Dr. Arun Banerji, London Business School’s MBA Class of 2027
Age: 33
Hometown: London
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Bristol, UK; Medicine
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Medical Doctor, NHS (9 years); British Army Reserve (8 years, concurrent).
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
As a doctor, doing an MBA might seem like an unusual step, but for me it makes a lot of sense. Working in medicine has given me a deep understanding of how care is delivered on the front line, but I’ve also seen that many of the toughest challenges are bigger than individual consultations – they’re about policy, leadership, and how resources are managed. Clinicians can do a lot for patients one-to-one, but without strong systems and clear strategies, whole communities still struggle to get the care they need. That’s the gap I want to help bridge, and why I turned to business school.
Right now feels like the right time. Health systems everywhere are under pressure from ageing populations and tighter budgets, while new technologies and treatments are transforming the way we deliver care. Having completed my training in General Practice, I had a solid clinical foundation and a natural pause point to step back, learn new skills, and prepare for a broader role in shaping healthcare.
Why did you choose London Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I wanted a top-ranked European programme, and London Business School stood out straight away. The longer 21-month course was a big draw for me. As someone coming from a non-traditional background looking to pivot my career, I felt the extra time to explore, do internships, and reflect would make all the difference compared to shorter programmes.
Being in London is also a huge bonus. It’s a global business hub, and that proximity brings with it an incredible range of connections, events, and opportunities – a real force multiplier for anyone wanting to broaden their horizons. On top of that, I was drawn to LBS’s highly international cohort and the flexibility of its modular course, which meant I could shape the experience to fit my own goals. Altogether, it felt like the perfect place to make the transition I was aiming for.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I think my most valuable contribution is the perspective I bring from a non-traditional background. Coming from medicine, my experience in the healthcare sector and working directly with patients offers a very different lens compared to the corporate backgrounds that many MBAs share. I hope this adds real diversity of thought to the classroom.
Alongside my civilian medical career, I have also serve in the British Army Reserve. This experience has broadened my outlook by exposing me to leadership and teamwork in a very different setting, which I believe will add another dimension to my contributions at LBS.
On top of that, being both British and a Londoner gives me a distinctive vantage point within such an international cohort. It’s relatively uncommon at business schools, and I enjoy being able to share local insight – whether that’s helping classmates navigate the city or pointing them towards the best pubs and restaurants!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
In March, I spent three weeks in Nepal trekking with friends to Everest Base Camp and through some of the surrounding valleys. A previous trip had been cancelled during the Covid-19 pandemic, so it was especially rewarding to finally make it – a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m keeping my options open, and one of the real advantages of LBS is the chance to engage with such a wide range of people and industries. Right now, I’m exploring strategy consulting within the healthcare practice of a management consultancy, as well as roles in the life sciences sector.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Speak to as many people connected to the school as possible. Conversations with current students and alumni gave me a clear sense of the culture and opportunities – I even joined a few LBS Healthcare Club events and toured the campus. I also found it very helpful to connect with the admissions team: I began with a virtual session for prospective applicants and later followed up with face-to-face chats at an MBA fair in London. Together, these interactions gave me both practical insight into the application process and a strong sense of whether LBS was the right fit for me.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would recommend starting the essays well in advance. They always take longer than expected, but I found the process useful for reflecting on the programme and confirming that an MBA was the right step for me.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped one part, it would definitely be the GMAT. There’s no denying it takes up a lot of time, especially when you’re still working. What helped me get through it was having a supportive partner, which made all the difference.
What is your initial impression of the LBS students/culture/community?
My first impression of LBS students and the wider community is that it’s incredibly diverse and international. People are friendly and approachable, but also very driven. What stands out is how collaborative the culture feels – classmates are quick to share experiences and help each other, which creates a really supportive environment.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m looking forward to getting involved: I plan to join the Healthcare Club, and with a strong interest in politics, I’ll also be part of the Geopolitics and Business Club. I’m also keen to connect with others through the Military in Business Club. On a lighter note, I’m hoping to play some tennis with the Racket Sports Club.
What is one thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about LBS is the real focus on personal development. It’s not just about academics or career opportunities – there’s a strong emphasis on developing you as a leader and helping you reflect on your own interests and priorities. I’ve been impressed by how much support there is in shaping a career path that genuinely aligns with those.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Stepping into a world very different from medicine, connecting with people from a wide range of industries, and exploring new ideas and perspectives together!
