By Israel Thomas, MBA1Y2026
Before joining London Business School, I worked in finance and strategy. My career began in consulting as an Assurance Associate at PwC Nigeria, where I advised and audited public interest financial entities, including banks, capital market regulators, and government asset managers. Most recently, I served as Strategy Manager at the Dangote Group, which is one of Africa’s largest conglomerates, providing strategic and performance management support to business leaders and helping them identify and pursue growth opportunities.
It was in this role that the idea of an MBA truly took root. I was drawn to how leaders valued insights, especially when navigating the risks and uncertainties of our time. Whether the issue is AI, sustainability, shifting consumer dynamics, or global politics and trade, the complexity of decision-making today demands a deeper understanding. I knew I needed a programme that would equip me with the knowledge, resources, and network to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Having already completed a Master’s in Management and Finance from the University of Aberdeen, I wanted something different; a focused, fast-paced, and immersive experience that would allow me to return to work quickly and support leaders in tackling these challenges. LBS was always my first choice because of its renowned faculty in finance and strategy, as well as its location advantages: proximity to my family and a rich cultural diversity that together make it an ideal setting for personal and professional growth. I had previously considered the school’s two-year MBA, particularly the 15-month exit option, but when the One-year MBA launched, it felt like the perfect fit for the immersive and fast-paced experience I was seeking – while also feeling a part of the wider MBA group.
Navigating the application process
One of my first steps was to speak with the programme launch director, Emily Carney. That conversation helped me understand the school’s vision, the profile they were seeking, and the intensity of the experience. I was determined to apply in Round 1 to allow time for visa and funding arrangements, so I began preparing for the GRE and drafting my essays even before the application opened. My advice on timing is to apply early because it signals intent and creates space for post-offer steps like funding, visas, housing, and the move; do this only when your materials are truly ready, so your score, essays, and recommendations show you at your best.
The essay process was transformative. My first draft focused on what I thought the admissions team wanted to hear, yet it did not excite me, and I realised that if I was not moved by my own story, no one else would be. I rewrote it with my authentic motivations front and center, which made all the difference. The lesson is simple: stay true to your story. LBS values diversity in every sense, so your own unique traits are your greatest strength.
Moving on to the interview, it was daunting. I had consumed a lot of content, from YouTube videos to MBA prep sites, and tried to craft answers that matched what I assumed the admissions team wanted. Again, in the process, I lost my own voice. When I shifted back to what I genuinely stand for, my confidence returned, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. Your story is the guiding light that makes an application feel authentic and compelling – so it’s important to never lose sight of it.
The One-year MBA experience so far
Since arriving at LBS, my experience has exceeded expectations. Academically, we have explored current themes such as AI, sustainability, competition, and data-driven decision making. Socially, I am inspired daily by the cultural richness around me; even the walk to campus feels like a global tour. I have immersed myself with the Africa Business Club and the Social Impact Club – two areas that are interlinked in my view and are of core interest to my heart. Having found a foundation back home to support the youth maximise their talents through mentoring and career planning guidance.
The community energy is real. For example, the Sundowners, which take place on Thursdays and provide a chance for students across LBS to connect over drinks and food. These are the hosts of social clubs that often host events that are open beyond strict membership, and the speaker slate is exceptional, from global executives to policy leaders, including my home country’s central bank governor, sharing first-hand insights on markets and monetary policy. And yes, at LBS, you study hard and play hard.
Post MBA
The One-year MBA may be short, but LBS offers countless opportunities to learn, lead, and grow. These experiences are shaping me into a more strategic and confident advisor – one who can help leaders make sound decisions in an uncertain world.
After graduation, I hope to continue this path as a Management Consultant or Internal Strategy Advisor to C-Suites within a global firm, applying the knowledge and network gained at LBS to drive meaningful impact – and truly live out the school’s motto: “to have a profound impact on the way the world does business.”