Charles Jennison, London Business School’s MBA Class of 2028
Age: 30
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Otago; BCom Economics and Marketing Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Strategy Manager, HelloFresh, five years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After five years at HelloFresh, I determined that developing my management and strategy skills through an MBA was the right next step for me and would prepare me for the next stage of my career. At HelloFresh, I had transitioned into a role where I was making more consequential decisions and gaining greater exposure to senior management. I wanted to complement this practical experience with the formal education and frameworks provided by an MBA.
In terms of timing, it just really felt “right.” I had built up strong industry experience, which enables me to make the most of an MBA by providing context for the concepts we’re learning in class.
Why did you choose London Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The London location and how highly LBS alumni speak about their experience were the key factors in my decision. London has so much opportunity, and LBS’s location allows you to make the most of it. I’m someone who enjoys being close to the action, so for me, this was a big draw.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside some LBS alumni during my time at HelloFresh. Having coffee chats with them and hearing how highly they spoke about their experience at LBS was also key in my decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
Primarily, my experience in the food industry and insights into changing consumer dietary preferences. Food touches everyone’s lives, yet relatively few MBA students will have spent years inside a fast-scaling food business observing how changing consumer behaviour directly shapes strategy.
Interviewing customers across our European markets has given me a front-row seat to evolving expectations around nutrition and diets, and those are the insights I hope to contribute to classroom discussions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve DJ’d festivals and clubs in New Zealand, London and Fiji, supporting international headliners and playing for large crowds. I’ve always loved dance music, and from a young age I was fascinated by the technical challenge of learning how to DJ. That said, after meeting the rest of the MBA’28 cohort, I’m finding that DJing experience isn’t as rare as I first assumed.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’d like to stay involved in the food and consumer industry, where I’ve built my experience. I’m considering either strategy consulting, with a focus on consumer, or exploring the investment side through Venture Capital and Private Equity.
LBS is the perfect place to explore these career paths, not just in the classroom and through the LBS career center, but by speaking to my fellow classmates and joining clubs. We have a large and very diverse cohort, all of whom bring a range of experiences to draw from when considering different industries and roles.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Speak to as many alumni or current students from your target schools as possible. Those conversations really helped me understand the nuances of the different programmes I was targeting, beyond the materials produced by the universities.
I’d also use your LBS alumni interview for the same reason. Of course, you need to put your best foot forward to get an offer, but you’re also presented with a rare opportunity to learn from someone who’s been in your position.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I never attended an open day at LBS. I think doing one would have been a great opportunity to learn more about the school and develop an even stronger “Why LBS” answer.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Probably the GMAT. I actually quite enjoyed studying for it, but it does require turning down social plans and balancing it alongside other commitments.
What is your initial impression of the LBS students/culture/community?
Fantastic. Everyone I’ve met has been so friendly and smart. It’s been fascinating hearing stories from industries I don’t have experience in, and the culture has been so welcoming and collaborative.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
There are so many great clubs at LBS, from career-focused to social, and sometimes both. One I’m particularly interested in is the Sports Business Club. I’m a big football fan and I’ve always been intrigued by everything that happens off the pitch — what makes this sport tick? Whether that’s the careers of “super agents” who manage some of the world’s best footballing talent, or the daily operations of a top club, I’d love to learn more about the space.
What is one thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
I’ve really enjoyed the Business Ethics course you take when you first start the MBA program. I started LBS expecting to mostly focus on the more tangible elements of business education, such as accounting, marketing and strategy, but the ethics course has been a highlight so far.
What we’re learning in the course is far more about giving us a toolkit than specifying how to be ethical. The structure of the course, with multiple lecturers, means you can hear from professors who have built strong expertise in their respective areas.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
With the curriculum, clubs and our student body, there is so much to look forward to. If I had to say one thing, the Snow Trek in December sounds fantastic, and I’ve heard so many good things about it from alumni.
