We asked three Students what their highlights of joining clubs were, why they joined the Exec-Co and how these clubs supported their transition into the MBA Class.
Chelsea Palmer, MBA 2026 – President of Women’s Touch Rugby
What’s been a highlight of being a part of the club?
Being a part of a sports team again and feeling connected to the girls in a way that is more than just friendship… teammates!
What made you go for a role in Exec-Co?
Wanted to try to pass down the amazing experience I had as a Leopard (on the Women’s Rugby Club) in my first year
Do you think joining the club made your transition to the MBA easier?
The fastest way to make friends and find people with similar interests
What other clubs are you a part of, and what have you gained from them?
Tech Club was super helpful for networking and career; Cycling Club hosts the best club rides and cycling treks; and Out in Business Club has great mentorship programs!
Mike Doherty, MBA2026 – Co-president of North America Club
What’s been a highlight of North Am club?
A real highlight for me is the events throughout the year, we do a Thanksgiving dinner and more recently held a Super Bowl watch party.
What made you go for co-president of the club?
I’m also a part of the Military in Business Club (MiB). I wanted to be involved in the ex-co because I thought I wouldn’t get tired of North Am Club; I will always like (American) football and Thanksgiving!
Do you think joining the club made your transition across the Atlantic easier?
When I first moved to the UK, it helped me meet second-year MBA Americans I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Abe Fangman introduced me to other Americans and from there, I had an immediate support system.
What other clubs are you a part of, and how have they helped?
MiB has helped me meet people across programmes and from other classes. It was helpful speaking to second years to know rough guides of recruiting timelines and what to expect. MiB also hold their defence conference and are this year running some information sessions on how roles in different industries look, which is exciting!
Jessilyn Boakye-Donkor, MBA 2027 – Exec-Co of Retail, Luxury & Consumer Club
What’s been a highlight of being a part of the club?
A highlight for me was being part of the conference, which took place March 9th–10th, 2026. Over the couple of months leading up to the conference, I had the opportunity to work alongside a diverse team of students who are just as passionate about the space, and to help shape what the conference would become. It was a real learning experience, understanding the ins and outs of what it takes to curate a well-thought-out and informative event. My favourite part, though, was the opportunity to MC it! I loved engaging with the audience and bringing the conference to life.
What made you go for a role in Exec-Co?
I decided to pursue my MBA to pivot into the retail and luxury space, and being part of RLCC has deepened both my understanding of and network within the industry. Taking on an Exec-Co role within the conference was an opportunity to do exactly that. It also allowed me to bring my professional experience and industry knowledge into conversations with my teammates and contribute where I could
Do you think joining the club made your transition to the MBA easier?
It definitely did. I knew coming in that I wanted to grow my network in this space, and being part of the Exec-Co provided just that. I’ve built both professional connections and genuine friendships with people in the club who are deeply invested and committed to building a career in this field. The club has also opened doors to network with brands, companies, and professionals within retail and luxury both at LBS and across broader London, which has made my MBA experience all the more enriching.
What other clubs are you a part of, and what have you gained from them?
I’m also currently part of Black in Business (BiB), where I serve as VP of Community, and I’m the London Trek Co-Lead for the Social Impact Club (SIC). Being part of BiB has allowed me to connect with Black students at LBS, prospective students, and alumni. It’s important to me to build community with others who share similar experiences, and BiB has been a space where I feel both seen and supported throughout my MBA journey.
I joined SIC out of a deep interest in sustainability and my goal of ultimately working at the intersection of retail and sustainability. Being part of the club has given me the opportunity to attend events with speakers and professionals doing remarkable work in this space, while also deepening my knowledge of sustainability. I’ve really enjoyed being surrounded by people who are equally passionate about creating a more responsible and conscious industry, and it has only strengthened my conviction that this is the space I want to work in.