Nasreen Begum, London Business School’s MBA Class of 2027
Age: 26
Hometown: London
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Westminster – BSc Real Estate (First Class Honours)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Product Manager, Engine AI – AI/Technology/ Deep Tech (Aug 2024 – Aug 2025); Product Manager, Publicis Sapient – Digital Consulting (Oct 2021 – Aug 2024); Equity Analyst, King’s Investment Fund – Investment Research (Jan 2021 – Dec 2021)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After several years in product management, I found myself increasingly drawn to the strategic questions that sit above day-to-day execution, such as how you diagnose complex business problems, structure your thinking to find the right solutions, and help organizations to navigate fundamental transformation. Whilst I’d developed experience building products that deliver results, I wanted to understand how to solve the broader commercial challenges that determine whether companies succeed or struggle.
An MBA felt like the natural pathway to develop that capability, particularly the analytical frameworks that consulting provides, the structured problem-solving methodologies, and exposure to the breadth of industries and business models that shape modern commerce. The opportunity to collaborate with people from entirely different professional backgrounds was equally important as a consultant will approach problems differently from an engineer or an investment banker, for example.
The timing made sense as well. I’d delivered meaningful results in my product roles and felt ready for a transition that would challenge me to think more broadly about business strategy and organizational effectiveness.
While the GMAT preparation was challenging whilst managing a demanding role, starting early proved essential. Equally, having friends and family check on my progress kept me motivated and I was grateful for the support network that made it possible.
Why did you choose London Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Three key factors shaped my decision. London’s position as a hub for consulting and technology offers unparalleled access to the industries I’m targeting, through live projects, networking events, and proximity to leading firms. The program’s strong employer relationships, particularly with top consultancies and high-growth tech companies, will accelerate my career transition. Finally, the analytics-focused curriculum and comprehensive career support allow me to leverage my product and finance experience in solving tech-enabled business challenges.
The people I met during the application process were genuinely impressive and welcoming. The international diversity translates into fascinating classroom discussions where you hear perspectives you simply wouldn’t encounter elsewhere. That richness of viewpoint was exactly what I was seeking.
Finally, the alignment with my goals felt natural. LBS’s strength in consulting recruiting, combined with an active tech community and curriculum that bridges quantitative analysis with strategic thinking, seemed perfectly suited to where I hope to go next.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I hope to bring a useful perspective on translating technical complexity into commercial outcomes. Having worked closely with data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders, I’ve learned how to bridge different ways of thinking about problems, whether that’s helping a team understand why a model achieves certain precision rates or explaining how product changes impact customer behaviour.
I’ve been fortunate to work on projects that delivered measurable results, from reducing operational costs to improving customer retention. I’m excited to contribute this practical experience to case discussions and group work, whilst learning enormously from classmates who bring completely different but equally valuable perspectives.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I play both piano and violin, and I’ve been lucky enough to perform at the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall. Music is my way of expressing creativity and exploring the arts, with previous highlights including playing violin–piano or solo piano arrangements of works from John Williams’s Schindler’s List film score, and selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m particularly drawn to strategy consulting for the opportunity to apply structured problem-solving across diverse industries and complex business challenges. The breadth of exposure appeals to me as a natural evolution from product management. I’m also exploring several other paths, including opportunities in tech and corporate strategy roles.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Start GMAT preparation early and make it part of your routine. I found that consistent, manageable study sessions worked much better than intensive cramming. This approach made the final weeks far less stressful and allowed me to focus on performing rather than just surviving the exam.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I’d reach out to current students earlier, particularly those from different professional backgrounds. Their honest insights about school culture, recruiting realities, and which activities genuinely matter would have helped me make better decisions throughout the application process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Studying for the GMAT was difficult, but having trusted people check on my progress and keeping perspective really helped. It’s important to remember that it’s just one element of a much broader story about your capabilities and aspirations.
What is your initial impression of the LBS students/culture/community?
Impressively accomplished yet grounded. People are successful yet collaborative as opposed to competitive, and remarkably generous with their time and insights. There’s a real sense that everyone wants to see each other succeed, which creates an environment where people feel comfortable taking intellectual risks and learning from one another.
What student organizations have you joined/re you hoping to join and why?
I’m hoping to contribute to the Consulting Club for the case methodology and industry mentorship, the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club to deepen my understanding of investment processes, Women in Business for the leadership development and professional community, and the Tech & Media Club to maintain connections with the product and innovation world.
These align naturally with my career interests whilst offering opportunities to contribute insights from my background in scaling technology products.
What is one thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
How seamlessly the school integrates with London’s business ecosystem. Industry leaders regularly contribute to evening discussions, companies actively seek LBS partnerships for live projects, and networking opportunities emerge organically throughout the city. LBS hasn’t simply positioned itself within London’s commercial landscape, it has cultivated genuine partnerships that make the entire city feel like an extension of the learning experience.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Working intensively with my study group and learning from people whose career paths and cultural backgrounds are entirely different from mine. I’m also looking forward to case competitions and international treks, opportunities to apply classroom learning to real business scenarios whilst building lasting friendships.
The prospect of being intellectually challenged in new domains, particularly finance and strategic frameworks, feels like a natural and exciting evolution after years focused primarily on product development and technical leadership.
