, we wanted to guide you through how to submit a strong, early application. Applications are highly competitive in the later rounds, therefore we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. This also increases your chances of being considered for our [b][url=https://www.london.edu/masters-degrees/masters-in-finance-full-time/fees-financing-and-scholarships]scholarships[/url][/b]. Please see all application deadlines for our 2022 cohort [b][url=https://www.london.edu/masters-degrees/masters-in-finance-full-time/apply#Application-deadlines]here[/url][/b][url=https://www.london.edu/masters-degrees/masters-in-finance-full-time/apply#Application-deadlines].[/url] The most important thing before starting your application, is to do your research: [list][*]Get a thorough understanding of the MiF by visiting our website and [b][url=https://www.london.edu/download-a-brochure?itemId=557e20b2-4bd4-4140-9270-3831b8753123&servicePageReferer=557e20b2-4bd4-4140-9270-3831b8753123]downloading our brochure[/url][/b][url=https://www.london.edu/download-a-brochure?itemId=557e20b2-4bd4-4140-9270-3831b8753123&servicePageReferer=557e20b2-4bd4-4140-9270-3831b8753123].[/url] [/*][*]Learn more about the student body and career impact by downloading our [b][url=https://www.london.edu/-/media/files_2019/programmes/mif/mif_employment_report.pdf?la=en]employment report[/url][/b]. [/*][*]Develop your awareness of the MiF student experience by speaking to our [b][url=https://www.london.edu/masters-degrees/student-alumni-and-ambassadors#sort=%40profilesurname%20ascending]Current Students, Ambassadors and Alumni[/url][/b]. [/*][*]Have your questions answered live during one of our many [b][url=https://www.london.edu/events/calendar#sort=%40eventstarts%20ascending]events[/url][/b].[/*][/list] We in the MiF Recruitment Team also help and support you across the research and applying stages. You can [b][url=https://www.london.edu/submit-cv?itemId=557e20b2-4bd4-4140-9270-3831b8753123&servicepagereferer=557e20b2-4bd4-4140-9270-3831b8753123]submit your profile for review[/url][/b], and we will informally assess your eligibility for the programme. We also host one-to-one consultations, where we answer your questions and provide you with tailored application support. Once you have completed your research, the next step is to [b][url=https://www.london.edu/apply?programmeApplyOnlineParameterValue=5&apply=true&itemId=557e20b2-4bd4-4140-9270-3831b8753123&servicePageReferer=557e20b2-4bd4-4140-9270-3831b8753123]start your application[/url][/b][url=https://www.london.edu/apply?programmeApplyOnlineParameterValue=5&apply=true&itemId=557e20b2-4bd4-4140-9270-3831b8753123&servicePageReferer=557e20b2-4bd4-4140-9270-3831b8753123].[/url] You will be required to fill out our online application form, which involves submitting a GMAT or GRE score, two essay questions, a one page CV, your academic transcripts and a professional reference. Applications are reviewed holistically, therefore all aspects of your application are measured equally by the MiF Admissions Committee. Below is an explanation of the individual application requirements in more detail. [b]GMAT/GRE[/b] So we can assess your quantitative ability to ensure you can keep up with the rigor of the programme, we require a GMAT or GRE score. We have no preference between GMAT or GRE. A strong GMAT score is 650 or above, and for GRE we look for around 160 in the quantitative section, and 155 in the verbal section. You can also submit your application in advance of GMAT or GRE as we do make conditional offers. For a small number of candidates, we waive the GMAT/GRE requirement. If you have cleared CFA Level II then you will automatically receive a GMAT/GRE waiver. We also grant GMAT/GRE waivers to candidates with strong grades at undergraduate and postgraduate level, especially those who have studied quantitative subjects, and who have outstanding professional finance work experience. Professional qualifications like CFA Level I, FRM, CPA and ACCA will increase your chances of getting a waiver. To apply for a GMAT/GRE waiver, please share your CV and your undergraduate and postgraduate transcripts with us at [b][email=mif@london.edu]mif@london.edu[/email][/b]. [b]Two essay questions[/b] Our two essay questions are focused on why you are interested in studying the Masters in Finance at LBS, and how will you will contribute to our community. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer. Use the essays to tell us your story, and to highlight your personality. Demonstrate your leadership potential, your global mind-set, and showcase your academic capabilities. [b]CV and transcripts[/b] You must include a one page CV[b][url=https://www.london.edu/-/media/files/programme-files/master-courses/mif/cv-template-and-notes_mif_apply.docx?la=en]in our recommended CV template[/url][/b] and your academic transcripts. We require transcripts from your undergraduate and any postgraduate degrees. If your transcripts are not in English, they will need to be translated. [b]References[/b] We require one reference from you, and this should ideally be professional i.e. by someone you have worked closely with and who know you very well. The seniority of your referee does not matter as much as the quality of your reference. Please note that your reference needs to be submitted before we can start reviewing your application. You should give your referee sufficient time to prepare and submit the reference, and spend time explaining your motivations to them, so that they can complete the reference thoroughly. Once you have submitted your application, the Admissions team will inform you about whether you have been selected for interview or not. Interviews are conducted by our Alumni. For a deeper insight into the interview stage, take a look at our blog[b][url=https://admissionsblog.london.edu/interviewing-for-the-mif-everything-you-need-to-know/]here[/url][/b][url=https://admissionsblog.london.edu/interviewing-for-the-mif-everything-you-need-to-know/]. [/url] If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us at [b][email=mif@london.edu]mif@london.edu[/email][/b] Best of luck with your application! The post [url=https://admissionsblog.london.edu/masters-in-finance-how-to-submit-a-strong-early-application-2/]Masters in Finance: How to submit a strong early application[/url] appeared first on [url=https://admissionsblog.london.edu]Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School[/url]. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: August Recruitment Events |
Considering applying to one of our programmes? Interested in finding out more about the LBS experience? We have a whole host of events this month, all happening virtually, to give you some insight into studying at London Business School. All events are being held online. UKDateMBA Overview06/08/2021Q&A with the Early Career Recruitment and Admissions Team10/08/2021Executive MBA Overview with Alumni Q&A10/08/2021MBA Overview13/08/2021MBA Open Day14/08/2021Relocating to London for the Sloan MSc programme17/08/2021Forte MBA Forum (focus on FT MBA)19/08/2021MBA Overview20/08/2021Q&A with the Early Career Recruitment and Admissions Team24/08/2021MBA Overview27/08/2021Middle EastEMBA Dubai Admissions Coffee Chat03/08/2021 The post August Recruitment Events appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Lucia Donnangelo, MBA2022 |
![]() Why did I choose LBS? It is not easy to briefly explain this decision but I would say there were 5 leading factors: LBS’ student body (my classmates), a city full of opportunities, compelling courses offer and a flexible structure, LBS’ sense of community and unparalleled extracurricular opportunities. LBS’ students diversity was one of the most important reasons for my decision. After the first term of my MBA, I am impressed by the diversity of backgrounds, professional experiences and countries that you can find at LBS. Listening to other’s points of view, learnings and stories are extremely inspiring and one of the biggest values of the LBS MBA. What makes it even better is that everyone is incredibly proactive and willing to help. One of many examples is how we began to meet and help each other even before the MBA started. In light of COVID, about four months before starting the programme, we organised small regular virtual meetings to share our stories, sector-specific presentations to share career insights and help those who were aiming to transition into new fields, and we even coordinated virtual yoga and gym classes to survive lockdown all together. A collaborative student culture was a crucial aspect for me and I was able to see this in my first visit to LBS, as an admit. During the visit, I was fortunate to meet two student ambassadors that guided me around the school and explained every detail about academics, careers, clubs and more. I still see this culture in my day-to-day at LBS, not only with my cohort but also with alumni and second-year students that are always ready to give their advice. London also contributed to my decision of why LBS. Undoubtedly this city and its eclectic nature are bound to make an MBA experience even more meaningful. LBS is embedded in one of the most important, dynamic, and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Likewise, one of the world’s tech and financial hubs, two sectors that I am especially interested in. The mix of LBS and London offers great opportunities. Opportunities to explore different internships and projects, interact with prestigious speakers and acclaimed professors, and get to know a big part of the alumni community. On a personal level, I am thrilled to live in a vibrant city that is home to amazing cultural and art expressions, enormous green parks, historical spots, diverse cultures, varied neighbourhoods and restaurants. I will need more than two years to discover it all! My third reason was LBS’ MBA structure and courses offer. When analysing different options I saw that LBS gave me a great opportunity to hone my technical and leadership skills as well as tailor my studies. A flexible programme and compelling curriculum with specific concentration electives were exactly what I was looking for at this stage of my career. After studying economics, working 3 years in Uruguay’s top think tank performing data analysis and macroeconomic research and 2 years as Policy Director of a presidential campaign, LBS’ Tech and Analytics concentration offered the courses that I needed to expand my skillset and shift my career into the tech and fintech space. I am looking forward to taking courses such as Business Analytics, Elements of Machine Learning for Businesses, Financial Analytics, Python for Finance, Product Management and many more. LBS’ community was my fourth reason. As someone who loves sharing and being surrounded by people, I deeply identified with the strong sense of community conveyed by all members of the school (students, staff, professors, world-class researchers, experienced career coaches and alumni) This was particularly important to me when I thought about moving to London —such a dynamic, diverse, fast-paced city— and it is even more relevant in this challenging time that exposes us to greater levels of uncertainty, virtual interaction, enormous opportunity, and a call for unity. At this point I would like to specially mention how useful the resources and sessions of Career Central are. From improving my CV in my first week of MBA to helping me find companies that match my personal and professional goals, this team has guided me with a varied range of activities and they have definitely been crucial for my career journey so far. Last but definitely not least, LBS offers considerable extracurricular opportunities to make the most out of these two years. Hands-on learning experiences such as the GBE or London CAP, innumerable clubs, and the extraordinary offer of conferences and events made the programme even more attractive. One thing that I have learned in my first term and has definitely surprised me is the huge offer of activities that LBS has. Once you arrive you realise that there are innumerable courses that you want to enrol at, incredible events organised by student-led clubs, frequent career coaching sessions that guide your exploring and recruiting process, and all this together with many different social events with more than 500 people to meet. It is impossible to get bored and I am sure that we will all end up being time management experts. My advice for prospective students looking to study their MBA at LBS would be to take the application process seriously and use that moment to genuinely think about your future career plans are. With that in mind, once you arrive at LBS you are ready to get the most out of the experience. Also, I would recommend prospective students to find an opportunity to speak with current students and alumni since it is the best way to truly understand a university’s culture. In my case, these types of conversations helped me to realise that LBS was my top choice. I received the BK Birla Scholarship, which is a true honour for me. This scholarship has been crucial in my decision to embark on this journey and I am thankful for the opportunity. And finally, a fun fact about me. When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a professional dancer and at the age of 15, I co-founded a dance academy together with my best friend. The post Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Lucia Donnangelo, MBA2022 appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Tiffanie Sutanto, MBA2021 |
By Tiffanie Sutanto, MBA2021Indonesian![]() I have always wanted to experience living in the UK, especially in London with everything that the city has to offer. Yet, LBS stood out for me for the strong brand that the school has earned over the years and the diverse student body. One of the main reasons for me to go for the LBS MBA was to build a network of strong friendships, I knew that being part of LBS would allow me to meet and work with a broad range of people from different nationalities with varying levels of experience. Fast forward to two years later, I would say that my experience indeed has exceeded my expectations! I was blessed to be part of a community of intelligent, thoughtful and career-driven individuals who are also incredibly supportive of each other especially during tough times. LBS’ diverse student body allows us to learn from each other’s journey. As one of only four Indonesians in the cohort, I had the opportunity to share the complexities of Indonesia and Southeast Asia market and add a different perspective during class discussions. The global nature of the cohort also opened professional opportunities for students who want to explore a career in a region that is unfamiliar to them. We helped each other by connecting our peers with our contacts in the region for career opportunities. During the programme, I had the opportunity to attend multiple Women in Business club events. However, the one that stood out was the EQUALL conference. Albeit the virtual format, the team did a fantastic job in engaging great speakers and selecting interesting content. The theme of this year’s conference was “Flattening the (gender) curve”, an issue that was further exacerbated by the pandemic. The conference discussed how the pandemic is affecting women’s careers and explored the discrimination that also happened towards men. The issue of gender gap was something that was not widely discussed back in Indonesia. Having this discussion helped me realise how gender gap is still an issue in many parts of the world, including the Indonesian culture. One thing that I have learned about LBS that has surprised me is the flexibility of the programme! When I decided to do my MBA, my ambitions were not necessarily to shift careers, but to make room for personal and professional exploration. I followed my curiosities and explored a diverse set of interests during the two years. In my first year, I did a part-time internship with a fintech start-up, which aims to close the gender pay gap. Then, in my second year, I did another part-time internship with British Red Cross and an exchange at Chicago Booth School of Business. Besides professional exploration, I also did some personal exploration by taking the elective classes that I was interested in and getting involved in various projects that the school offered. I came into LBS, nervous about my ability to participate in class discussions and I questioned how I would contribute to the community. In Indonesia, no one really asks difficult questions to their teachers in class, and disagreeing publicly with someone more senior is often frowned upon. I was very intimidated at the beginning of the programme; I was afraid to speak my thoughts during class discussions and I would always hesitate when it came to leading a discussion. Throughout the programme, I tried to challenge myself and participate in multiple different activities – taking a role as MBA Student Ambassador, working with various industries, joining an Improv class, and taking a leadership position in one of LBS’ clubs. By actively participating in numerous activities, I was becoming more comfortable in speaking with people from different backgrounds and in doing so, I learned how to disagree professionally. When I needed to respond to a topic that was new to me, I learned that it was okay to acknowledge that I may not have the full information, but I still managed to share a valid perspective based on the information that was available to me. Prior to joining LBS, I was most excited about the trips! Before my MBA, I travelled mostly to countries in Asia and Oceania. London is conveniently located and is a travel hub to countries in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. The opportunity to tailor our own schedule also allowed me to go on multiple trips during the MBA. From exploring Paris at night, to visiting the palaces and gardens in Marrakesh, going down the slopes of Val Thorens, driving through Geneva, walking down the city of Lisbon and Dubrovnik, and enjoying the sunshine on the beaches of Greece and Spain, I have had the chance to make some lifelong friendships and explore new cultures that I wouldn’t be exposed to otherwise. I have always wanted to pursue an MBA, but I knew that the programme needed significant investment. Hence, I am very grateful for the LBS scholarship that helped me to finance my study. The scholarship gave me the flexibility to decide how best to spend the two years of my MBA and contributed to any career decisions following graduation. It allowed me the privilege of accepting an offer with companies that I was interested in working with and allowed me to go for an exchange in my second year without worrying too much about having to do part-time work. I am extremely grateful that I was able to learn and develop myself while being able to make the most out of these two years and get ready for my next opportunity. The post Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Tiffanie Sutanto, MBA2021 appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Kemi Badru, MBA2021 |
By Kemi Badru, MBA2021 British/Nigerian ![]() Transitioning to a new career was my primary motive for attending business school, so I wanted to study at a world class institution, well regarded by employers and professionals, with a strong employment track record. I knew how critical my classmates would be in shaping my MBA experience, so I was determined to study at an international school with diverse, high-calibre, intelligent peers with global exposure and prior leadership experience. LBS ticked all the boxes, and it was in my home city of London. Growing up in London I know the vast potential the cosmopolitan city has to offer, and I knew that a prestigious school like LBS would help me unlock additional opportunities. What endeared me to LBS was its alumni community and the student ambassadors I interacted with. They were exceptionally brilliant, extremely helpful and very genuine. The humanity of the LBS community was the decisive factor in me choosing the school. I believe that I bring a unique perspective to the LBS community; my experience growing up in London as the child of immigrants and forging a career in financial services services has informed my worldviews and leadership style. I strongly believe that business can be a force for good, that responsible business leaders can still run profitable enterprises while considering the needs of all stakeholders. These perspectives have broadened classroom discussions and hopefully enhanced my understanding and that of my fellow classmates. My desire to further hone leadership skills gained at work and in voluntary capacities encouraged me to take on leadership roles in the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club and The Infrastructure & Construction Club where I was Co-President. I was able to recruit and train committee members, ensuring that they not only fulfilled their club responsibilities but also achieved their business school goals. It has been extremely fulfilling seeing committee members obtain their dream internships, and international exchange programmes. I have attended multiple Women in Business (WiB) events including their flagship Equall conference in 2019, 2020 and 2021. WiB events, particularly the conference are really to be experienced. I leave every event inspired and reassured. Reassured because I see women, ambitious and driven like me, unapologetically chase their dreams and torpedo through ceilings and limitations. Inspired because I have heard from pioneering female leaders who have forced themselves into spaces and positions not designed for them but have shaped these roles to ensure that many more women can occupy the positions after them. The WiB network is a great community for supporting female leaders and educating the next generation of male allies. I have learnt two main things over the last 21 months that have surprised me about LBS: In particular, I continue to marvel at how much the school is shaped by student-led initiatives. Before joining LBS there were limited tech and analytics electives, however, a classmate Giri Kesvan worked with the programme office to create new electives including a whole tech and analytics elective. Furthermore, following the callous murder of George Floyd in the USA and the outpouring of anti-racism protests that broke out across the world in 2020, two classmates, Tabria Lenard and Cole Agbede founded the Black in Business Club and worked with faculty to improve racial diversity and inclusion at the school. A number of my most memorable events during the MBA, the Snow Trek (an annual ski trip), Tattoo, club conferences and countless socials have been organised and executed by the student body. The level of student engagement and commitment continues to amaze me and serve as a poignant reminder of the calibre of leadership talent at the school. Given the competitive nature of business schools globally, it was a surprise to find just how collaborative the LBS culture is. Sharing and exchanging ideas remain at the heart of the LBS community. At LBS, it is very normal to prepare for interviews with classmates who are applying for the same position. People in the community, students, alumni and faculty, willingly share their knowledge, time, and relationships with you just because you belong to the LBS community. This collegial culture must be one of LBS’ greatest strengths. I was extremely worried about being a student again: going to classes, writing essays, and studying for exams. I thought that it would be challenging returning to student mode. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that an MBA was very different to a traditional academic degree. The MBA is instead a unique combination of leadership, professional and academic endeavours, so you are a part student, part professional and part socialiser – a tripartite combination that makes for a well-rounded professional. In short, my fears turned out to be completely unfounded. Before embarking on the MBA journey, I was most excited about the diversity of the class in ethnicity, culture, professional background, work experience and thought. I looked forward to meeting new people, people I would not ordinarily meet even in an international city like London. I hoped to learn from my classmates’ wide-ranging experiences which they would bring to bear in the classroom. In addition to the diversity of the class, I had high hopes of travelling to new places as part of the international treks, international exchange programme, Global Business Experience (GBE) and by visiting my classmates‘ home countries. What is really great is that the travelling continues post-graduation as you travel to visit friends and for reunion trips – an LBS MBA is truly a global passport that transcends geographical borders and, of course, affords free global accommodation thanks to newly formed lifetime friendships. The post Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Kemi Badru, MBA2021 appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Dami Onabowale, MBA2022 |
By Dami Onabowale, MBA2022 Nigerian / British ![]() I chose LBS to study my MBA for several reasons. First, the location – I started my career working as a lawyer in London and had moved to France and subsequently Nigeria for work. So coming back to London to rebuild my network within other fields was important; coupled with thinking about recruiting in London, LBS was the ideal choice. The second, the diversity of the intake – over 90% of the class are from outside of the UK and I knew US universities could not offer this same diversity from an international experience. To me, this would mean more enriching discussions and learnings from classmates. Thirdly, I came in wanting to change industries and particularly was thinking about consulting as an option – there are many opportunities for LBS students with consulting -ranging from the clubs, to the London CAP experiential learning (which I went on to do with a non-profit US organisation working with underprivileged black men and women in New York) and the fact that top consulting firms recruit heavily from LBS. For me my unique offering to the MBA class is twofold. The first is that I come from a legal background- this allows me to bring a different perspective into discussions and also to offer help to colleagues with contracts occasionally when required. Secondly, being Nigerian, I bring a cultural diversity to the class, which has been beneficial, for instance, when we have studied emerging markets cases and I have been able to give my perspective in class discussions. I attended the LBS Women in Business Equall conference and was very impressed with the high profile women that attended including Senator Elizabeth Warren, as well as the diversity of profiles of speakers (professionally and culturally). I also attended (virtually) a smaller event with an MD at Morgan Stanley which was useful especially from a personal development perspective -in understanding her hurdles and how she navigated being in a male-dominated environment. I am constantly pleasantly surprised by the extent to which the LBS community are friendly and collegiate people; there is always someone willing to help, teach etc. Besides recruiting for similar roles at times, one did not really feel that sense of competition across the cohort. As I go into my second year where I need to choose electives, I’m very impressed with the flexibility of the LBS course to suit the interests, preferences and desires of students. I had some awareness of this but this flexibility is not matched by many other schools- particularly the ability to do term-time internships and heavily control the second year (and some of the first year) timetable in order to accommodate this. Upon joining the MBA programme, I was most anxious about recruiting during COVID given rumours about fewer places in organisations. I am currently doing an internship and so are the majority of my classmates, so this has turned out to be pretty good from my perspective. I was also worried about the social element given the pandemic and lockdown – but I have met some amazing people and formed some very deep relationships and I will continue to do so! I was most excited about meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and the journey of exploring new industries (which I have been thinking about doing for years! The post Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Dami Onabowale, MBA2022 appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Margaret Wieland, MBA2022 |
By Margaret Wieland, MBA2022 American ![]() I chose LBS for a number of reasons. One of the main ones was that I wanted a truly diverse set of classmates. I had been living abroad for a number of years and had a real appreciation for how differences in cultures could enhance my understanding of the world, and I was eager to continue that during my MBA. I also wanted the time to reflect on my career to date and prepare for the next phase, the flexibility of LBS curriculum appealed to me. Ultimately though, I trusted my gut feeling that LBS was the right place for me, when I met current students, or spoke with alumni I had the feeling that it was the right place to call home for the two years of my MBA. I learned early in our core curriculum that I am one of my few classmates who has worked in financial accounting. I was able to help the rest of my stream, especially those who came from non-financial backgrounds. I attended the LBS Women in Business Conference this year. It was a really engaging couple of days, despite taking on the challenge of being virtual. One of my favourite events was a panel of entrepreneurs with unique profiles including a boxing coach, a musician and others. It was interesting to hear from less traditional business backgrounds how the women built successful careers and what advice they had about facing adversity and challenges. I was most excited about living in London. I studied abroad during my undergraduate degree and was really happy to be returning to a city that I loved. Even during the lockdown when most things were shut down I took advantage of the quiet streets and got to know Central London really well by taking daily walks, exploring different neighbourhoods and keeping a list of coffee shops, restaurants that looked good and shops to visit when everything reopened. The post Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Margaret Wieland, MBA2022 appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Connie Teng, MBA2022 |
By Connie Teng, MBA2022Chinese Like many of my classmates, I chose London Business School for my MBA because of its diverse student body and the global experience it offers. With a background in China and South Africa, I want to expand my network and learn from an international community where my peers value diversity as much as I do. Intending to work internationally post-MBA, I hope to build a network that expands across the globe, and LBS has exactly that. ![]() Growing up in Asia and Africa has given me a unique sight into the importance of having a global mindset. After graduating from university, I wanted to pursue a career where I could leverage my financial academic background and play a role in bridging cultural differences within a global environment. Hence I joined a multinational energy company in corporate strategy, where I have worked on projects across a wide spectrum of industries and in multiple countries in Africa. At LBS, I was able to leverage these invaluable experiences to provide first-hand insights during case discussions and debates. Passionate about the start-up ecosystem in Africa, I led the Accel Awards competition in 2021, where approximately 200 start-ups participated and five were selected to join an LBS mentorship. I have also played a role in the Social Impact Club to organise its annual conference – over 800 participants and 60+ companies joined for a week-long discussion on “Reinventing the Mainstream”. My most memorable experience with the Women in Business Club is definitely the Equall Conference. The breadth and depth of the programme were incredible, we have had the opportunity to engage with so many female leaders across different industries – Elizabeth Warren was a keynote speaker! There were several career-orientated tracks tailored for students with different interests. I recall clearly the panel discussions with founders in Femtech and female leaders from tech companies in Africa. I was surprised by the number of student-led initiatives at London Business School. For example, Black in Business and FLII (First-Generation, Low or Intermediate Income) were two student clubs founded last year to drive racial and social diversity at LBS and the wider business ecosystem. A Tech concentration was created last year, driven by the Tech & Media club, to enhance and formalise academic offerings at LBS in the technology and data analytics space. The school encourages and supports students to take initiatives on subject matters that we are passionate about, and there are ample opportunities to do so. Upon joining the programme, I was anxious about whether I would be able to fit in the “MBA club”, but it turns out to be rather irrelevant at LBS. There is simply no one type of “club” to assimilate to. Every aspect of your uniqueness is welcomed and celebrated, and the school is so big that you will find someone who speaks your language, metaphorically and literally. I guess the only commonality between people at LBS is that we are all different. I joined LBS with the anticipation that I would be able to make friends from different backgrounds, but I was underestimating the degree of diversity and its impact. In my first year, I was able to land a part-time internship at an Indian FinTech unicorn through an LBS alum, and with the help of a classmate who has worked at a European VC that has invested in the company. It was fascinating to see how the stars aligned with the network that LBS provides. I have heard many more examples like mine – there is always someone from LBS that will help you along the way to succeed. The post Insights from our Global Classroom – Meet Connie Teng, MBA2022 appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: The MiM Study Group Experience; Meet Felix Meier MiM2021 |
By Alex Hurd, MiM & GMiM Student Recruitment Associate A key study technique at LBS focusses on working collaboratively and study groups are used across all the courses. We spoke to three Masters in Managementhttps://www.london.edu/masters-degrees/masters-in-management2021 students to get their thoughts on how their experiences went. In this second instalment in this blog series, we catch up with Felix Meier MiM2021 to hear about his experience. ![]() Hi Felix! To start, can you please give a brief overview of your study group? I have very good memories of both of my study groups at LBS. There is no doubt that in either group, I was working alongside extraordinary minds and highly ambitious fellow students. My first term study group consisted of students from Portugal, India, Italy, China, and the United States – so from a cultural perspective, it could have not been more diverse. I believe that we complemented each other in the best possible way, given that all of us gathered different professional experiences and graduated from unique undergraduate disciplines. What projects did you do? Throughout the academic year we had the chance to work on a range of different projects. Some of which were more analytical in nature while others drew upon our creativity and genuine intellectual curiosity. I particularly enjoyed working on the Integrated Module 1 group project, as it required us not only to apply the concepts and theories of all previous core courses but also to be able to think outside-the-box in the first place. After all, the underlying heterogeneity in our study group was the primary factor that enabled us to bring different ideas to the table. What was the most rewarding part of your study group? Since some of us opted for internships and full-time positions outside the UK post-graduation, one of the main challenges that we encountered was to coordinate everyone’s ongoing job search with our academic obligations. On the other hand, the supportive environment in our study group was key for our continued success as a team. In retrospect, I believe that our successes were not defined through our project grades but much rather through the professional relationships that ultimately turned into strong bonds and new friendships. The prospects of developing a truly global network is one of the many reasons why students choose to come to LBS. Working in international study groups will most certainly help you in doing so. Building on that, I found it particularly rewarding that everyone in our study group was keen to give up their time and share their professional expertise and technical skills with other team members. Surely, it doesn’t come as a surprise that recruitment, networking events, and other extracurricular activities ultimately require a lot of time too. I trust that having learned to effectively communicate with group members is a key skill that will allow me to excel in any future corporate position. A one-year master programme is very intense and despite the various commitments throughout the year, having good relationships with your study group members will make this time twice as good! And who knows, you may be working with your future co-founder already… Click here to read more about the study group experience from other MiM2021 students! To find out more about the MiM programme, please visit our website. The post The MiM Study Group Experience; Meet Felix Meier MiM2021 appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: The MiM Study Group Experience; Meet Josephine Parquet MiM2021 |
By Alex Hurd, MiM & GMiM Student Recruitment Associate A key study technique at LBS focusses on working collaboratively and study groups are used across all the courses. We spoke to three Masters in Managementhttps://www.london.edu/masters-degrees/masters-in-management2021 students to get their thoughts on how their experiences went. In this final instalment in this blog series, we catch up with Josephine Parquet MiM2021 to hear about her experience. ![]() Hi Josephine! To begin, can you please give a brief overview of your study group? All my study groups went super well. I was really lucky. My first study group had two Chinese, one Austrian, one Belgium, and one Algerian making up the six. Most of us were coming from business backgrounds apart from one who came from international politics. One person was also from an economics background but was less quantitative so it was good for her to be supported by us. From September to December I was with the same study group for term one. For term one in January, I had a new study group which was also full of very nice people. There was a Greek person, a guy from the Netherlands, a Chinese girl, and an Indian. I think something that really helped at the beginning was the coaching sessions. At the beginning of each study group we met with a coach who asked more personal questions and created a team contract that defined everyone’s responsibilities and rules in the group. One was more of the leader and we were all were assigned roles which worked really well. What projects did you do? Can you go into some details about the main challenges and successes you had? We had our core classes, so it was financing, accounting marketing and we had group classes around them. It was normally a case with a specific set of questions on around a set problem. We also had the integrated modules one was in the middle and one was at the end of the terms. One was on data analytics and organizational behaviour and we had to do a bigger project around these two key areas. The second one was around inequalities at work and we had to take a company and identify issues such as gender pay gaps or racism – the kind of issues that can often pop up at work. So this was very interesting as it was a longer project and everyone was working hard on it for a week. What was the most rewarding part of your study group? I have to say my study group experience was very easy and everyone was super nice. I got to meet people I wouldn’t have necessarily got the chance to meet. We met loads of time and it was great to meet different people. Sometimes it was difficult with the work load and some of the constant Zoom calls we would be saying ‘oh come on guys this is hard’. In all my study groups I took on the leadership part and I was the coordinator of the different things in the group. I didn’t realise it before but people really appreciated it. I was always trying in a nice way to get people to meet and really pushing to have a bond between the groups. I think it worked out pretty well each time and it was super rewarding for me and I also understood I really like the people part of any job. It has made me realise I want to have this in my future jobs, I don’t want to be working alone behind my computer – I really like working in teams with different people. Click here to read more about the study group experience from other MiM2021 students! To find out more about the MiM programme, please visit our website. The post The MiM Study Group Experience; Meet Josephine Parquet MiM2021 appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: The MiM Study Group Experience; Meet Celine Chen MiM2021 |
By Alex Hurd, MiM & GMiM Student Recruitment Associate A key study technique at LBS focusses on working collaboratively and study groups are used across all the courses. We spoke to three Masters in Management2021 students to get their thoughts on how their experiences went. In the first instalment in this blog series, we catch up with Celine Chen MiM2021 to hear about her experience. ![]() Hi Celine! To start, can you give a brief overview of your study group? LBS really put a lot of effort into maximising the diversity. I was allocated different study groups across term 1 and term 2. My first study group comprised of students from China, Germany, Pakistan and Austria. My second study group had people from Peru, UK, Greece and France. All my study groupmates not only came from different educational backgrounds but also had different business experiences. For example, my Germany groupmate had one year of work experience in Airbus before coming to LBS and he had an undergraduate degree in engineering. My groupmate from London majored in history in Cambridge and my Pakistan groupmate had a finance background and had previously interned at Accenture in their Toronto office. What projects did you do? We were engaged in a wide range of group projects throughout the academic year. All core courses would have at least one group project which required the entire study group to be involved. For example, during term 2A, we studied the Business Analytics course and this had three group projects whilst the Finance course had two group projects. In order to efficiently complete all projects, we divided up the work based on each other’s competency. Myself and some other groupmates who were more confident in coding committed more towards the Business Analytics projects whilst others who had stronger backgrounds in finance did more of the finance work. There were of course many challenges. For example, each of us had a different working style and we had to compromise in order satisfy everyone. Also, it was not always smooth when completing group work. There were not enough people in the team willing to do the Marketing project as it required the use of highly technical software. In the end, we had to do a random draw to pick two people to work on the project. In addition, people sometimes had different opinions on the work being done by others and people had to commit more time until everyone was happy with what was being done. There are many challenges with group work and the reasons tend to be due to different personality, working style, and opinion conflicts. I believe that two things that matter most for successful group work are: one – communication and two compromise. Only constant communication can minimize misunderstanding and sometimes compromise is needed to get a harmonious result. What was the most rewarding part of your study group? The most rewarding part of study group was getting high marks on group projects and getting to know so many amazing people from various backgrounds who I would not have met without coming to LBS. For example, we received several full marks on Finance group projects and pretty high marks on Business Analytics and Strategy group projects. These results demonstrate that our hard work had paid off, which further encouraged us in any upcoming group projects. Also, all the communication skills and new group work abilities learned throughout allowed me to better understand how to achieve a efficient and smoother work skills in future professional environments. For example, it is important for us to shift our roles based on people around us. Sometimes, a group might need a leader and sometimes a group might lack a coordinator. When I use my own the skills in becoming these different roles, I will be more successful in adjusting to different groups and help achieve success. Click here to read more about the study group experience from other MiM2021 students! To find out more about the MiM programme, please visit our website. The post The MiM Study Group Experience; Meet Celine Chen MiM2021 appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Understanding our Masters in Finance Programme |
By Charlotte Tait, MiF Recruitment Manager If you are considering our Masters in Finance programme, the most important thing to do before starting your application is research! You need to be sure this is the best programme for you, and your future career goals. We recognise there is a huge amount of information out there. So in this blog we will condense your research, and give you a breakdown of our unique Masters in Finance programme. What is the MiF? Our London based Masters in Finance is a post experience programme. The programme is aimed exclusively at finance professionals with a minimum of 3 years post- graduation finance related work experience. The programme provides a rich and diverse learning experience, not just from our international world class faculty, but from your peers too. The programme focus on finance and business from around the world. Our MiF is ranked #1 globally by the Financial Times, meaning you will leave with a strong international network of recognized finance professionals. Full time or part time? We have two programmes, a full time and a part time programme. Both programmes cover exactly the same content, the only difference is the structure and duration of the two programmes. The full time programme is full time on our London Campus, and is completed in either 10 or 16 months. The part time programme is designed for students who have full time finance careers. Lectures are held on Friday evenings and Saturday all day, every other week on our London Campus. The programme takes 22 months to complete. What will I study? Every Masters in Finance student studies 5 mandatory core courses. These core courses cover the fundamentals of finance, ensuring the whole class has a solid foundation in finance. You can plan and tailor your learning to your career goals when selecting your electives. Students complete 8-10 electives, with over 50 different electives to choose from. You will study some of these electives with students from our other degree programmes, making it a great networking opportunity! There is also the option of 4 concentrations too. On top of your core courses and electives students complete professional and leadership skills workshops and technical skills workshops, and our very popular practitioner courses which are delivered by finance professionals. Are there any international opportunities? Yes! We offer a range of global experiences, for both our full time and part time students. One such experience is our full term exchange. MiF students can study at one of our partnership universities, in Europe or Asia for a full term. This opportunity can expand your network and allow you to take electives not offered by LBS. We also offer a block week exchange at Columbia Business School in New York. Everyone can apply for this opportunity and it is available throughout the year. Lastly, we have our Global Immersion Elective. This is where students visit major banking and asset management firms abroad. Recent locations include Paris, Frankfurt, New York and Boston. Are there any extracurricular activities? There are over 75 student led clubs. Clubs range from professional, regional, social and sports association clubs. All clubs are cross programme allowing you the opportunity to socialise and connect with the whole student body. You can decide to be a member of one or more of these clubs, or you can become a student club leader. Some of our most popular clubs are Women in Business Club, Social Impact Club and our Foodie Club. I hope this blog has given you a better understanding of MiF. If you are looking for a more detailed explanation of the programme listento Maria, the Masters in Finance Senior Programme Manager’s programme overview webinar. Or if you would like to hear from one of our current students or Alumni about their personal experience of MiF and School please feel free to reach out to them with any questions. Or view our employment statistics and see which roles our MiF2020 graduates secured. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us at mif@london.edu. The post Understanding our Masters in Finance Programme appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Study Group D1: Our MBA Experience |
[b]By [url=https://www.london.edu/masters-degrees/student-alumni-and-ambassadors/margaret-wielandhttps://www.london.edu/masters-degrees/student-alumni-and-ambassadors/margaret-wieland]Margaret Wieland, MBA2022[/url][/b] [img]https://www.london.edu/-/media/images/people/students/mba-ambassadors/2020/margaret-wieland-500x636.png?h=636&w=500&la=en&hash=8C18C2669B995D6884E7EFE3F9AD7C2E62BAFEB9[/img] Our study group has been one of the highlights of the first year. Our group consists of me (Maggie), Victor Cruz, Alonso Mayser, Anupriya Kohli, Dimitri da Ponte and Ryan Kim. It was great to come into the programme with a small group that I could get to know right away, people I could ask my questions to and help me navigate those first few weeks. But they’ve also become career advisors, supporters and friends. When I got good news about receiving an internship offer, one of my study group, Victor, happened to be standing right next to me, on the sidewalk in Marylebone, I had just gotten done telling him I’d blown the interview and he was in the process of cheering me up when the call came. Being able to share those success moments with them but also have their support in the down times when I have felt stuck have enriched the overall LBS experience. [img]https://admissionsblog.london.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/image.png[/img] [b]Tell us about your involvement in your study group. How have those benefited you so far? [/b]My study group provided me with a steep growth curve in three aspects. Academically, they broadened my perspectives by approaching problems in various ways, informed by their different diverse backgrounds. Professionally they have helped me explore career opportunities and my goals. Their support and advice allowed me to narrow down my career plan. Finally, the biggest benefit has been in personal development. My study group has celebrated our differences and turned my moments with them into a learning opportunity. With them, I have felt like I have a family going through my MBA journey with me. [img]https://admissionsblog.london.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/image-1.png[/img] [b]Describe your study group, why and how does the diversity work and benefit you?[/b] Our study group comes from diverse backgrounds, both professionally and culturally. We are a Mexican working in consulting but exploring the world of entrepreneurship and search funds, a product manager from India who also spent time in social impact, a Korean who worked in e-commerce business development but also started his own classic car business during a year in Australia, a Peruvian with a banking background pivoting to focus on private equity, an Italian-British-American who was working in asset management in Zurich and moving into investment banking on his way to becoming a distressed asset investor and an American with a corporate finance, accounting background who is making the switch into consulting before pursuing her long-term goal of being part of changing the fashion world for the better. The diversity allows us to learn from each other, and grow, focus both on our strengths during school group work but also share our knowledge. [img]https://admissionsblog.london.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/image-2.png[/img] [b]What has been a highlight of working in your study group so far?[/b] One of the highlights of working with our study group has been the ability to spend time together, get to know each other and bond outside of the group assignments. On one of the first nights I moved into my new flat in London I had the group over for a dinner. We have turned a study group lunch at a Korean restaurant into an all-evening event, and on one Saturday we met to do our Micro and Finance group assignments and ended up spending the entire day together, laughing and joking, cooking dinner after we turned in our projects. [img]https://admissionsblog.london.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/image-3.png[/img] [b]Have there been any challenges that you have had to overcome as a group?[/b] One of the biggest challenges for our group this year was COVID and working well together in a virtual setting. Visa issues prevented some of us from arriving on campus at the start of term and we had to wait to all come together as a group. But through zoom working sessions that turned into 4 hour long happy hours, connection on https://gmatclub.com/chat and full days of spending time together once we were all together in London, we were able to still form bonds as a group. [img]https://admissionsblog.london.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/image-4.png[/img] [b]How did you manage to build rapport and relationships with your study group?[/b] We took advantage of some of the school-led study group coaching, especially during our first weeks of orientation and GLAM. But we also spent a lot of time outside the classroom and classwork together. Even during the winter months when interactions were limited to coffee walks in the park, we braved the cold to spend time chatting and walking around Regents Park (even once losing track of time and accidently getting locked inside when the park closed). As we come back together in London in the fall we’re excited to reunite, hear about summer experiences and start building more memories in our second year. The post [url=https://admissionsblog.london.edu/study-group-d1-our-mba-experience/]Study Group D1: Our MBA Experience[/url] appeared first on [url=https://admissionsblog.london.edu]Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School[/url]. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Study Group D3: Our MBA Experience |
![]() By Kemi Badru, MAB2021 Kemi Badru, a former MBA Student Ambassador and 2021 graduate, asks her fellow study group members why being in a study group was so beneficial for their MBA experience. Tell us about your involvement in your study group. How have those benefited you so far? ![]() Abhivyakti Chourasia At the very beginning of our programme we were assigned to group D3, Stream D. It was quite exciting as all the members in our group were from different countries and with very diverse work experiences. It was a great opportunity to learn, contribute and grow together. I would like to define my involvement with my study group and benefits at three levels, A. Academic: For all the business fundamental core subjects, we were assigned multiple group projects. Each project would require a different skillset which would be a combination of our learning at London Business School and our prior experiences. Whenever we would do a project or assignment, all team members would contribute through their relevant skills in terms of prior experience or post MBA goals.I brought myself almost 10 years of work experience that helped me and my group in terms of leadership skills and collaboration. I also used my experience of the technology sector wherever applicable. Also, technology has become an implicit part of any business today, so having that knowledge allowed me to involve and contribute effectively. I learnt various skills from my group members in terms of finance, marketing and strategy. B. Social: For the first year of MBA – Pre COVID era – Our study group decided to have social meetups every fortnight. This would help us in knowing each other more at social levels and help in building life long bonds. This aspect not just strengthened our bonds but also let us appreciate our backgrounds and life aspirations. I always felt very strong involvement with my study group. We even exchanged Christmas presents and that is something I will cherish for years. C. Professional: I learnt a lot professionally from my study group and also helped in their growth. It was one of the most growth promoting experiences I have ever had in my professional career. We prepared for our recruitments together and helped each other in shining through interviews. As most of us were from different backgrounds, we all had something to learn for our career from other members. For my consulting job interviews, I would prepare cases with mentors from my study group. I am truly grateful to be part of such a talented and wonderful study group. Describe your study group, why and how does the diversity work and benefit you? ![]() Guilherme Radomysler My LBS study group was a source of inspiration from day one. I have never been exposed to such a diverse and welcoming group and getting to know them through academic projects, international trips and social events was one of the highlights of my MBA. Geographically, my study group was from the US, UK, India, Italy, Philippines, and Brazil (me), but this seems like a lot, but it doesn’t do justice to the multitude of cultures and perspectives represented. Half of us were only the first or second generation of our families’ born in our country of origin and some of us also had extensive previous experiences living and working abroad. It is fair to say that we were exposed to Nigerian, Caribbean, Danish and Jewish history and tradition throughout the MBA. The richness and particularities of each member’s story were invaluable. Professionally, we truly benefited from complementary skills and backgrounds. We had professional experience in finance, consulting, retail, industry, and technology and it clearly came across during the past two years. I’ll always remember fondly of the ways in which we supported each other and collaborated across academic projects, job search and social events (which can also be quite demanding) and I know I can count on them for whatever is next. Most importantly, however, what impacted me the most was the various approaches my study group had towards the MBA. Dedicating themselves as club’s leaders (and even founding a club!), attaining academic achievements, receiving dream job offers and travelling the world, they were a demonstration of what was possible during this amazing period. I can’t wait to see how they will inspire me next. What has been a highlight of working in your study group so far? ![]() Francesco Castiglioni Our study group has been remarkable throughout the entire MBA journey. We could always find the right balance between duty and pleasure: from spending hours tackling the several class assignments, to hanging out and enjoy food and wine delicatessen together. Working in this study group has helped us to grow not only as professionals, but most importantly as individuals. Different backgrounds, perspectives and attitude created the perfect environment where everyone could always find someone to get inspiration from and turn to, asking for advice in case of any need. Study groups are not just random aggregation of students, but flywheels of lifelong friendships! How did you manage to build rapport and relationships with your study group? ![]() Tabria Lenard My study group has served as a built-in support system from day one. From our first meeting at orientation to our first outing at Away Day, we’ve tried to be intentional about building a solid relationship. In order to do this, we leaned into the activities presented to us by our programme. We approached each other with an openness that enabled us to share our personal experiences and be vulnerable with one another. Despite the pandemic and us being in different countries at any given time, we’ve participated in group dinners, holiday gift exchanges, and coffee dates. The assignments and activities that came along with our first term naturally formed a bond between us that I foresee continuing. Although the programme has officially ended, we are still finding time to see each other. We’re still in our https://gmatclub.com/chat group sharing pictures of our encounters with individual members, celebrating accomplishments and milestones, teasing one another when appropriate, and expressing pride in being part of D3! What you put into this experience is what you get out of it, and I cherish each and every member for giving their best throughout our journey. The post Study Group D3: Our MBA Experience appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Experiential Learning at LBS: Project Aasha |
By Sunita Chambore, Experiential Learning Manager Project Aasha, a student-led initiative, creates social impact in India through pro-bono consulting projects. Sunita Chambore, Experiential Learning Manager, posed some questions to this year’s co-leaders, Uyen Pham (MiM2021) and Sebastian Ingemann (MFA2021). They share their experience of being on an Early Careers programme at LBS and having the opportunity to practice vital leadership skills. Why did you decide to come to LBS? Uyen Having always stayed in Vietnam after graduating with my Bachelor’s, I felt the need to go abroad to learn about different cultures and sharpen my skills in business studies. So LBS was a no-brainer: a world-renowned business school with a balanced combination of academics and practice and an incredibly diverse cohort. And the school certainly lived up to my expectations. Sebastian Following my Bachelor’s, I had the opportunity to work both in consulting and private equity, where I learned a ton. I wanted to supplement some of these practical learnings with a more robust theoretical foundation in finance. LBS was a top-notch place to do this due to both the outstanding faculty and the proximity to the City. During my Bachelor’s, I had the opportunity to study in Copenhagen, Hong Kong, and the US, which I enjoyed as I got to work with people from many different cultures. It was vital for me to be in a similar environment when studying for my Master’s, so the very diverse and international student body at LBS was a big selling point. Why did you apply to lead Project Aasha? Uyen First of all, I have always wanted to create a sustainable impact on society. I always ask myself: “Until the day I die, what will I have done for society?” – that is how I define my infinite game. And secondly, Project Aasha is an excellent opportunity to learn about project management and practice leadership. There is no second chance in life to run a social project with my peers and take advantage of the network from alumni, LBS faculty, and the Wheeler Institute to strengthen project performance. Making friends, especially in social distancing circumstances, is another reason for applying. Sebastian For most students that were a part of Project Aasha – including me – there were two motivators: To learn and to help. I already have a relatively analytical background but still have plenty to learn when leading and organising. Aasha was a “risk-free” way to get exposure to a leadership position, and even if it was difficult at times, I learned some valuable lessons along the way and gained more confidence in my abilities. Furthermore, I think Aasha is a great way to give back. As students at LBS, we are in quite a privileged position, and it has been nice to use some of the skills we acquired to provide some (small but still significant) positive change in Bangalore. What was it like co-leading? Uyen It’s like playing seesaw. You have to stay in sync, trust each other, and do your part – otherwise, it wouldn’t work. Overall, I am honestly thankful that I get to know Sebastian on this project, not only as a co-lead but also as a friend and even a mentor at some point. Sebastian It was fun! Uyen and I complement each other well because I have more of a classic analytical background while she has actual hands-on experience in social impact. I think she was very good at seeing the big picture while I may have had my head buried in spreadsheets or PowerPoint. I believe the experience I brought gave the student teams an excellent framework to conduct their projects. What was the most challenging part of leading a team of your peers? Uyen To be fair, with a cohort as open-minded, collaborative, and humble as LBS, I didn’t find it challenging to work with or lead my peers in any activity so far. But if I have to pick one such challenge within Project Aasha, it would be the recruiting part since we had to interview and judge others while we’re no more senior than them. Sebastian It was probably knowing when to step in and support and when to let the student teams figure out the issues themselves. LBS is full of really talented, passionate, and dedicated people; the projects mostly ran themselves. It was always a balance between giving the teams enough leash to be challenged and making sure to take a more active role when needed. Did you learn anything about yourself as a leader? Uyen On the positive side, the role helped me realise my potential and confidence to lead and believe in myself. But what’s even more valuable is that I learned how to delegate more instead of dedicating myself to a task. And, of course, becoming more aware of my negativities and how I could improve. Sebastian I think most people have this idea of leadership as someone who drives processes, but leading Project Aasha was much more about sparring and mentoring. The teams were competent, so as a leader, it was much more about being an extra pair of eyes on their work and sometimes about playing the devil’s advocate. This was a much more fun way to lead people, and I hope I can do something similar in a professional capacity one day. Has any learning in the classroom helped you with managing this Project? Uyen The modules that focus on soft skill development, such as Performing in Organisations, certainly helped us communicate with others. Also, interestingly, the Marketing modules in the MiM programme bolstered our survey skills, which was helpful throughout the project. Sebastian Group work is an integral part of LBS: Almost every course has a significant element of group work. When you work in groups of different people so often, you are bound to figure out what makes groups work and what does not – and those learnings I took with me when managing the project. On a more practical basis, I also had the opportunity to take a course on Emerging Markets at LBS which gave me much better insight into India on a political and economic level. Do you have any advice for the students that will lead on this project after you? Uyen The best starting point for the project is to consult with your predecessors. Also, initial screening is essential for recruiting, not only for the project members but also for the changemakers and mentors. And always reflect on yourself – what you’ve learnt, whether you’re still learning, and are you and everyone still having fun doing it. Sebastian Make sure to leverage your own and LBS’ network as much as possible. It is much easier to reach out to professionals to schedule interviews for research and projects as a student, as you are not viewed as competition. There is also a lot of power in the LBS network through both the student body, faculty and other people related to LBS. For instance, one of the teams had interviews with several of the Indian MBA students who have been involved in family businesses and were able to provide unique insights to their clients. What has been the highlight of your time at LBS? Uyen I could not point to any specific highlight because I will treasure so many wonderful memories, including leading on Project Aasha. Being at LBS, I naturally made friends from all over the world. I gained new knowledge through classes and webinars. I tried Improv Acting and practised for a musical. I rolled up my sleeves in practical projects such as LondonLab (a pro bono consulting gig for MiMs) and the virtual Cape Town GIFT (where I “experienced” local life and solved a business problem for a social enterprise). Most importantly, I learned more about myself. I could not ask for a better experience, especially during the pandemic. Sebastian I honestly have to say my highlight is to have been able to lead Project Aasha for this year. It was so inspiring to see the passion and talent of my peers who participated in the project. It was rewarding to see how people developed over the projects, and I was so impressed when I saw the final presentations. Likewise, I liked getting to know the organisations and changemakers we worked with because they were as passionate and dedicated as the student participants. It was so fun to be a part of the project this year, and I look forward to seeing how the project will develop in the future. To find out more about participating in Project Aasha, please contact student-led@london.edu The post Experiential Learning at LBS: Project Aasha appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Aligning yourself to the MAM Programme |
By Maria Busz, MAM Recruitment Associate Our Masters in Analytics & Management (MAM) programme offers a uniquely integrated learning experience that combines the applied data analytics skills recruiters demand, with our world-class expertise in general management. This rigorous and intense programme aims to prepare you for the dynamic job market. In order to be eligible for the MAM programme you’ll need;
Successful candidates will have intermediate to advanced knowledge in programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, Stata, Java, or other programming languages. During your studies at MAM you will of course expand your knowledge and put your skills into practice, however we do need to make sure that all those attending MAM have similar level of skills. To elaborate on what types of data driven experience we would like to see, we recommend any role, whether after graduation or in an internship, to have an element of collecting, managing and analysing data. This could be roles such as an entry level data analyst role or business analyst. We would encourage any future MAM prospects to seek out data driven experience in order to make your CV stand out in the recruitment process. Contact our Recruitment Team today at mam@london.edu or submit your CV through our website for an informal CV evaluation. We look forward to hearing from you! The post Aligning yourself to the MAM Programme appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: LBS Sloan; Making the move to London |
By Hiren Chandaria, Sloan2019 and Neha Chandaria LBS Sloan2019 Fellow Hiren Chandaria and his partner Neha Chandaria, share their experience of moving to London and share their hints and tips. ![]() Hiren Chandaria Please tell us about your professional background before joining LBS? I had spent more than 15 years in commodity investing before I joined LBS. I have started three new businesses from the grounds up. All of these were first of its kind initiatives in the industry. I’ve been a Fund Manager at one of the largest Asset Managers in India, a product head at a regulated Commodities Exchange and a business head at a larger Non-Banking Financial Corporation. One of the funds I managed was the best performing fund globally and other fund conceptualized by me won the most innovative fund of the year award. Why did you choose the LBS Sloan programme? I wanted to be sure before I invested time and money in a masters programme. I have friends at all the top schools. Speaking to them and attending at least one class at seven of the top ten schools made me feel the cognizance would be more rewarding with a more experienced cohort. LBS Sloan Programme is a clear winner here. Besides, I wanted to completely immerse myself in the learning experience and hence was looking for a full-time programme. I felt that with my experience, the best way to find a job was to meet people and network. Hence being close to the commodity centre was very important. I wanted to be in a programme where I could meet industry participants for lunch and be back before the next lecture. Lastly, LBS was truly global. Given that I have worked with a few of the top Indian (not Global) companies, I felt my experience would be more valued in Europe (especially London), Middle East, South Asia and Africa. LBS has a stronger brand name and better connectivity in these regions. Hence the LBS Sloan Programme made more sense to me. Tell us about your move to London. Were there any challenges? Are there are any practical tips that you would like to share? For me enrolling on a programme was a family decision. My partner is an artist, and I had a 6-year-old son. Hence, London was an obvious choice, my partner could work full-time while I study and my son would have options to get into good English speaking schools in London. For people who are moving to the UK, I would say keep the following in mind. Finding a residential property and opening a bank account in London was a bit tricky. A few of the properties I liked were not available for students. Identify a few areas where you want to stay before coming to London. Primary considerations are nearby schools with good Ofsted ratings for children, travel time to LBS, locality etc. Identifying areas beforehand would make the search easier. The bank account required a residential address which I didn’t have. It was a catch 22, as a bank account was required by few property dealers for credit checks etc. Luckily, LBS helped us out with our bank account. I would say, once you start the programme, apply for national insurance (tax) as it would be required if you are getting into a paid employment. If your driving licence is not valid here or you can’t convert to a UK driving licence, then most people would be eligible to drive on their home country’s driving licence for 1 year. If that is the case, then buy a car and take a driving test at the earliest otherwise, getting a driving license becomes a very expensive and time-consuming affair. Lastly, for those who require, get a visa that does not require sponsorship from the employer. Depending on the employer, sponsorship for a visa reduces your negotiation power. I and my partner both managed to get the Global Talent Visa and that really helped us to focus on finding an appropriate opportunity in the UK. Which Faculty and courses impressed you during your time on the programme? I really enjoyed the class discussion facilitated by a few of the worlds top faculties. I really liked– Andrew Scott’s The Global Corporate Agenda and I was surprised to know that most of us are likely to live for 90 years. That changed the life plan for many of us. Niro Sivanathan gave a superb perspective on Negotiation & Bargaining and gave us a few ground rules that would make us idiot-proof. Herminia Ibarra subtly made many of us realise the softer aspects of leadership and its importance in real life. Strategic Innovation by Costas Markides gave an excellent perspective on innovation to build a leadership position. For those who are interested in starting a new business Rupert Merson’s New Venture Development is a must-attend. Lastly, converting data into intelligence is the biggest differentiator and Nicos Savva did a wonderful job explaining that. There are many other great courses, but these were more aligned with my personal interest. Did you get involved in any LBS Clubs or take on a Club leadership role? I was lucky to join many clubs on the campus and really enjoyed the vibrant interactions with club members and speakers. At times FOMO (fear of missing out) hit me, as there were many events to choose from on any given day. I led the commodities Club as a President of the club. I did organise a few events that were well received. It gave me an opportunity to create few long-standing professional relationships. This was a great experience as it again gave me an opportunity to work with early and mid-career students. Tell us about the networking opportunities that were available to you. There were a plethora of networking opportunities at the campus and at the company premises. The events, clubs, tracks, and social gatherings were always there. I was lucky enough to strike a right chord with a few LBS alumni, whom I met during such events. Later I realised there were investors in a few starts ups. All three job opportunities I had were through their introductions. Overall, I find faculty and alumni to be extremely helpful in my pursuit to find a job. How has the Sloan programme transformed your career? I took the maximum number of electives and audited an additional elective. The breadth of electives I took created a great camaraderie with people with diverse backgrounds and helped me make some very good friends. The Sloan brand helped me open many doors and helped me reach out to the right people in my target companies. The class discussion and faculty’s manoeuvring helped us understand crucial aspects of managing a company, starting your own venture, working for a start-up or a conglomerate. ![]() Neha Chandaria Tell us about your move to London from a partner’s perspective? It was a big move, considering I had to leave my well-settled job in Mumbai, and start from scratch in a new country. The enticing point as a partner to move to London is a work visa, being a working professional my entire life, it would have been difficult to move to London if I was not allowed to pursue work on a partner visa. I was fortunate enough to get a job in 6 months of moving to London, in the field (art sector) I wanted to work. What were you most anxious about? What were you most excited about? There was a little anxiety in terms of how well my son (he was 6 years old when we moved to London) will settle in a new life in London, new school, settling to a relatively colder weather etc, but luckily everything went smooth for him too. In fact, he was the quickest amongst the three of us to adjust to this change. I was most excited about London is a great place for artists and art professionals with lots of opportunities, I was also excited about meeting a plethora of people coming from all over the world to LBS through various clubs which were open for partners as well to be a part of. You moved to London with a young child, how did he settle in London? He has settled amazingly well, enjoying his schooling, activity clubs in school. I have answered this in detail in the above question. How engaged were you with the LBS Partner’s Club? I was very engaged, I was one of the committee members for the club, hosted a couple of art programmes for families at LBS and represented the partners club in one of the opening events for new year groups. I loved meeting amazing people through this forum. Apart from the partners club I also enjoyed exploring activities at the Art and Business club at London Business School, for which I was also called to do an art workshop for students, alumni and staff of LBS. How has been in London impacted your own career? It has surely brought a lot of new horizons to explore in my career as an artist and art educator. It’s been over two and half years now since I started working at an art studio in London at a youth zone, and I have enjoyed every single moment of it. I did a couple of art exhibitions, and I am getting a good response for my artworks. I am endorsed as an Exceptional/Global talent by the arts council England to live and work in the art sector in the UK. Now London is a home away from home. To find out more about the requirements for moving to London, please visit our website. The post LBS Sloan; Making the move to London appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
FROM LBS Admissions Blog: Meet Isabel Moreno (MAM2020) |
![]() Isabel Moreno is a MAM2020 graduate and a current Associate at McKinsey & Company. She will be joining us for our upcoming ‘Studying in the UK panel‘ with a particular focus on what it’s like for students coming from the USA and joining our Early Career programmes. What were the benefits of studying your Masters in London? Studying in London allowed me to work alongside an incredibly diverse student body. I benefitted from exposure to a variety of perspectives that informed my thinking and leadership style. As one of the world’s financial capitals, London also offers almost unparalleled access to a vast array of professional opportunities. How do you feel studying at LBS has helped you in your career path? My time at LBS provided me invaluable management training and data science skills and exposed me to a talented group of colleagues and alumni who have supported me professionally. I continue to rely on the network I developed at LBS for career advice and inspiration as I navigate future opportunities. If you had to choose one highlight from your time at LBS, what would it be? The Social Impact Conference was one of my most rewarding experiences during my time at LBS. As part of Social Impact Week, my team and I organized a conference where we heard from key players in the sustainability field about how consumers can be agents of change. How did LBS prepare you for taking the next step in your career? Were there any services available that you found particularly useful? The focus on group work in the MAM programme has prepared me for a career in consulting. By working alongside a diverse group of students, I was able to understand how to leverage multiple perspectives to create additional value. The Career Centre team is also readily available to provide support during the recruitment process. What is the one piece of advice you would give to those considering applying to a programme at LBS? I would focus on doing a lot of research on the programme you’re applying to and all that LBS has to offer to get a sense of the areas you’d like to explore. Given the overwhelming number of opportunities available academically, professionally, and socially at LBS, I found it helpful to prioritize my time to get the most out of my LBS experience. Join us at our upcoming event to hear more from Isabel and her fellow alumni. We look forward to seeing you there! The post Meet Isabel Moreno (MAM2020) appeared first on Student and Admissions Blog - London Business School. |
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