Magdalena Herrera, London Business School’s MBA Class of 2025
Magdalena Herrera, London Business School’s MBA Class of 2025Age: 29
Hometown: Santiago, Chile
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Private Equity Associate, Stars Investments, 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to pursue a degree in business because it will provide me with the tools necessary for my continued professional development. While I have experienced significant growth in my current job, I believe that in order to advance further and reach the next level, obtaining an MBA is essential. My primary goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the role of vision and strategy within companies.
As I aspire to continue launching new businesses and attracting local private capital, I recognize the importance of embracing a broader perspective and gaining fresh insights, something that an MBA can offer. This is why I am confident in my choice of LBS, as both the school and the vibrant city of London present opportunities to engage with diverse cultures and people from around the world. This global exposure is particularly crucial in Chile, where our society often lacks diversity. An open-minded approach is key to enhancing our discussions and perspectives.
Furthermore, from a more technical standpoint, I am eager to expand my knowledge in technology and Fintech. London is an ideal place to delve into these subjects and implement them in practical ways.
Why pursue this now? Beyond simply executing predetermined strategies, my aim is to cultivate a profound business vision and be able to strategize within the business itself. I am eager to leverage all the resources and insights that an MBA can provide, applying them directly to my professional life. I also recognize the need to broaden my perspective to view businesses from a more comprehensive standpoint, fostering creativity and innovation in my entrepreneurial endeavors.
Why did you choose LBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
One of the biggest advantages of this opportunity at LBS is that it provides me with diversity. I will be able to share experiences with people not only from Europe but from all over the world. This will allow me to learn from other cultures and different points of view. I strongly believe that this is an important asset that will benefit me not only in my personal life but also in my professional career.
In the business world, empathy and understanding are critical to success. By studying in London, I will gain invaluable experience in dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. I will be able to use this experience to establish strong business relationships with people from all over the world. This will not only help me in my career, but it will also benefit my home country by establishing strong trade relations between Latin America and the United Kingdom.
Moreover, London is one of the most globalized cities in the world and studying here provides me with a unique opportunity to connect with people from all over Europe and beyond. This will help me establish contacts in Europe, which will be important for me in the future.
As a woman, I am proud to be part of a program that values the contribution of women to the business world. The program attracts women from all over the world, and this provides me with an opportunity to learn from women with different backgrounds and experiences.
In conclusion, studying in London is an amazing opportunity that I am excited about. It provides me with diversity, exposure to different cultures, and valuable business experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program, and I am confident that it will prepare me for success in the future.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the London Business School Class of 2025?
I will bring motivation, a strong desire to learn new things, and the opportunity to forge meaningful friendships. As I do in all my endeavors, I am eager to take an active role in event organization and fostering a sense of community. My presence will infuse joy and a shared commitment to building a cohesive community.
Furthermore, I bring substantial experience in Private Equity (PE) and a deep understanding of conducting business in both Latin America and the United States. Consequently, I have a well-established network and connections that can facilitate the creation of events. This includes organizing treks to engage with PE leaders and arranging panels to involve individuals from various backgrounds and disciplines within the PE sector. I possess the ability to establish connections between individuals from Latin America and Europe for business ventures in Latin America. Additionally, I can contribute to strengthening the alumni network, ultimately enhancing the overall sense of community within which I am a participant.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I come from a very large family! We are eight siblings, three women and five men, so since I was little, I have been accustomed to being around many people and building a sense of community. Another interesting fact about me is that I am a passionate lover of diving. However, my Achilles’ heel is boats because I always get seasick, to the point of almost fainting. For my honeymoon, we went diving for ten days in Belize, during which time I experienced seasickness on the boats (a rather romantic experience). However, as soon as I jumped into the sea, my discomfort vanished, and I was filled with happiness. Perhaps in a previous life, I was a mermaid!
Post-MBA career interests:
I would love to delve deeper into technology and Artificial Intelligence during my MBA. My plan is to enter the tech industry after completing my MBA to gain extensive knowledge and understand how to effectively apply these emerging technologies in business operations, enhancing their efficiency. In the future, my aspiration is to continue fostering local private equity and establishing new businesses in Chile and Latin America, with a strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Engage in conversations with numerous individuals to gather information on the application process and to gain insights into various business schools. This approach was by far the most beneficial for me. Learning from the experiences of others through honest conversations, where they shared what they appreciated and what aspects they would like to see improved, proved invaluable. Simultaneously, this practice helps you expand your network of contacts.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Submit your applications well in advance and avoid leaving them to the last minute, particularly because multiple deadlines may coincide. Therefore, if you plan to apply to multiple business schools, organization and allocating sufficient time to each application are essential. Contemplate the essays and give them careful consideration; avoid rushing through them or treating them superficially. In my case, initially, I didn’t realize the amount of work involved, but later, I recognized the significance of dedicating ample time for revisions. It’s also an incredible opportunity for self-analysis, helping you understand the reasons behind the various decisions you’ve made in your life.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The simplest thing to say would be to skip studying for the GMAT because it demands time and dedication. However, looking back now, I realize that it is a crucial test that helps you revisit and strengthen your knowledge, especially in areas you may not have studied in a long time. To prepare effectively, it’s essential to gather information and establish a well-organized study plan before beginning your GMAT preparation. Therefore, always seek advice from individuals who have already gone through this process before you.
What is your initial impression of the LBS students/culture/community?
It is an incredibly diverse community. One of the reasons I chose LBS was because of its diversity, and now that I’ve started my classes, I can truly see how diverse it is. I have classmates from all around the world, each coming from different backgrounds and cultures. The culture at LBS promotes diversity and inclusion, as it teaches you how to collaborate with individuals who have different perspectives and backgrounds. Beyond their obvious intelligence, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the openness of my classmates.
What is one thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
The size and reputation of the LBS network have been particularly striking to me. Since I’ve been living in Europe, I’ve noticed that when I mention that I am studying at LBS, most people are familiar with the school. Additionally, I’ve been impressed by the extensive international alumni network, which includes individuals from nearly every country in the world. Now, I understand that if I ever wish to work in any country, I have a network of contacts to assist me in reaching my goals.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The desire to engage in numerous activities and clubs can be anxiety-inducing as we don’t have infinite time. Therefore, I must effectively organize myself to maintain a balance between my academic commitments, leadership roles, social connections, and sports activities. Furthermore, living in London, a bustling city with a myriad of offerings, means there are always plenty of things to do.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am eager to get to know my colleagues and learn about their stories. I am genuinely thrilled about the opportunity that LBS provides to connect with individuals from various parts of the world. Additionally, I am highly motivated to begin participating in the clubs offered by the university. I am eager to explore new experiences and embrace this fresh chapter in my life!
