By Asia Tumasian, MiFFT2013
I attended an Insight Series event organised by the London Alumni Club, featuring Sir Andrew Likierman—former Dean of London Business School. He was presenting his new book, “Judgement at Work: Making Better Choices”. Being back at LBS, reconnecting with the alumni community, and reflecting on the thought-provoking topic of judgment reminded me—once again—of what LBS has meant to me and my career since I first stepped onto campus in 2012.
At the time, I had been living and working in London for a few years, building a career at Citi. On paper, everything looked promising, but something felt missing. The excitement that once defined the banking sector had waned in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Conversations about impact investing and sustainability were gaining traction, prompting me—and many others—to question the long-term value of a traditional banking career.
I originally aspired to transition into development finance. However, I realised that to pivot successfully, I needed to broaden my expertise in finance, strategy, and leadership. I needed a broader strategic perspective to eventually transition into more senior leadership roles. I wanted to have a seat at the table where high-level strategic decisions were made. That’s when LBS came into the picture.
My decision to pursue a degree at LBS went beyond academic excellence. I was drawn to its global perspective, the diversity of its student and alumni body, and the wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom.
What ultimately convinced me was the LBS community. Conversations with alumni and current students revealed a shared passion and enthusiasm for the school. Everyone I spoke to emphasised how transformative the experience had been—not just in terms of career progression but also in personal growth and lifelong friendships.
Initially, I considered pursuing an MBA, but as I learned more about the Masters in Finance (MiF) programme, I realised it was exactly what I needed. The MiF’s rigorous finance focus complemented my background, while its diverse curriculum and exposure to strategic thinking provided the broader perspective I was seeking.
The MiF was demanding—balancing coursework with extracurricular activities and professional clubs required discipline and careful time management. The experience was incredibly rewarding, nonetheless.
One of the most valuable aspects of my time at LBS was the opportunity to connect with peers—not just from the MiF, but also the MBA and other Masters programmes. Interacting with professionals from different industries and cultural backgrounds enriched my learning and fostered strong relationships that have lasted well beyond graduation. We weren’t just classmates; we became a support system, a sounding board, and, ultimately, lifelong friends.
LBS also made me reassess my priorities and rethink my initial career vision. While my goal had been to transition into development finance, the experience opened my eyes to a broader set of opportunities.
After graduating from LBS, I actually transitioned into the digital technology space. The skills and knowledge I gained at LBS—critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and self-confidence—set me apart. They opened doors to more senior roles in a completely new and evolving sector.
If you’re considering the MiF at LBS, my advice is simple: go for it. The programme will challenge you, push you out of your comfort zone, and equip you with the skills and confidence to take your career to the next level.
But remember, LBS is what you make of it. Dedicate time and energy to your studies, engage with your peers, and take full advantage of the opportunities available. The LBS community is incredibly supportive, and the connections you build will be invaluable throughout your career.
Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of your own story. Everyone comes to LBS with a unique background and perspective—embrace that and use the experience to shape your own path.
My journey with LBS didn’t end at graduation—it continues to evolve, just like my career. The skills, relationships, and experiences I gained at LBS have been the foundation of my professional growth, and I’m grateful for every step of the journey.