by José Martín Quesada, GMiM2017
![GIFT Silicon Valley](https://admissionsblog.london.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/GIFT-Silicon-Valley.jpg)
My friends and I during the Silicon Valley GIFT
My name is José and I am the Director of Advisory at Altius. Previously, I was a consultant at McKinsey and launched products while at Google.
Why I chose the Global MiM
When I came to LBS I had two clear ideas: I wanted to have a large, positive impact in the world, and I knew I was good at problem solving (whatever that means!).
I chose the Global Masters in Management (GMiM) for both tactical and strategic reasons:
- LBS would allow me to crystallise what those two ideas meant practically for my career
- Interacting with tons of inspiring people and listening to visiting companies might open new ways of thinking
- The GMiM would take me out of my comfort zone by expecting me to perform at a high level in a completely different culture
![](https://admissionsblog.london.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Great-Wall-of-China.jpg)
Celebrating my Quidditch win on the Great Wall of China
My first career boost: friends, classmates and school clubs
While all those reasons proved valid, perhaps the most valuable thing I took out of the experience was the newfound certainty that everything was possible if I worked hard enough. Seeing people take on leadership roles within the school community and succeed at the most demanding professional challenges completely changed the way I looked at my own capabilities. If my friends and classmates could do all those amazing things, what was stopping me?
I immediately applied to be an officer of the Out in Business (OiB) club, from where I still retain some of my best friends. The experience of organising EurOUT and getting stuff that mattered done was exactly what I needed to boost my confidence at application time.
I was also a treasurer for the Spanish Club, a consultant for the Impact Consulting club, and an MC at the School’s yearly event Tattoo, which proved to be one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
![](https://admissionsblog.london.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Google.jpg)
My parents creating a reputation for me during the first week at Google
My second career boost: getting into data and tech in Shanghai
I eventually landed the role I wanted at McKinsey and went to Shanghai with the mentality of exploring as many new topics as possible before I started my more traditional ‘business’ career. Among other things, I decided to take a class on advanced analytics applied to marketing, something which proved to be a career-defining decision.
Learning applied data science opened new paths for me at McKinsey and at my current company, and it was a true passion I hadn’t had the chance to experiment with practically until then.
Before starting my full-time role, I spent some of the happiest months of my professional career while at Google. I had visited Google several times thanks to LBS (during careers week, during the Silicon Valley GIFT, and thanks to people I met at LBS and OiB-related events). The contacts I made while at LBS and Fudan, and the work I had done for my thesis on the effect of advanced analytics on public sector performance gave me the confidence to apply and enjoy the process.
![](https://admissionsblog.london.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Madrid-for-World-Pride.jpg)
Some of my LBS friends and me visiting Madrid during World Pride
Today
I still love going back to LBS whenever I get the chance. Not a single LBS person declined to help me with interview prep, CV and cover letter reviews, or networking (and I asked a lot of a lot of people!). Now I love the opportunity to give back by speaking at data-related career events, sponsoring EurOUT in 2018 and recruiting at LBS events.
If you’re hesitant about which career path to take or how LBS fits into that picture, I recommend reaching out to alumni and asking earnest questions. I know that it worked for me!