By Carlos Brenner, MiFFT2023
As a Masters in Finance – Post Experience – candidate, connecting and expanding my network while redefining my professional edge has been vital to my experience at London Business School (LBS). It’s not just about theories and concepts; it’s about applying them to real-life scenarios, especially in a dynamic, global, and diverse environment. From London to France, then Dubai and to Singapore – the MiF at LBS enabled incredibly practical learning in an international business environment.
Picture this: Only a couple of days after starting the programme, whilst still settling into London, we were required to join and actively participate in the different conferences, presentations, networking sessions, and clubs on offer. A small teaser to the intense 16 months ahead! Leveraging my background and interest in Real Estate and Finance, I pursued the role of VP of Alumni Relations in the Real Estate (RE) Club; this allowed me to meet extraordinary people and alumni in the industry, and the club’s treks, conferences, and company presentations exposed the group to the sector’s key players. Alongside other club members, we represented LBS at the world’s leading real estate event, MIPIM, in Cannes. During this Real Estate congress, we engaged with top global leaders and CEOs from the industry, such as PIMCO, Patrizia, and Axa IM. We were also invited to closed-door dialogues addressing current building issues with mayors from the European zone. In addition to the RE club, I was involved with the Finance, Family Business and Infrastructure Club. The vast array across these clubs and interest groups was a great way to stay in tune with my many different professional interests!
For example, shortly after MIPIM, I was chosen to represent LBS alongside four other students in the Global Universities Challenge at the World Government Summit in Dubai. Here, we participated in conferences featuring personalities like Ray Dalio, Elon Musk, and UAE Sheikhs, and also had the chance to interact with influential leaders from the public and private sectors. Whilst also collaborating to craft a proposal that addressed a social issue through integrating financial and business frameworks. To say it was a mind-expanding experience would be an understatement!
These unique opportunities have given me first-hand insights into the considerations of senior decision-makers. The direct interaction with global Real Estate key players and leaders from the public and private sectors has allowed me to understand how they think and behave – which has contributed to my understanding of how to become an effective business leader.
After three intense and rewarding terms in London, I moved to Singapore, where I am now completing my fourth and last term with the Global Term Exchange at the National University of Singapore.
These experiences beyond the classroom complemented my academic preparation at LBS and contributed to my professional and personal development to become the world-class business leader that I strive for.