London Business School Alumnus, João Miguel Rodrigues Pereira (MFA2023) has been appointed Advisor to the Secretary of State for the Economy of Portugal. In this interview, João reflects on his academic journey, his time at London Business School, his transition into consulting at McKinsey, and how those experiences prepared him for a career in public service.
A bit about João
Before being appointed to government, João built an international career in both public service and consulting. He graduated valedictorian with a Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Surrey before joining the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), where he worked as an Economic Advisor and as Private Secretary to the former UK Minister Lord Benyon.
In 2022, João enrolled in the Masters in Financial Analysis at London Business School (MFA2023). There, he strengthened his technical foundations and engaged fully in the LBS ecosystem, ultimately preparing him for a career in consulting. After graduation, he joined McKinsey & Company, gaining strategic and analytical experience that helped position him for his current government appointment.
What inspired you to pursue your studies at London Business School?
João: “When I considered a masters, I knew I wanted to study at a world-class institution. I was looking for a programme that was rigorous academically but also international, diverse, and entrepreneurial. London Business School was the natural choice. Talking to alumni and visiting campus, I felt I belonged there. Once you get that feeling, it’s hard to shake.”
From the very beginning, João felt supported. “Even before the programme started, LBS provided resources to prepare us for recruiting—from CV optimisation to technical prep guides and mentorship. It showed me the School was invested in my success.”
Taking full advantage of the LBS ecosystem
Once at LBS, João immersed himself in the opportunities on offer, career fairs, workshops, alumni panels, and student societies.
João: “The academic side was excellent, Corporate Finance, Valuation, all the fundamentals, but what really stood out was the ecosystem around consulting. The Consulting Club, career coaching, and alumni mentorship created a structured pathway to prepare rigorously for consulting. It wasn’t just classroom learning; it was about developing the skills you need on the job.”
For João, London Business School is also a family connection. His brother, Filipe Rodrigues Pereira, completed the MFA2025, and his uncle, Rolando Rodrigues, attended the Executive Programme in Strategic Investment Management in 2005. “LBS has been a shared experience across my family,” João reflects. “It’s inspiring to see how each of us has taken different paths through the School, but with the same underlying values of ambition and impact.”
Consulting at LBS: Building the right toolkit
Consulting is one of the most competitive career paths at LBS, and João credits the school with providing the structure and support to succeed.
João: “The Consulting Club was pivotal. From case workshops to peer mentorship, it gave me the tools and confidence to approach interviews effectively. I learned how to break down complex problems, communicate clearly, and remain composed under pressure. Those are exactly the skills firms like McKinsey look for.”
Beyond workshops, LBS offered real-world exposure through case competitions, alumni engagement, and networking with leading consulting firms. “It’s a high-energy, collaborative environment, just like consulting itself. That training was invaluable.”
Networking also played a decisive role. “One of the key factors in receiving my McKinsey offer was connecting with MBA students and preparing together in my case prep group. The student and alumni community at LBS is extensive and incredibly supportive.”
João also highlights the role of student clubs in sharpening his skills: “I joined the Impact Consulting Club, where I took part in several projects during the year. One of the most memorable was Project Aasha, which gave Graduate Masters students the chance to collaborate with social entrepreneurs in India. It was a unique way to apply consulting skills while delivering impact in a real-world context.”
Finally, he points to one of LBS’s most practical resources: the Graduate Masters Consulting Recruitment Guide. “It’s written by students for students, and it’s incredibly comprehensive. It covers everything from CVs and cover letters to personal fit and case interviews, plus very LBS-specific advice, like how to network effectively on campus. There’s even a fully transcribed interview to show how to structure answers. It was one of the most useful tools I had during recruiting.”
Consulting as a bridge to government service
After completing his MFA, João joined McKinsey & Company.
João: “McKinsey accelerates your growth like nowhere else. The learning curve is steep, but that’s the beauty of it, you’re constantly challenged, working on strategic problems that demand clarity of thought and resilience. I built skills in structuring problems, delivering results under pressure, and working with senior decision-makers. Those two years shaped me enormously.”
João sees his consulting experience as directly preparing him for his government appointment.
João: “McKinsey gave me both credibility and confidence. You learn how to operate in complex, high-stakes environments and how to translate analysis into impact. Those skills transfer seamlessly into government, where the challenges are just as complex and the stakes are even higher.”
Looking ahead
Now appointed Advisor to the Secretary of State for the Economy of Portugal, João is excited to bring his consulting toolkit to public service.
João: “It feels like a natural continuation of my journey, combining the problem-solving skills from McKinsey with the policy experience I developed earlier in my career. LBS was the starting point, McKinsey was the accelerator, and now I have the chance to apply those lessons in service to my country.”