By Giusy Maria Ciccone, MFA2025
A Home Away from Home
Over the past four years, I have changed cities four times for study and work reasons. Each time, I had to restart everything from scratch—new neighbours, new networks, and new routines. This constant change taught me flexibility but also made me appreciate the value of stability and a sense of belonging. So, for me, choosing LBS was more than just picking a school; it was about finding a community and a place to truly feel connected. LBS feels like a big, diverse family, where everyone’s unique background and experiences are celebrated. Here, I saw a chance to build lasting relationships and grow in an environment that felt like a home away from home. I strongly wanted a place that resonated with who I am and who I hope to become, and LBS offered exactly that.
A Programme Tailored for My Journey
At this point in my life, I don’t have a definitive roadmap for my career. I know I’m someone who thrives on building things gradually—step by step, brick by brick. I wanted a programme that would allow me the flexibility to shape my path as I go. LBS stood out for its adaptable curriculum, which lets students select three to four electives after the programme starts, giving us the freedom to tailor our academic experience to fit our evolving interests. This flexibility was a huge draw for me because it meant that I could explore different areas and discover what I’m truly passionate about. This customisation made me feel confident that I could build a well-rounded foundation that suits my ambitions, even if I’m still figuring out exactly what those look like.
Learning from the Best
I have always loved TED Talks—they’re quick, impactful, and stick with you. Two years ago, before I even thought about applying to LBS, I bumped into a TED Talk by Alex Edmans, an economist and professor whose insights and energy immediately hooked me. He took complex topics and made them easy to follow, and you could feel his passion for what he was telling the audience. When I was later researching LBS, I couldn’t believe it—Alex Edmans was on the faculty, teaching corporate finance! The chance to actually learn from someone I had been watching on screen felt unreal. And he is just one example. The professors here are not only experts; they genuinely care about what they are teaching and go all-in to make the material engaging and relevant. Knowing I would be surrounded by faculty of this calibre was a huge part of why I chose LBS.
Support During the Application Process
When I was considering different schools, one thing I prioritised was finding a place that would provide strong support throughout the entire journey—not just academically, but practically as well. I wanted a school that cared about my success beyond the classroom, especially when it came to preparing for the competitive job market. Before committing to LBS, I chatted with a few alumni, and one thing kept coming up: LBS really invests in preparing you for applications and interviews. One example that stuck with me was how they structured the pre-semester. Even before the official classes kicked off, they offered a super practical module just for investment banking interviews—perfect timing since application deadlines were right around the corner. It was exactly the kind of hands-on, career-focused support I was looking for. LBS gets the challenges we face and does everything possible to set us up for success.