For this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students, we catch up with the new class at London Business School (LBS). When you hear “London,” architectural icons like the Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben or Globe Theater may spring to mind. London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is also a global financial and tech hub. Indeed, the city is only second to San Francisco in its concentration of fintech companies. Not surprisingly, many members of the incoming Class of 2021 arrived at LBS with backgrounds in finance, tech and consulting. While some of these candidates are looking to further their impact in a related field with added business acumen, others plan to use their LBS MBA to pivot into entirely new careers – from investment banking to retail and luxury management, for instance.
London School of Business attracts high-performing students who value a global perspective, flexible and highly-ranked academics, and a desire to live and work in one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs. For the Class of 2021, they land at an exciting and uncertain time on the region’s business landscape. Read on for their stories.
Diego Vega Jenkins, LBS MBA Class of 2021
Age: 31
Hometown: La Quebrada, Lima, Peru
Undergraduate School and Major: Bachelor of Science in Radio, Television & Film at The University of Texas at Austin
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Founder and Director of Content at La Pepa
Why business school? Why now?
I had decided to leave my current company and career path a little over a year ago and felt that whatever I do next, I would truly benefit from having a solid education in business.
Why LBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
London is one the few cities that seems to really affect the pulse of the world. It’s a city where things never cease to happen and living here is as much a formative experience as going to LBS. There’s no other city that combines such diversity, ambition, and sense of history.
Furthermore, living in London through Brexit is very interesting for me; these are vital years in the city. The conversations people are having and the decisions being made will affect the shape of the West (if not the world) for years to come. I want to be in London during that time and witness history as it is being made.
I really have to mention two other factors: I haven’t found the relationship that students have with professors at LBS in other schools. It seems to be a very open, horizontal dynamic – less ivory tower, more [soccer field].
Additionally, this is a bit of a cliché by now, but LBS is really the most global and most customizable MBA there is. I’m an entrepreneur, but I have interests that span several fields and at LBS I can really explore all of these interests. If you can’t find what you’re interested in at LBS and you can’t find it in London, there’s a very good chance it doesn’t exist.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
My background.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’ve never used Excel!
Post-MBA career interests?
Entrepreneurship and consulting.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
Make a habit out of taking a step back.
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One shouldn’t arrange test-taking and application submissions around deadlines.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Give myself more time and not set round deadlines as personal deadlines. This creates unexpected, and often illusory, tension.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Researching the proper schools took a lot longer than I expected. I think that the best resource is talking to as many alumni as possible.
What is your initial impression of LBS’s students/culture/community?
It is a very impressive, down-to-earth group that are super focused and super relaxed at the same time.
One thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
Alumni involvement in the program.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Accounting classes.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
London.
Kemi Badru, LBS MBA Class of 2021
Age: 30
Hometown: London
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University College London, BSc Biomedical Sciences
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 8, Financial Services
Why business school? Why now?
I have eight years of accounting experience and I want to transition into a commercial role. While I have enjoyed working in the finance team of very interesting companies and have learned a lot, accounting is largely backward-looking with limited impact on growth and little client engagement. An MBA would allow me to improve my business acumen and develop the frameworks and tools needed to pivot into strategic roles.
Why LBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
At the start of my business school search, I reflected on what I wanted to achieve. I wanted the space to experiment and reflect. I wanted to experiment with different roles, industries, and entrepreneurship. I also wanted the opportunity to reflect on my goals and motivations. All of these things required time and so I decided on a two-year program.
Furthermore, it was fundamental that I leave business school with a global perspective and the confidence to conduct business in any part of the world, so a school with an international mix and a strong global network was very important to me. I felt that LBS incorporated all of this and more; its location in London and its reputation within the business community will provide professional opportunities and access to prominent leaders in business and commerce.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
Given the low numbers of Brits in the class, I believe my experience working and living in the UK will be useful to my colleagues. I intend to use my accounting knowledge to help those not familiar with the subject.
My experiences and volunteering work have afforded me access to and insights into communities and positions of leadership that many attending business school would not have had. I hope this will furnish classroom discussions and contribute to the professional development of my classmates.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
After my undergraduate degree, I seriously considered becoming a farmer, so much so that I looked into getting a master’s degree in sustainable food and agriculture. I find the idea of growing tangible products, especially the food you eat, idyllic.
Post-MBA career interests?
I am interested in infrastructure, utilities, and finance. Their ability to drive economic and social growth is fascinating, so a role that allows me to contribute to these industries would be appealing.
I ultimately want a career that adds value not only to shareholders but also to society. We are on this planet for a short time, so it is imperative for me that I use my time and talent to make it a better place. I believe business and finance when deployed correctly can do this.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I interacted with the school on multiple occasions and through different channels. I attended information sessions, lectures, student-led conferences and I also spoke to current students and alumni.
These interactions allowed me to judge whether LBS was a good fit for me. I would encourage prospective students to engage with schools as much as possible. One or two years of your life in a school that you dislike would be a great disservice to yourself, so get to know the school and see if it is a good fit!
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have applied earlier.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
GMAT!
What is your initial impression of LBS’s students/culture/community?
Everyone has been so friendly and open. There is a strong desire to get to know people and to get involved both in and outside the classroom. Also, the experiences and accomplishments of my classmates are jaw-dropping, and has already started paying dividends.
For instance, when we had a case on a Peruvian conglomerate, we not only had Peruvians in the class, but also a former employee of the company profiled in the case. Needless to say, my Peruvian classmates’ insights brought the case to life!
One thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
LBS prides itself in being a global university, so I expected it to be global, but I was stunned by just how global.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing academic, social, and professional demands. All are important, so finding the balance between them will be difficult. I think frequent reflections will be vital so that I am constantly reminded of my priorities.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am looking forward to learning – learning in the classroom, but also practically though internships, discussions with classmates, international treks, and participation in student clubs. I cannot wait to see the personal and professional growth that will come as a result of the learning. I also look forward to getting to know my classmates; we are a big class full of intelligent and interesting people and I hope to make some lifelong friends.
Nicola Key, LBS MBA Class of 2021
Age: 30
Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa & Sydney, Australia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Western Australia, Finance & The University of Sydney, Juris Doctor
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Lawyer (4 years, Commercial); Business Manager (1.5 years) Investment banker
Why business school? Why now?
I was looking to change industries again and I felt that before doing so, I needed the time to explore that new industry, explore different internships, and gain core skills to be successful in the industry. Business school was the perfect platform.
Why LBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
After doing my research, talking to alumni and visiting the school, I decided to only apply to LBS. Some of the factors that went into my decision were the conversations I had with the alumni and staff, the location, the clubs on offer, and the focus on careers early on in the program.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I have lived and worked in a few different countries and have changed industries, so in that respect I can bring that diverse experience to the class.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I grew up on a game farm.
Post-MBA career interests?
Retail & luxury management.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Speak to as many alumni as possible.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Start your applications earlier than you think.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Undertaking the admission test (GMAT) at the same time as completing the essays and the rest of the application. Being organized and allowing myself to focus on one aspect at a time helped me.
What is your initial impression of LBS’s students/culture/community?
The word that keeps coming to mind is ‘friendly.’
One thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
LBS has a truly amazing careers platform to help you navigate any questions you have regarding your career.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing all the commitments whilst trying not to get FOMO.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting involved all the clubs especially the Retail & Luxury Goods Club and Women’s Touch Rugby Club.
Rumi (Mitra) White, LBS MBA Class of 2021
Age: 28
Hometown: South Bend, Indiana, USA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Williams College, BA in English Literature with a concentration in Cognitive Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry):
Right after college, I got a master’s degree in Computer Graphics & Gaming Technology from the University of Pennsylvania. It exposed me to the world of 3D game development and visual effects. Many of my classmates went into the animation, gaming, and visual effects industries afterwards, but I was fascinated by augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) development. It was a perfect blend of creative and technical work. It led me to Accenture in New York, where I spent three years building AR and VR apps for Fortune 500 clients, as well as conducting AR/VR strategy work for these clients.
Why business school? Why now?
An MBA equips you with a phenomenal network and a range of applicable skills (like finance and negotiation) that take your career to the next level. After spending three years tackling engineering problems in AR/VR, I wanted to pivot to solving business development, operational, and ethical challenges within the innovative technology realm. Business school seemed like an important piece of that transition.
Why LBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
So many factors! The LBS MBA strikes a balance between academic rigor and flexibility that allows me to explore a business role in technology. I can use block scheduling to my advantage in the second year to pursue another internship or work part-time. Second, I wanted a truly global experience to broaden my perspective. LBS is one of the few business schools where I was in the minority as an American.
I also thought the interview process was remarkably personalized, reflecting a school that really cared about who I was as a person. And I couldn’t ignore the fact that I would spend 2 years (at least) in London, one of my favourite cities in the world!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
Just within my “stream,” or the set of MBA students I take classes with, there’s a filmmaker and an ex-army officer. Many of my classmates have impressive, non-traditional backgrounds. I think my combined creative and technical experience brings a unique perspective to discussions about innovative technology.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I was a nationally ranked epée fencer in the US in high school and even competed in the Junior Olympics.
Post-MBA career interests?
I’m interested in staying within creative technology on the business development or operational side, whether at an entertainment company or as part of an automotive or retail firm.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talking to as many alumni as I can! I got a personal glimpse into life at the school that I couldn’t find in online literature or webinars.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had visited LBS before applying, sat in on classes, and chatted to some of the professors. It wouldn’t have changed the fact that LBS was my top choice, but nothing beats experiencing a school in person.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Skipping the GMAT would have been the best! The key is to take a practice exam at the start – figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are, and use them to create a smart study plan. I stuck to a strict schedule, took plenty of practice tests, and tried to simulate the test environment as much as I could. But I also made sure to reward myself with fun breaks, so make sure you don’t burn out!
What is your initial impression of LBS’s students/culture/community?
They’re ridiculously smart, yet humble. And incredibly familiar, yet from all corners of the globe. When you ask someone where they’re from, they pause – often because the answer involves 2 or 3 countries.
One thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
I figured out from the interview that LBS cared a lot about creating a collaborative community, but it’s still a (wonderful) surprise to see how well that’s reflected in my classmates.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Maintaining a work and life balance. There are so many opportunities here. I’ve got to take a step back, evaluate my priorities, and participate in organizations and activities in which I think I’ll make a tangible and significant impact.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m really excited to get to know my classmates at a deeper level – their motivations, histories, passions, and quirky habits.
Sophy Chen, LBS MBA Class of 2021
Age: 26
Hometown: Suzhou, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry):
4 years in a corporate development role for Payoneer, a fintech company in the cross-border payment space. I was involved in different functions, such as corporate strategy, data analytics, and financial planning and worked in both New York and Hong Kong.
Why business school? Why now?
It is exciting for me to re-enter business school at the current stage of my career, because I have accumulated a certain amount of real-world experience from work and I am more than ready to apply what I know to the classroom and share it with my classmates.
I will also gain exposure to various industries and career paths and hit the “reset” button to think through how I want to plan my professional life moving forward. Finally, peer-learning opportunities are extraordinarily important to me and I am eager to learn tremendously from my fellow classmates from diverse backgrounds.
Why LBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose LBS primarily because I would like to explore London and, hopefully, work here for a few years at least. I fell in love with London when I first visited the city and just cannot wait to come back to live here.
Also, as I’ve already experienced life at a US business school, I definitely would like to try a different location and get to know Europe a bit more. The network provided by LBS in London and Europe at large is the factor that influenced my decision the most.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I joined a technology startup fresh out of undergrad and have grown with the company for four years, witnessing the almost explosive growth in the industry, which I believe is a quite unique experience.
London is now becoming a fintech hub in Europe and an increasing number of business school graduates are aiming for positions in successful start-ups. I hope to share some reflections and takeaways from my own journey of working across different regions with the start-up and living in the tech ecosystem.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I attended an actor training and coaching school when I was about 11. I auditioned quite a bit and got to meet some of the most well-known directors in China at that time (although I ended up not finding a suitable role and I quit acting about six months later due to a busy school load).
Post-MBA career interests?
In the short term, I would be interested in management consulting or strategic planning roles, but, in the long term, I am planning to work on impact investing, either with an established fund or by starting my own venture.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reaching out to alumni and current students to ask for their insights about different business schools. I would also recommend getting their feedback on your profile or resume as early as possible so you know where you would need to work on.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Start the essay writing process much earlier than the deadline of the round you are aiming for. You’ll have more time to iterate ideas, reflect upon past experiences and get thoughts from people who know you well. I started the process a little late in the summer (I was applying for R1) and I actually wish I had more time to polish my ideas with more revisions.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Contemplating ideas before actually starting to write. I spent a lot of time brainstorming by myself before putting my visions into words on the paper. I feel it is crucial to get the first few drafts of your essays out as early as you can and definitely hand it to people you trust for review.
What is your initial impression of LBS’s students/culture/community?
Super diverse and truly international. Coming from an international background, I genuinely feel so comfortable fitting in this culture. Another impression is that LBS’s students are extremely nice, relaxed, and easy-going. It is effortless to strike a casual conversation with someone here on the way to school or in the hallway.
One thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
Plenty of scholarship opportunities are offered to incoming students. Honestly, having studied in the US for four years, I never expected to get a scholarship for my MBA education. It was absolutely one thing that LBS does that surprised me in the most delightful way.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Juggling job-seeking, study, and social life. For me, it is like college all over again and I really need to plan my time carefully. I would like to try a bit of everything, but it is important to prioritize and evaluate trade-offs.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Traveling with my fellow classmates a lot and making new friends.
Victor Mallet, LBS MBA Class of 2021
Age: 28
Hometown: London, England
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Oxford, Modern Language (French & Russian)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years in Financial PR
Why business school? Why now?
I got to the point in my career where I felt like I wanted a new challenge and an opportunity to solve more difficult problems. I didn’t want to start from the bottom in a new industry, so taking the business school route was the logical conclusion.
Why LBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
LBS’s MBA program is unique in that it is based in the middle of one of the largest business centers in the world, rather than on an isolated campus. This means there’s so much more opportunity to build strong networks in almost any industry, in addition to the networking opportunities that come with any MBA program.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I think you’d have to ask others that question – but maybe a dose of British sarcasm.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I recently started playing competitive chess.
Post-MBA career interests?
Strategy consulting, media (specifically the news side) & technology
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to your friends, to alumni, and to other people you know who’ve gone to business school about their motivations and what they got out of the experience. This is a valuable exercise in a) understanding whether or not it’s right for you and b) helping you with your story.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I probably would have done more research on process and teaching methods. It’s often difficult to get beyond business schools’ marketing, but to really understand what goes on in the classroom and on campus you have to ask quite specific questions of people who have been through the process.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The more personal essay questions. The LBS application is actually very to the point and career-focused, which I appreciated, but other schools are much less so. I think by realizing that, in answering the more personality-based essays, you are partly playing a game, the task of writing them becomes much simpler.
What is your initial impression of LBS’s students/culture/community?
It’s been a pretty amazing first few weeks. I would describe myself as a cynic, but the diversity of opinions and cultures you have in the classroom is amazing and something that I think is unique to the school.
One thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
How accessible and friendly the professors are. They are all very open to answering questions and you are encouraged to engage beyond the classroom.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The lack of cash in-flows.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The learning curve and getting back in a classroom.
