Lauren Samuelson, IMD MBA Class of 2025
Age: 26
Hometown: London
Undergraduate Institution and Major: BSc (Hons) Mathematical Sciences, University of Bath
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 3yrs as a Tech Consultant at Accenture UK
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I knew for a while that I wanted to do an MBA to have a more relevant degree, since maths was quite abstract! After a few years in consulting, it seemed the right time to pursue an MBA to accelerate my career – early enough in my career to see the return on my time investment, and after gaining some experience in the sector.
Why did you choose IMD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I decided I wanted to do a one-year course in Europe, to discover a different country and business context. I wanted a global programme – in more ways than just the class nationalities – and IMD ticked these boxes. I then discovered the leadership stream at IMD, and the focus on personal development and self-reflection really drew me to apply. When I attended the open day (after applying!), I knew IMD was the right school – and I was so pleased to receive an offer!!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I asked my classmates and they said I bring structure, logic and alignment, and the ability to synthesise complex information. Outside of that though, they might say my baking – brownies in particular!!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I decided to qualify as a ski instructor in Canada a few years ago, in anticipation of a gap year ski season – no gap year so far, but it did come in useful when teaching some of my classmates to ski earlier in the year!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m looking to continue the personal development from IMD in my career, in growth opportunities where I can make a positive difference in business – and use these experiences and business knowledge to make a positive difference also in society.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Go to the open days for the schools you apply for – it really showed me that IMD was right for me, and another school I’d applied to was not a fit for me. It’s so different to be there in person, meet the current students, sit in on classes and truly experience what the MBA would be like!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Visit the school open days before applying! If I did it again, I’d save myself time by engaging directly with the schools on my short list, through visits or conversations with students and alumni. I’d only apply after visiting, so that I could be sure they would be a fit for me and I wouldn’t waste time writing other applications.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Overall I think my application journey brought me to the right place, and it might not have happened if I changed the process! Perhaps the only thing I’d skip would be the wait between the assessment day and the offer!
What is your initial impression of the IMD students/culture/community?
The IMD class is unique in that it is a small cohort, so you get to know your classmates really quickly – and surprisingly deeply with all the bonding opportunities and leadership stream! The class really makes the year amazing – I know I’ve made friends for life! Our faculty are fantastic – true experts in their fields, always available to give advice, and bringing fresh perspectives from executive education engagements!
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am part of the Women in Business, Sustainability & Social Impact, and Finance clubs – our club leads have organised some fantastic events, from fireside chats, company visits and networking lunches to speed dating networking! It’s been amazing to see the breadth of events and speakers, and discover new perspectives!
What is one thing you have learned about IMD that has surprised you?
The alumni network is really unique to IMD – they are genuinely willing to help! Many alumni return to campus as guest speakers during the year, and they always remember their time on campus very fondly!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
My favourite part of the year so far has been the leadership stream, including the mini HPL (High Performance Leadership) workshop – it showed me a different way to understand others and myself, and I’ll never forget hearing about my classmates’ life experiences during the workshop. We have the ICP (International Consulting Project) coming up, as well as Negotiation classes – so there’s still lots to look forward to!!
