In this Student Spotlight, we speak with Masters in Finance Full-Time student, Anna-Luisa Karl. Anna- Luisa’s experience working in consulting, exposed her to the connected relationship between strategy and finance, thus piquing her interest to study finance at London Business School. She shares some of her most notable electives, as well as her insight into life in London and common misconceptions about finance prior to joining the Masters in Finance programme.
What was the pivotal moment that made you choose finance. How has that motivation evolved since your first day on the MiF?
Before joining the MiF, I worked at the Boston Consulting Group, (BCG), a global strategy and management consultancy, within the Corporate Finance & Strategy (CFS) practice. My work focused on transaction-related projects, including developing a global joint venture or supporting a carve-out, where I worked on the separation of several business units from its parent company. Being closely involved in complex financial decision-making from a strategic perspective made me realise how central finance is to shaping corporate direction, which ultimately motivated me to deepen my financial expertise through the MiF.
Compared to many of my fellow MiFs, my background in consulting rather than a traditional finance path made me realise how deeply strategy and finance are intertwined. This sparked my desire to deepen my financial knowledge across disciplines and connect it with a strategic and entrepreneurial mindset – something the MiF at LBS offers in a unique way.
With such an international and diverse class, what is one insight you’ve gained from a classmate that shifted your perspective on global finance?
I’ve learned that while markets may look similar on paper, culture plays a huge role in how decisions are actually made. Listening to classmates from different regions, especially during PAD, made me realise how differently trust, risk and relationships are perceived – and how critical that can be in global contexts.
What has been your experience with your electives so far this term?
Regarding electives, coming from a strategy consulting background, I am particularly drawn to courses that sit at the intersection of finance and strategy. This is why I greatly enjoyed Managing Corporate Turnarounds, taught by Professor Rupert Merson. We analysed real cases of companies in financial distress and how they navigated recovery. The course was especially compelling because practitioners involved in the cases we read joined as guest speakers and shared first-hand perspectives on the key decisions made.
I am also taking PE/VC, where Professor Alon Avner and Professor Jim Strang bring their own industry experience into the classroom, making theoretical concepts highly tangible and applied.
Looking ahead, I am particularly excited about Financing the Entrepreneurial Business elective, which was strongly recommended by LBS alumni and will also give me the opportunity to experience the Dubai campus. I am equally looking forward to Data Science for Business, as I value strengthening the analytical toolkit alongside strategic thinking. Overall, I am really enjoying how my electives combine finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship in a very applied and intellectually stimulating way.
How would you describe the LBS classroom dynamic to someone who has never experience it. What has surprised you most?
The classroom is incredibly interactive and dynamic, with a constant exchange between theory and real-world experience. What surprised me most is how openly classmates bring their own professional stories into discussions, adding depth and real context to theoretical concepts, thereby enhancing everyone’s learning journey.
What’s one misconception people have about the finance industry that your experience at LBS has helped clarify?
Many people think finance is all about numbers and spreadsheets. LBS has shown me that finance is equally about people, relationships and judgment, and that financial decisions often have very real consequences far beyond Excel models.
What’s a challenge you’ve had to navigate during the programme that has taught you something about yourself?
LBS offers an incredible number of opportunities, which can feel overwhelming alongside classes, events, socials and job applications. I’ve learned that being open about feeling stretched and sharing those moments with friends actually gives me energy and reminds me that no one is navigating this journey alone.
What is something about you: an interest, habit or value, that your classmates would be surprised to know?
To step out of the finance and business bubble, I love going to theatres, ballets, operas and musicals and London could not be a better place for that. Being in the country of Shakespeare, I especially enjoy exploring his plays, so come join me if you’d like to reflect on the timeless question of “to be or not to be.”
Where or what is your favourite hidden gem in London?
While not entirely hidden, the Serpentine North Gallery is one of my personal favourites. The walk through Hyde Park, the extraordinary architecture and the free exhibitions make it a perfect small escape, with great coffee and brunch as a bonus.
Where is your go-to place to unwind after a long day of lectures?
Depending on the mood and the weather, you’ll either find me running through Hyde or Regent’s Park or sitting in the Duke of Wellington, catching up with friends and letting the day slowly fade out.
Who is someone in the LBS community, (student, staff, alumnus) who has quietly influenced you?
It’s hard to single out one person, because what makes LBS special is the collective. Daily conversations with classmates, alumni and staff continuously shape how I think. Faculty-wise, Art stands out to me for sharing his passion in a way that made even seemingly-weird accounting rules intuitive by grounding them in real-life examples. And of course, LBS would not be the same without my friends, who even after a short time make London feel like home.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to yourself pre-MiF?
Say “yes” more often – to events, conversations, conferences, treks… Serendipity is one of LBS’s biggest assets, but only if you show up.
What question would you like to ask the next MiF Spotlight Student?
“What’s one LBS experience you almost skipped but are now really glad you didn’t?”