by Natasha Thompson, MBA2027
I made it.
I landed my dream job in New York working for Vogue and GQ – straight out of The Devil Wears Prada. They say it’s hard to find a job that aligns with your passion, but for six years, I was absolutely in love with my work. Building global campaigns, launching digital initiatives, and connecting directly with audiences who cared deeply about the brands we were shaping was both energising and impactful.
And yet, around this time last year, I started hearing a voice in the back of my head asking: What’s next?
I’ve always believed in dreaming big and colouring outside the lines. I knew I wanted to expand my impact beyond execution and into strategic leadership. I wanted to operate at the intersection of marketing, technology, and global business.
For me, London Business School became the obvious next step in becoming a global marketing leader.
Why Round 3 – and Why This Year
I chose to apply in Round 3, not because I was uncertain but because I finally felt ready, both personally and professionally.
Professionally, I have built depth: over eight years of experience in performance marketing and growth strategy, leading cross-functional teams and driving measurable results for global brands. Personally, I felt grounded. Clear. Energised by the prospect of challenging myself and continuing to learn.
I didn’t want to sit on the sidelines. I didn’t want another year of wondering “what if.”
And to be honest, I was simply beaming with excitement about my future.
As I continued researching the programme and speaking with LBS alumni and current students, that excitement only intensified. The diversity of perspectives. The global exposure. The emphasis on leadership. And most importantly, the collaborative community. It all felt aligned with where I was and where I wanted to go.
Round 3 wasn’t a backup plan. It was the right plan, at the right time. Even if it didn’t fit the traditional timeline.
After all, I’ve never been one to follow the norm.
The Myth About Round 3 – Let’s Bust It
There’s a persistent belief that Round 3 is reserved for applicants who “don’t have their life together,” or that it’s somehow a fallback option. That couldn’t be further from my experience.
Applying in Round 3 doesn’t mean you’re behind. It doesn’t mean opportunities have passed you by. And it certainly doesn’t mean there isn’t space for you.
It simply means your timing is your own.
Speaking with my classmates now, no one knows, or frankly even cares, which round anyone applied in. What matters is what you bring to the classroom, the community, and the conversations.
Round 3 can reflect clarity, conviction, and readiness. And there is real strength in that.
Advice for Future Round 3 Applicants
If you’re considering applying in Round 3, here’s what I would share:
1. Be intentional. Apply because you feel ready and because you’re excited to start your next chapter.
2. Use your experience as leverage. Your path, wherever it has taken you, is an asset.
3. Trust your timing. If you feel aligned and energised, that momentum is worth acting on.
4. Tell your story boldly. Authenticity resonates far more than a perfectly conventional timeline.
Round 3 is a space for purpose, not panic. It’s for people who have lived, learned, and are ready to leap.
Today, I’m living my next dream. And I did it on my own timeline.
Now it’s your turn to write yours.