With the launch of the inaugural One-year MBA class taking place this year, we are proud to have welcomed a class size of 33 students. The group bring with them an average of 6-years of experience from a range of different industries including consulting, banking, construction and more!
The One-year MBA is a welcome addition to our MBA portfolio and offers Master in Management or equivalent graduates the opportunity to accelerate their learning and qualify with an MBA qualification within 11 months! The programme is designed to build on this pre-existing knowledge, with core courses that have a more contemporary feel and apply this knowledge by exploring current/relevant issues that businesses are currently facing. You will find that topics such as AI and issues around sustainability are extensively explored.
Designed with mid-career professionals in mind, the structure of the programme ensures that you hit the ground running and are able tailor your MBA experience through electives early on.
To celebrate this launch, we got in touch with a few of the students to hear more about their motivations for joining the One-year MBA and to gain more insight into what they envision their post MBA career to look like.
Adrien Piat Dalais
- Tell us a bit about yourself
I am originally from Mauritius and hold a BSc in Business Management from the University of Exeter and an MSc in Entrepreneurship from University College London. Prior to embarking on my MBA, over the past four years, I’ve worked at the intersection of technology and investing, helping innovative companies grow through strategic capital deployment.
Most recently, I served as an Investment Manager at Republic, a global investment platform with more than $2.6B deployed across private markets. My focus spanned high-growth start-ups in Climate Tech, B2B SaaS, Fintech, and Blockchain, where I helped structure, evaluate, and execute early- and growth-stage investments. This experience solidified my interest in scaling innovative companies across emerging ecosystems.
2. Why you chose LBS and the One-year MBA, and your post-MBA goals
The One-year MBA offered the ideal platform to accelerate both my personal development and my trajectory in growth-stage investing. The programme’s pace, global perspective, and strong finance and entrepreneurship ecosystem aligned well with my goal of sharpening my investing toolkit while expanding my network across international markets.
Post-MBA, I aim to move deeper into growth-stage and emerging-market investing, while continuing to support venture creation and new technologies that can drive meaningful impact. The LBS community, faculty, and experiential learning opportunities provide the right environment to make this next step meaningful and efficient.
3. My experience so far
My time at LBS has been dynamic and energising. Balancing academics, networking, and career exploration has kept me busy. I’ve joined clubs that feel genuinely aligned with my interests, including PE/VC, Entrepreneurship, the Africa Business Club, and the Sailing and Expedition Clubs – which have enriched both my personal and professional experience. Orientation and the core courses have built a strong foundation, while the community has been incredibly supportive and international in outlook.
4. Advice for prospective students
Because the One-year MBA moves quickly, clarity of intention is crucial. You do not need to have every detail planned, but taking the time to understand why the One-year MBA at LBS is the right next step, and what you want to gain from it, will help you make the most of the experience from day one.
The more intentionally you approach your goals, the more you’ll benefit from the programme’s intensity and opportunities. For additional insights, feel free to read the column I recently wrote for Poets & Quants, where I share how I approached the journey.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
My experience spans marketing, revenue growth, and new product development across some of India’s fastest-growing consumer brands. Before LBS, I worked with six household-name brands, partnering closely with their CEOs and Chief Growth Officers to design high-impact campaigns that expanded market reach and accelerated revenue, through integrated pricing, product, promotion, and marketing strategies anchored in strong customer insights.
At LBS, I’m continuing this journey with a sharper strategic and analytical lens, exploring how to lead growth in a more structured, insight-driven way.
Outside work, I am deeply passionate about art and music. I am a trained Hindustani classical singer and have learned multiple Indian art forms.
2. Why you chose the LBS and the One-year MBA and your post MBA goals
I chose LBS for its supportive and welcoming community. When I met alumni and the admissions team at an Open Day, I was struck by how invested the school is in each student’s growth and success. LBS also stood out for its location in London, that allows me to balance academics with unparalleled opportunities for networking and industry exposure.
The One-year MBA was the ideal fit for me. Having already completed a master’s degree, I entered the program with strong foundations in core business concepts. The 11-month structure allows me to tailor my experience by selecting electives and courses that directly align with my career goals.
Post-MBA, I aim to transition into the e-commerce and tech sectors in a product-focused role.
3. My experience so far
My experience at LBS has been truly transformative. The core courses, especially those focused on sustainability, have given me a refreshed perspective on business models and the evolving global landscape. I have also loved lectures anchored in case discussions and guest speakers, as they bring real-world insights directly into the classroom.
Beyond academics, I enjoy the energy and diversity of the LBS community. I have joined four clubs as an Ex-Co member, and I’m excited to organise meaningful events for students this year. One of my favourite memories so far has been participating in the Diwali Ball, where my stream and I formed a team and performed in a Bollywood dance competition. It was an unforgettable evening.
4. Advice for prospective students
My advice to prospective One-year MBA students is to use this time to both explore and evolve but also arrive with clarity about what truly matters to you. The program is fast-paced and demanding, so it’s important to prioritise your wellbeing to stay energised and focused.
Above all, invest in building meaningful connections. The One-year program gives you unparalleled access to influential leaders and high-impact organisations, and you’ll have the chance to engage with them directly.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
I am originally Canadian but have lived in the UK for seven years. My previous work experience was at American Express in the London head office. At Amex, I started as an Analyst and ended as Europe, Middle East and Africa Content Delivery Lead. In this role, I project managed global roll outs for web campaigns such as Gold, Platinum, British Airways and Centurion. My role included supervising a team of engineers based abroad and liaising with all relevant stakeholders within the organization to drive projects.
2. Why you chose the LBS and the One-year MBA and your post MBA goals
The One-year MBA at LBS was a great fit for me as I wanted to maximize my value on time and experience. The program is unique in that it allows students with previous, relevant master’s degrees to do this. I already studied a MSc in Management at Bayes Business School in London. To redo the same courses felt redundant, and I wanted to establish a practical base to pivot industries while not sacrificing two years of work. The programme offers a perfect solution for students with these specific qualifications.
3. My experience so far
I have really been enjoying the programme so far. Our small class size has allowed us to really get to know each other which has been fun! I have taken on a leadership role in the Retail, Luxury and Consumer club at LBS which is my target industry which I have enjoyed. I also have joined the Women’s Touch Rugby team and recently went to Barcelona to play which was great.
4. Advice for prospective students
I would advise prospective students to carefully evaluate the choices available and what you want to get out of the MBA experience. The One-year MBA and flagship MBA programs are different offerings and regardless of your previous qualifications, it’s important to pick the one that is best suited to your needs and ultimately to achieve your post-MBA career goals.
Vicky Yaqing Wei
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m originally from China and have lived across five countries, seven years in London, some time in Germany, Italy and the Nordics, and four years in the US. I see myself as a curious global citizen and am always eager to learn something new.
My career has always centred on creating value and learning continuously. I’ve worked in Digital Strategy Consulting in London, gained exposure to corporate venture capital, driven revenue growth in tech companies, and founded my own startup.
2. Why you chose the LBS and the One-year MBA and your post MBA goals
The One-year MBA stood out to me because of its pace and efficiency. I liked that electives come early, allowing me to tailor the programme based on my interests early on.
Post-MBA, I am open to several exciting paths: founding my own startup, working in venture capital, or taking on an impactful leadership role in a high-growth company. What matters most to me is to create and scale meaningful innovation.
3. My experience so far
Since joining LBS, I have been very active on campus, and I take initiative. I am currently VP of the Design and Innovation Club, Senior Speaker Lead at the PE&VC Club, and Chief of Staff of the Finance Club.
I bring exciting speakers to campus, maximise peers’ learning and give back. For example, this week I am hosting tech leaders and LBS alumni from innovative tech scaleups, as well as a serial founder who successfully raised capital and exited his company.
4. Advice for prospective students
If you want to learn more about the programme, come to a campus tour and sign up for an online session with the recruitment team and current students. These interactions will give you much more clarity.
Once you are here, be open-minded. LBS offers a wide range of events, career sessions, and networking opportunities, not just with peers, but also with alumni and professionals across industries. LBS has a way of surprising you with opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
If you stay curious and take the initiative, you will gain and learn more.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m originally from Miami, a multicultural gateway between the US and Latin America that let me grow up fully immersed in my Mexican heritage while integrating naturally into American life. I love being active, especially playing racquet sports, and I’m endlessly curious about world history, cultures, and global news. Understanding what’s happening in the world shapes how I engage with society, and I try to be a conscious consumer who supports companies aligned with my values.
Prior to LBS, my primary professional experience was at the World Bank Group’s IDA Private Sector Window, where I focused on designing and executing blended concessional finance projects in low-income and high-risk markets. I supported the structuring of climate and development investments, assessed impact, and helped investment and underwriting teams build financing packages for high-impact private sector initiatives.
This work was incredibly rewarding, as it showed me how people from all over the world can rally around the shared mission of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity on a liveable planet. Before that, I worked in growth and strategy at a digital-product studio in Los Angeles, supporting early-stage founders which was an experience that inspired in me a lasting fire for innovation and entrepreneurship. My career sits at the intersection of development, finance, and entrepreneurship, helping ventures and frontier-market businesses access the capital and support they need to scale.
2. Why you chose the LBS and the One-year MBA and your post MBA goals
I chose LBS for its global community and the way it brings together people with truly diverse experiences and perspectives. The design of the One-year MBA resonated with me because I already had a Master’s in Management from Cornell, and the chance to build on that foundation, rather than repeat it, made me feel that LBS recognised my background and trusted my ability to accelerate through one focused year. After the MBA, I hope to transition into a venture capital firm investing in founders creating lasting impact in the emerging markets I’ve worked in. I want this MBA to bring me closer to the impact I saw in development finance, but now through a more entrepreneurial and innovation-driven lens.
3. My experience so far
My experience has been incredibly meaningful already. I joined the Student Association as a Junior Officer in the Sponsorships Pillar, which has given me the exciting opportunity to build partnerships with companies that can enhance the student experience. I was also elected Community Representative by my cohort, which is an honour that means a lot to me, as it reflects their trust in my ability to keep us supported, united, and grounded throughout this intense year. Academically, I’ve been genuinely impressed by the quality of learning and the constant stream of guest speakers, and professionally, I feel remarkably well-equipped thanks to the impressive career support. I’m always excited for what’s next at LBS, and it truly feels like the sky’s the limit.
4. Advice for prospective students
The One-year MBA is an incredible opportunity, but it’s important to come in with clarity and intention. The pace moves fast, and there will be more opportunities at LBS than you could ever pursue at once. Don’t get overwhelmed, your journey is your own, and you should feel confident focusing on what matters most to you rather than comparing yourself to others. Lean into the small cohort and the strong support system from faculty, careers, and the SA. And reach out to current students early; we’re here to help you understand whether the programme is the right fit for you by sharing our experiences and listening to your goals.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a Colombian professional with experience in consulting, financial planning, and fintech innovation. Before starting the One-year MBA, I worked at Mastercard Advisors supporting digital payments, virtual card issuance, and financial inclusion initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean. I also have entrepreneurial experience as the Financial Director of a food-tech start-up and previously worked as a Financial Analyst at Avianca (One of Latin America’s largest airlines).
2. Why you chose the LBS and the One-year MBA and your post MBA goals
I chose London Business School because of its global community, strong focus on entrepreneurship, and the opportunity to immerse myself in Europe’s fintech ecosystem. The One-year MBA was the perfect fit as I wanted a fast-paced programme that builds on prior business knowledge without redundant coursework.
After the MBA, my goal is to return to the fintech and payments space, ideally at Mastercard or within the startup ecosystem, where I can help scale financial inclusion and support high-impact entrepreneurs in Latin America.
3. My experience so far
The programme has been intense, energising, and incredibly enriching. Orientation week was a great start – it set the tone for collaboration and community. The core courses have been very interesting and well-crafted, and the mix of MBA2026, MBA 2027 and One-year MBA classmates has made the experience even more global. I’ve also joined clubs that align with my passions, like the Latin America Club and the Fintech Club, and have enjoyed the social and professional events they host. Additionally, living in London has made the experience even more incredible given that the city provides endless opportunities for cultural events, professional networking and personal interests.
4. Advice for prospective students
The One-year MBA moves fast, so come prepared to prioritise and be intentional. Think ahead about your academic goals, your networking strategy, and how you want to spend your limited time. Engage early with classmates – building relationships from day one makes everything more meaningful. And don’t worry about having everything figured out; what matters is being curious, open, and ready to learn from a diverse community.
Want to find out more about the One-year MBA experience? You can get in touch with our One-year MBA ambassadors here.