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FROM LBS MiM Admissions Blog: End of Year Reflections: My Journey as a MiM Scholar



Written By, Maria Chiara Pacciolla, MiM2024

One year may seem like a short period, but when it’s packed with obtaining a masters degree, planning your future, securing a job, and enjoying the experience, time truly flies. Reflecting on my journey, it’s astonishing to realize all that has happened in just ten months at LBS. LBS is a unique place, teeming with opportunities, stimuli, and challenges. While the sheer volume can feel overwhelming at times, the personal growth it fosters makes every moment worthwhile.

Starting as a Merit Scholar

Beginning my journey as a merit scholar was both an honour and a responsibility. It brought confidence and a sense of duty to prove that LBS had made the right choice. My initial plan was clear: land a consulting job in the Middle East. Yet, as they say, “Strategy without Execution is Hallucination.” LBS provided me with an extraordinary “learning journey” to turn my strategy into reality.

Support to prepare for a career in consulting.

The MiM curriculum at LBS provides you with the hard skills necessary for building a solid foundation in management consulting. However, what truly sets LBS apart is its exceptional network of professionals and peers. Engaging with industry experts and alumni provided me with insights that no textbook could offer.

Throughout the year, I did countless case studies with my MiM peers and especially with MBA students who had worked in consulting. What surprised me the most was that they weren’t just helping me with practice cases—something already remarkable given that they had no direct benefit—they were genuinely invested in my journey. They offered advice, feedback, and encouragement every step of the way. This level of support went beyond expectations and truly exemplified the strong community at LBS.

Every interaction, from formal mentoring sessions to casual conversations, contributed to my understanding of the consulting world. This immersive experience ensured that I was not only well-prepared for my interviews but also genuinely excited about the career path I had chosen.

Learning beyond the classroom

LBS offers a 360-degree learning journey, and the Global Experience (GE) is a perfect example. For those unfamiliar, GE entails a week-long immersive course in a different city, focusing on understanding its key socio-economic drivers.

My Global Experience took me to Cape Town. This trip was transformative. Having never visited South Africa before, I gained fresh perspectives on global economic dynamics and local challenges.

During the week, we had the chance to support a local business facing a significant challenge. This gave us a practical learning experience and allowed us to make a meaningful impact using the skills we had acquired. Furthermore, coming together as a team to tackle real-world challenges strengthened our sense of community building strong friendships.

Exceptional People: From Students to Professors

I cannot stress it enough: one of the most remarkable aspects of LBS is its community. Students, alumni, professors, and the Programme team create a strong support network that is both a source of inspiration and opportunities.

The School attracts exceptionally driven students from a wide range of backgrounds, from management to biotech to psychology. This diversity enriches every discussion, project, and interaction, fostering a learning environment that is as global as it is dynamic.

The professors at LBS are equally exceptional, bringing a wealth of industry experience and academic excellence to the classroom. Many have worked in top-tier corporations or launched successful entrepreneurial ventures, providing a hands-on approach to learning that is deeply rooted in real-world applications. Their insights, drawn from personal corporate and entrepreneurial experiences, offer invaluable perspectives that go beyond traditional academic instruction.

Courses supporting personal growth beyond a conventional management curriculum.

Amidst the rigor of the year, LBS offers courses focused on personal development, recognizing the need to balance professional ambitions with life’s simpler, yet essential, priorities. One such elective, “Wisdom and Happiness,” was particularly impactful.

The “Wisdom and Happiness” elective was more than just a break from the intense focus on business and finance; it was an opportunity to gain deep insights into what it means to live a meaningful life. The class discussions and reflective exercises helped me understand the importance of balancing my career aspirations with my personal well-being.

Giving back as a Student Ambassador

Serving as a Student Ambassador at LBS was one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. Throughout the year, I had the privilege of representing the School and connecting with prospective students. This role allowed me to give back to the School that had decided to invest in me as a merit scholar.

I participated in campus tours, information sessions, and networking events, sharing my experiences and insights with future students. Being a Student Ambassador also helped me develop my leadership and communication skills. I took pride in helping others navigate their decision-making process and showcasing the vibrant, supportive community at LBS. This experience deepened my connection to the school and reinforced my commitment to contributing to its ongoing legacy.

My new journey ahead

As my time as a student concludes, I look forward to the next chapter as an alumna and embarking on my professional journey as a consultant in Doha. This year has undoubtedly made me more resilient and, to use a business-trendy phrase, “agile.” These qualities, nurtured at LBS, will be invaluable as I navigate my future career.

In reflection, my year at LBS has been a whirlwind of challenges, growth, and satisfaction. It has prepared me not just as a professional but as a person excited to face the world.
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FROM LBS MiF Admissions Blog: I will find a way or make one – an ‘outsider’ making her way in central banking
By Hinako Kijima, MIFFT2024

Crossing paths with the ‘Rock star’ in international finance



On June 11, I had the greatest honour and privilege of organizing and moderating an exchange session with the European Central Bank (ECB) President Madame Christine Lagarde at the ECB headquarters in Frankfurt, as part of the LBS Frankfurt & Paris Global Experience elective course. Students from the Masters in Finance (MiF) programme, Masters in Financial Analysis(MFA) programme, and Sloan programme had the unique opportunity to ask questions about the outlook of ECB’s monetary and macroprudential policies directly to the President.

As we shook hands, Madame Lagarde greeted me with a bright smile – “It’s nice to see you again”. Indeed, this wasn’t the first time I had the pleasure of meeting the wonder woman. Our paths first crossed at the G7 meetings in Japan last year, when I served as the liaison officer to the ECB delegation, representing the Bank of Japan (BOJ). Having had the opportunity to meet one’s ultimate role model is the greatest fortune one could ask for.

“I am going to be myself and therefore probably different”



In early July of 2019, an article in the Financial Times caught my eye: “Female forces are the economic future”. It was reporting the news of Madame Lagarde’s nomination to lead the ECB from November. This news was particularly meaningful to me because I was about to join the BOJ in October, and I knew that central banking and finance in general is predominantly a male-dominated sector. Since then, I started to follow Madame Lagarde’s public speeches and interviews. During her first press conference as the President of the ECB in December 2019, Madame Lagarde told the press: “I am going to be myself and therefore probably different” and “I’m neither a dove nor a hawk and my ambition is to be an owl that is often associated with a little bit of wisdom”. For a fledgling central banker watching the press conference from the far east, it was most refreshing and inspiring. That moment, it became clear what I wanted to be, and what I wanted to achieve.  

Maybe I can too



The gender of the new ECB President was not the only reason why I felt encouraged and empowered by the news of Madame Lagarde’s appointment. It was also her background that was at times described as ‘unique’ or ‘unconventional’ for leading a central bank, being a lawyer by training, not an economist. I too did not have a conventional background for a central banker – I read political science for my undergraduate degree and obtained a master’s degree in education policy prior to joining the BOJ – two areas that I believed were crucial in bringing about change for the betterment of our societies. On top of that, I had spent nearly half of my life abroad, completing my secondary and tertiary education in the UK. So, I guess I always saw myself as an ‘outsider’ in the central banking world and in Japan, someone nobody could quite place. Thus, seeing Madame Lagarde making her way into the highest ranks of international finance and central banking gave me hope and the feeling that “maybe I can too”. This feeling supported and guided me throughout my early years in central banking.

True value of an outsider



During my time at the BOJ and my studies at LBS, I have begun to grasp the true value and brilliance of diversity and how an outsider can think and act outside the box in a way that benefits the team and to the organization. At LBS, we are assigned to a study group of 6 people with different backgrounds to work on the group assignments – one of the cornerstones of the LBS experience. Working in these groups was very enlightening for me, as it made me realize that with diversity and good teamwork, 1 x 6 does not equal 6, but can have a multiplier effect, achieving more than 100% of each individual combined. I believe that the true value of having an outsider is not only to benefit from the uniqueness of that outsider themself, but also to benefit from the outsider bringing out the hidden (or suppressed) uniqueness of other team members.

London Calling

So, my message here is a call for ‘outsiders’ to join the finance and central banking sector. Especially those of you who really want to make a change. As Robert Schiller stated in his book Finance and Good Society, “At its broadest level, finance is the science of goal architecture – of the structuring of the economic arrangements necessary to achieve a set of goals and of the stewardship of the assets needed for that achievement. Finance, at its best, does not merely manage risk, but also acts as the steward of society’s assets and an advocate of its deepest goals”.

I really hope our paths will cross somewhere someday.

Find out more about our Masters in Finance here.

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FROM IESE MiM Blog: Empowering Journeys: A Conversation with Ava Chris Putty Franklin on Leadership, Growth, and Global Opportunities
Today, we are humbled and honored to chat with our MiM Alumni, Ava Chris Putty Franklin, whose hometown is Chennai, India, and who graduated from MiM’24 last June. We were fortunate to have her at IESE’s Madrid Campus for 11 months. Ava is currently making strides as a Project Manager at Group Central TMO, Equatorial...

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FROM LBS MiF Admissions Blog: Masters in Finance: Advice from Recruitment & Admissions on Submitting a Strong Application
Applications for the Master’s in Finance programme for intake in August 2025 are open!

To help you prepare for your application, the MiF Recruitment and Admissions Team have shared their advice on how you can strengthen your application and improve your chances of being admitted to the programme.

We strongly encourage you to submit your application as early as possible as applications in the later rounds are highly competitive. Submitting within Rounds 1-3 also increases your chances of being considered for our scholarships.

KEY TIPS BEFORE STARTING YOUR APPLICATION

[*]Download our brochure – familiarise yourself and gain a thorough understanding of the programme[/*]

[*]Read our latest Employment Report – discover key information about the student body and where your career post-MiF could lead to[/*]

[*]Connect with our current Students, Ambassadors and Alumni – advance your understanding of the MiF student experience![/*]

[*]Attend events – held virtually or in person. Join our Q&A sessions and have one of your questions answered live.[/*]
[/list]

CV & ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS

You must include a one-page CV using our recommended LBS approved CV template along with your academic transcripts. We require transcripts from your undergraduate and any postgraduate degrees.

You can access our LBS CV Template in the ‘One-page CV’ of our How to Apply pages.

GMAT/GRE

To assess your quantitative ability and ensure you can handle the rigour of the programme, we require a GMAT/GRE score. We have no preference between GMAT or GRE. A good GMAT score is 650 or above, if you have a valid 10th edition test score. For the equivalent for GMAT Focus Edition, a good score will be 615 and above. For GRE, we look for around 160+ in the quantitative section and 155+ in the verbal section.

TWO ESSAY QUESTIONS

Fundamentally, we are looking for two things in your answers to the two essay questions.

[*]Firstly, what is it you want to achieve by studying the Masters in Finance? Are you looking to change or accelerate in your career? Acquire a certain knowledge/gain a deeper understanding of finance? Build your network? We strongly encourage you to be specific and transparent about your objectives.[/*]
[/list]

[*]Secondly, what can you bring to London Business School? What would make you a good student, valued member of the community, alumni network? Are you well-rounded? Do you have interests beyond the classroom? How do you want to get involved in LBS? Do you want to contribute as a Student Ambassador?[/*]
[/list]

There is no right or wrong answer for the essay questions. Our best advice is to mean what you say and say what you mean. We want you to tell us your story and reveal your personality.

REFERENCE

We require one reference from your chosen referee. Ideally, this should be a professional who knows you well and has seen you work under pressure. For most applicants, this might be a current or former line manager or supervisor. If you are not able to ask a current supervisor, other alternatives could be asking a client you work closely with, or even a fellow colleague. The reference is a questionnaire completed by your referee – we will not accept general letters of recommendation.

TESTING YOUR LEVEL OF ENGLISH

You will need to submit an English language test score unless you are a native speaker national of a majority English-speaking country as defined by the UK Visas & Immigration Office.

We ask that you submit a score report with your application and make London Business School the score recipient for your test score so we can verify your scores electronically.

Please note, we will only accept English tests completed within 2 years of the MiF programme start date in August.

We accept these tests:

[*]TOEFL, including online at home editions[/*]

[*]IELTS, including online at home editions[/*]

[*]CPE – Cambridge English Exam[/*]

[*]PTE – Pearson Test of English[/*]

[*]CAE – Cambridge Advanced Exam[/*]

[*]Duolingo English Test[/*]
[/list]

WAIVERS

We offer waivers for GMAT/GRE to a very small number of candidates. To qualify, you will need to exhibit previous academic excellence and strong quantitative skills. The decision to grant a waiver is made at the discretion of the MiF Admissions Committee. They look for strong grades in previous university studies, particularly in quantitative subjects, and outstanding professional experience in finance. Additionally, professional qualifications contribute to your case for a test waiver, for example, holding a CFA Level 2 or above gives you an automatic GMAT waiver.

Nonetheless, it is important to note having insufficient time to prepare for GMAT/GRE is not considered grounds on which a waiver will be granted. You can try our GMAT Simulator here and our GRE Simulator here.

You can find a deeper insight into requesting a GMAT/GRE waiver for the Masters in Finance pre-application here.

At the discretion of the Admission Committee, the requirement to provide English language test scores may be waived. You can apply for an exemption if you meet one of the following criteria:

[*]You are currently working in a professional role in a majority English-speaking country. We require at least 2 years of experience.[/*]

[*]You have completed a degree-level course (undergraduate and/or masters) that is either full-time, undertaken entirely in English, in a majority English-speaking country or has been completed in no more than 5 years prior to the course start date.[/*]
[/list]

NEXT STEPS

Once you have submitted your application, our Admissions Team will notify you about whether you have been selected for an interview. Interviews are conducted by our Alumni, usually in your specific region either virtually or face-to-face.

You can watch our MiF Recruitment & Admissions Manager, Rachel DeAngelis, share her insights into strengthening your application and answer questions from our audience of prospective students here.

If you have any questions, the Recruitment Team are here to help and support you across the research and applying stages – please email us at mif@london.edu.

You can submit your profile for review, allowing us to informally assess your eligibility for the programme. We also host one-to-one consultations, where we get the chance to have more in-depth conversations around your experience for us to provide you with tailored application support.

Good luck!

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FROM IESE MiM Blog: Discover MiM in One minute with Mariona
The MiM’24 cohort came together to collaborate on this video, showcasing the essence of the IESE MiM program. Through their shared experiences, they bring to life what it means to spend 11 months immersed in the heart of Madrid, a global financial hub rich in opportunities and culture. At the core of the program is...

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FROM IESE MiM Blog: Discover the IESE MiM in One minute with Mariona (MiM’24)
The MiM’24 cohort came together to collaborate on this video, showcasing the essence of the IESE MiM program. Through their shared experiences, they bring to life what it means to spend 11 months immersed in the heart of Madrid, a global financial hub rich in opportunities and culture. At the core of the program is...

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FROM IESE MiM Blog: IESE GENERATIONS – Tomasz and Maria Zdziebkowska
A Father’s Legacy and a Daughter’s Dream. – Tomasz did the IESE AMP’07 and Maria the MiM’24 Program Q: Maria, it is so nice having you. Do you mind telling us about your first visit to IESE with your father and how it influenced you? Maria: “Yes, during the summer after my high school, we...

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FROM IESE MiM Blog: IESE GENERATIONS – Tomasz and Maria Zdziebkowska
A Father’s Legacy and a Daughter’s Dream. – Tomasz did the IESE AMP’07 and Maria the MiM’24 Program Q: Maria, it is so nice having you. Do you mind telling us about your first visit to IESE with your father and how it influenced you? Maria: “Yes, during the summer after my high school, we...

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FROM IESE MiM Blog: IESE GENERATIONS – Tomasz Zdziebkowski and Maria Zdziebkowska
A Father’s Legacy and a Daughter’s Dream. – Tomasz did the IESE AMP’07 and Maria the MiM’24 Program Q: Maria, it is so nice having you. Do you mind telling us about your first visit to IESE with your father and how it influenced you? Maria: “Yes, during the summer after my high school, we...

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FROM IESE MiM Blog: IESE GENERATIONS: Antonio and Laura Ortega
The Ortega family’s IESE journey captures both shared and unique experiences, spanning campuses, careers, and values.: Antonio Ortega, MBA’90, and Laura Ortega, MiM’23 In this second episode of IESE Generations, we explore the inspiring legacy of Chilean father-daughter, Antonio Ortega, MBA’90, and Laura Ortega, MiM’23. They have journeyed through IESE’s halls, gaining invaluable insights and...

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FROM IESE MiM Blog: IESE GENERATIONS: Laura and Antonio Ortega (MiM and MBA)
The Ortega Family’s IESE Journey: Connecting Campuses, Careers, and Values – Laura Ortega (MiM’23) and her father, Antonio Ortega (MBA’90) In this second episode of IESE Generations, we explore the inspiring legacy of Chilean father-daughter, Antonio Ortega, MBA’90, and Laura Ortega, MiM’23. They have journeyed through IESE’s halls, gaining invaluable insights and forming lifelong connections....

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FROM IESE MiM Blog: IESE Generations: Alberto Arribas, EMBA’94, and Mercedes Arribas, MiM’24
Father and daughter, united by values, education, and a shared journey at IESE. This episode celebrates the Arribas family’s unique IESE journey: Alberto Alberto Arribas, Executive MBA ’94, is deeply committed to people, leadership, and purpose. With a rich and diverse professional journey, he has served to executives in the Executive Education programs at IESE...

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FROM LBS MiM Admissions Blog: My journey from prospect to student: Masters in Management at LBS
By Faysal Khaldoun (MiM2025)



Growing up in a small town in the north of Morocco, I nurtured high aspirations for the world of business early on. A simple Google search for “best business schools in the world” introduced me to London Business School, but, at that time, it felt like an unattainable dream. I needed a bachelor’s degree first, and studying abroad wasn’t a reality for anyone I knew. Yet, this discovery planted a seed, sparking a desire to one day join a prestigious institution like LBS.

Deepening the Research

Determined to understand more, I dove into research, reading about LBS programs and the entry requirements. I watched online videos and sought out stories of notable alumni, each of whom fueled my interest further. These profiles, from their achievements to the unique paths they had taken, painted a picture of LBS as a place that not only equipped people with top-tier education but also molded leaders.

First Interactions with LBS and Finding Confidence

By my second year at university, I attended my first LBS virtual event. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves, especially as I doubted whether my background would make me a good fit. However, a member of the recruiting team boosted my confidence, describing my profile as a “star profile” for LBS. This encouragement became pivotal, turning my doubts into motivation. As the application season neared, I started reaching out to Student Ambassadors for coffee chats. Their stories painted a vivid image of life at LBS: a dynamic mix of quality education, networking opportunities, and real-world preparation. What struck me most was the passion each person had for LBS; they spoke of the school with pride, sharing unique experiences that were genuinely inspiring. This was the moment I knew LBS wasn’t just one of my options—it was my only choice. Other schools, though prestigious, didn’t evoke the same admiration in their students. So, I committed fully to the goal of becoming an LBS student.

Overcoming Challenges and Strengthening My Profile

One of my biggest challenges was the GMAT. I dedicated an entire summer to rigorous preparation, knowing that a strong score would solidify my chances. I also prepared extensively for the interview, studying every detail about LBS, from the famous Sundowners events to the electives available. To further strengthen my application, I joined my university’s consulting club. This was not only an avenue to build relevant skills but also a way to showcase my proactive approach and commitment to both academics and extracurriculars—qualities highly valued by LBS.

The Rewarding Moment of Admission

I’ll never forget the moment I received my admission email. I was in a small café in Cambodia, on a trip, when the notification came through. Suddenly, memories flooded back of the days I used to see LBS as an unattainable dream. I laughed at my past self and felt a profound sense of accomplishment. This journey taught me that anything is possible when backed by genuine passion and perseverance.

Tips for Prospective Students

1. Research Deeply: Look into everything about the program you’re interested in. Attend events, reach out to Student Ambassadors, and connect with alumni if possible.

2. Prepare for the Application Journey: Start preparing early, especially for the GMAT and interview. LBS values dedication, so show your commitment through involvement in relevant clubs or professional activities.

3. Stay Confident: Believe in the value of your unique profile. Everyone’s journey is different, and LBS looks for a variety of experiences.

Becoming part of the LBS community was a dream realized through dedication and an unwavering belief that anything is possible. If you’re considering LBS, dive in wholeheartedly—you may surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

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FROM IESE MiM Blog: From Engineer to Cross-Functional Leader: Chia-Yu (Leo) Hsiao MiM’24 Shares His IESE Journey
Leo’s inspiring journey reminds us that combining technical expertise with a broad business perspective is key to creating impactful leaders. “I’ve been interested in science and engineering since I was a little kid,” begins Chia-Yu (Leo) Hsiao, MiM’24, who studied Energy Engineering at the National Taipei University of Technology, ranked #1 in Taiwan for this...

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FROM LBS MiM Admissions Blog: Test Taking for Graduate Masters
By Elizabeth Taiwo (Student Recruitment Manager)

Applying to business school is no walk in the park, and at London Business School, we ask for a lot of information. While it might be frustrating or tiring, it really is for your benefit. We want to make informed decisions – after all, you could be embarking on a life-changing experience!

Our applicants come from a wide range of backgrounds, so standardised tests are an important element of the admissions process. If you aren’t sure where to start, let this blog post act as handy guide to all things related to testing.

GMAT or GRE?

Both exams are viewed equally by the Admissions Committee we have no preference over which exam you choose to sit! What is important is that you provide a score – it’s a mandatory element of the application and we are unable to accurately review your application without it. It might be worth sitting some mock exams to get an idea which one suits you better? Take a look at the simulators on our website (MiM, GMiM MFA, MAM).

Test centre or online?

We accept both in-person and online tests. They are viewed equally, so you can choose the option that suits you.

What score will guarantee me a place at LBS?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this. Applications are reviewed holistically, taking the overall profile into consideration. Each intake will have a wide range of scores as we look to recruit well-rounded students.

What scores do you accept?

For the GRE, we recommend 160+ in both the verbal and quantitative sections. Ideally, the quantitative score would be higher, around 165.

For the GMAT, we recommend a minimum of 555 for the (G)MiM and MAM, with 595 for the MFA.

You’ll find the class averages below:

(G)MiM: 635 (Focus) / 690 (Classic)

MFA: 645 (Focus) / 700 (Classic)

MAM: 635 (Focus) / 690 (Classic)

*Please remember these are scores to aim for and do not guarantee a place on any of the programmes.

Can I take the test after I have submitted my application?

No. You must sit your GMAT or GRE exam before the deadline you are aiming for.

My Official Score report will arrive after the deadline – what do I do?

The official score report can take up to 7 days to be sent to you so we will accept the unofficial score report or some sort of proof you sat the exam before the deadline. This interim document informs the Admissions Committee that you took the test before the deadline and that they should expect your score shortly. A proof could be a screenshot of an email confirming you sat the test for example.

Can I request a GMAT/GRW waiver?

We are not able to waive the GMAT/GRE requirement; you must apply with a score.

I have the CFA level1/2 do I need to take the GMAT/GRE?

If you have a CFA Level 1 and are applying for the MFA you will be exempt from sitting the GMAT/GRE. If you are applying for the MiM, GMiM or the MAM, you will still need to provide a GMAT/GRE score.

Is the GMAT/GRE weighted more than other parts of the application?

There is no guarantee of a place at LBS simply with a high score as the GMAT/GRE only make up one component of the application and is equally weighted to other areas. The Admissions Committee make a holistic assessment of your overall profile taking into consideration: academics, experience, GMAT/GRE and English test scores, essays and your reference. Remember it is a competitive process and the best candidates tend to be fairly strong across all areas!

Proving your English proficiency

I studied my undergraduate degree entirely in English. Do I need to sit a proof of English proficiency exam?

You will need to submit an English language test score unless you are a native speaker national of a majority English-speaking country (as defined by the UK Visas & Immigration Office), or have completed an English-taught degree in one of these countries. You can find further information here.

What tests do you accept?

The following tests are accepted – you can find score requirements here.

TOEFL

IELTS

CPE (Cambridge English Exam)

CAE (Cambridge Advanced Exam)

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

DET (Duolingo English Test)

My test is out of date?

You must have taken the test within 2 years of the programme start date (end of August). If yours is out of date you need to provide an in-date version at the time of application submission.

Can I apply and submit my score at a later date?

It is the same as the GMAT/GRE exams. We need our applicants to submit their application with all the required documents so the Admissions Committee can make an informed and well-rounded decision.

There you have it – a detailed breakdown of the requirements for the entrance exams. Please take note and plan accordingly so you can submit the best application you can.
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FROM IESE MiM Blog: WiM Symposium – January 23-24, 2025
This past week, IESE Business School hosted the Women in Management Symposium at our Madrid Campus, welcoming more than 100 talented young women from around the globe. Designed for female university students and recent graduates eager to maximize their potential, this event provided a platform to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of women...

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The post WiM Symposium – January 23-24, 2025 first appeared on The MiM Blog | IESE Business School.
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FROM LBS MiM Admissions Blog: Make Your Choices Right: The Journey from employment to a Graduate Masters Programme
By Yvette Gong, MAM2025

So, you just graduated! You are excited, maybe a little nervous, and the world is your oyster... If you are anything like I was three years ago, you are probably wondering: Okay, now what?

Or perhaps you’ve got a year or two of experience under your belt! You are feeling more confident, maybe a bit restless, and starting to ask bigger questions about the future and wondering: What’s next?

No matter where you are in your journey, each stage presents its own crossroads and choices. It’s at these junctions that we craft our unique paths, in which when we look back, reveal themselves as pivotal moments. In this blog, I’ll take you through the three “junctions” I encountered over the past few years. From kickstarting a career in consulting to taking a leap back into a Masters in Analytics & Management (MAM) at LBS, my hope is to inspire reflection on your journey and provide some encouragement to embrace change, resilience, and growth. Moreover, if you’re considering an Early Career Master’s after some work experience, this might just be the nudge you need. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Junction 1: Fresh Out of Uni – Now What?

Figure out your short-term goal: the earliest opportunity to experience being a working professional in your “dream” job.

Graduation was surreal, it felt like standing at the peak of possibility – but also like staring down a dizzying number of paths. My own journey began with the classic choice that many graduates face: should I continue learning or dive into the workforce? With a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia in Canada, I was surrounded by friends jumping straight into masters programmes. Business Analytics was all the rage at the time, but I wasn’t sure if the technical route was for me. So, I decided to start my career in strategy consulting, something I had dreamed of for years (yes, I was one of those kids).

The decision to step into a full-time role was a reality check. Full-time experience wasn’t a mere extension of internships; it was a whole new world of responsibility, self-discovery, and a true test of my interest in consulting. Looking back, it was a critical turning point that clarified my future decisions about further study. So, standing at this junction, take a moment to ask, “what do I really want to learn about myself short-term?”

Option 1: Continue education with a Graduate Masters Programme straight away

[*]Buying Extra Time: Explore career options if you haven’t made up your mind[/*]

[*]Deepen Expertise: Gain advanced knowledge in the chosen academic field[/*]

[*]Pivot Academic Background: Build cross-disciplinary skills and pivot from undergrad degree[/*]
[/list]

Option 2: Kickstart career in consulting or other fields

[*]Real-World Exposure: Get firsthand full-time experience that differs from internships significantly[/*]

[*]Testing Career Fit: Find out if the “dream job” is truly so dreamy[/*]

[*]Skill Discovery: Identify your strengths and practical skill gaps for further investment[/*]
[/list]

Junction 2: Two Years In – Skills Gaps and Growth

Knowing your own professional persona, assessing skill gap, and the first taste of your desired workplace culture and corporate value

Fast-forward two years and I found my stride in consulting. I genuinely enjoyed the work, from delivering technology and data strategy projects that assess organisational technology landscape, data management practices to evaluating AI readiness and crafting AI strategy. The growth opportunity was invaluable. However, like many consultants, the inevitable ‘imposter syndrome” kicked in. I found myself facing a realization – with every AI strategy discussion and data project, I began to sense that something was missing – a deeper analytical foundation and more forward-looking insights of technology and data to help me advise my client more confidently.

Those two years also brought another insight: the importance of team culture and dynamics. Working with a team of truly intelligent, collaborative, and supportive colleagues and mentors and having given the opportunities to lead meetings, manage client relationships, represent the firm in panel discussions at recruitment events showed me the kind of workplace culture I wanted to seek and advocate for. This realisation about people and values turned into a guiding factor in my career pursuit later on.

Food for thought:

Option 1: Continue growing in my current role

[*]Career Growth: Invest in building a career with trusted team and colleagues within the company[/*]

[*]Professional Relationships: Strengthen and build lasting relationships with a compatible team[/*]

[*]Hands-on Learning: Continuously gain practical experience from hand-on projects[/*]
[/list]

Option 2: Pursue a full-time Graduate Masters Programme at LBS

[*]Focused Learning: A dedicated to systematically acquire targeted skills of interest[/*]

[*]Career Pivot Opportunity: Ideal timing to explore a new direction early in my career[/*]

[*]Global Perspective: Transition to a new location (e.g., from Canada to London) and gain a global outlook beyond one organisation, region, or industry[/*]
[/list]

Having chosen option 2, I realized that my full-time experience set me apart in multiple ways:

[*]Career-Driven Motivation Statement: Full-time experience provides a strong foundation for a well-positioned, purpose-driven reason to pursue a specific programme[/*]

[*]Clear Career Plan and Objectives: Work experience shapes a thoughtful, actionable career path with both short- and long-term goals[/*]

[*]Leverage Real-Life Project Experience: Showcase complex, hands-on project work that adds depth beyond typical school or internship examples.[/*]

[*]Dynamic Classroom Contribution: Being able to bring real-world insights and professional dynamics to elevate classroom discussions.[/*]
[/list]

Junction 3: What’s Happening Now & Next – Lessons In and Beyond the Classroom

How full-time experience allows me to get the most out of the programme, stay true to my goals and values, and empower exploration of other career opportunities.

Being part of the LBS community and a Graduate Masters Programme after two years in consulting is as fruitful as it gets. The work experience has shaped how I approach learning: every lecture, concept, or tool now feels like something I can connect directly to real-life scenarios. With clear goals in mind, learning feels grounded, purposeful, and I was able to identify and focus on the practical content that I can bring back to future projects.

Socially, my work experience has also added depth to how I interact within the LBS community. I can approach networking and connections with a bit more focus and confidence. There’s comfort in knowing how to present myself, whether at LBS events or when interacting with MBA students and mentors with skills I’d honed in the workplace.

But let’s be honest – LBS is no walk in the park, nor is the MAM. Between a demanding schedule, the pressure of job hunting from day one, the overwhelming FOMO of events, and the challenge of finding your own place in a mega city like London, there’s a lot to balance. This is why I’m grateful for the resilience and problem-solving mindset I gained through work. Handling high-pressure situations with a structured way of thinking, staying grounded during crisis, and adapting quickly have been invaluable skills in navigating the academic and social demands.

Returning to school with a clear purpose to pivot careers is common among those with work experience. For me, having enjoyed two years in strategy consulting, I always wondered what else is out there. Investing in a Graduate Masters Programme at LBS opens the door to other opportunities. With the two years of consulting experience under my belt, I’ve felt encouraged to explore new career paths, such as innovation consulting and product management, knowing that my consulting background and the transferrable skills I acquired remains a solid foundation I can always rely on.

Food for thought:

Option 1: Continue in Strategy Consulting

[*]Competitive Edge: Leverage the more advanced technical knowledge and deeper understanding in data & analytics, as well as a holistic global perspective[/*]

[*]Leverage Existing Experience: Accelerate growth in a familiar field[/*]

[*]New Perspectives: Work in a different country and company to gain fresh insights[/*]
[/list]

Option 2: Explore New Career Areas

[*]Diverse Experience: Gain exposure to various industries or functions early in the career, adding flexibility and potential to future career path[/*]

[*]Skill Diversification: Develop a broader skillset beyond typical consulting skills[/*]

[*]End-to-End Perspective: Experience end-to-end project from strategizing through execution[/*]
[/list]

Final Thoughts: There Are No Right Choices, We Make Our Choices Right

You probably noticed that I’ve listed some pretty convincing reasonings for each decision at each of these junctions, it is apparent that the choices weren’t always obvious or easy. Whether it was stepping into a full-time role, going back to school, or exploring new career paths, every decision required both courage and conviction. The biggest lesson is that there is no single “right” choice – only the choices we made right by fully committing fully, learning from every step, and adapting along the way.

So, if you’re standing at your own crossroads, remember that “sometimes you make the right decision, sometimes you make the decision right.” Embrace the choice wholeheartedly, stay resilient, and trust that each choice will shape you in ways that will become clear only in hindsight. Here’s to making our own paths – and making them right.
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