by Rishabh Podder, MBA1Y2026
One of the first things you notice at LBS is that everyone seems to be doing something.
Someone’s organising a conference, someone’s rehearsing for a performance, someone’s working on a startup. To me, it became clear early on that two people can attend the same lectures, graduate with the same degree, and still walk away with entirely different MBA stories. Student activities play a big role in that. LBS offers a portfolio of over 80 student-led clubs that range from professional and social interests to geographical ones, such as the Japan Club. They are a great way to build on your current skillset if you are looking to break into a specific role or sector, while also being a good way to wind down and try something new!
Over the past year, I decided to get involved in a few corners of campus life by taking part in various clubs with the motive to drive a positive impact in the community. Through these, I have been able to meet like-minded people who have similar interests and build on my professional interests which have been in the marketing field.
Marketing & Strategy Club – Sr. Executive Committee member, Events
Our events pillar is a team of six; we try to organise events around marketing & strategy on campus, which include fireside chats, workshops and networking events. Charlie, my co-lead for the pillar, and I got to build things from the ground up. We built the team, brainstormed ideas, and planned out events for the year. One of our highlights this year was a fireside chat with Alex Schultz, Chief Marketing Officer of Meta, which was a massive success and something we’re very proud of.
Marketing and strategy occupy an interesting place in business school conversations. Not always the loudest sectors on campus, yet there’s a growing community of students deeply interested and engaged, and we want to breathe more life into this space through events.
Music Club – Executive committee member – Music creation
Before business school, I spent a lot of time making music, so joining the Music Creation pillar was a natural next step. But what surprised me most was not the talent (there’s plenty of that), it was the range of people willing to step on stage.
Some students here have been performing for years, while many others haven’t touched an instrument since high school, but are equally passionate about music. Yet somehow, they all end up at the same jam sessions, rehearsals, and performances. From Sundowner gigs to Battle of the Streams, and eventually to larger stages like Tattoo and MBAT, the goal is to create a safe space and make it easier for people to try and put themselves out there.
Student Association – Officer in the marketing pillar
The Student Association (SA) is perhaps the most influential student body on campus. Unlike most clubs, its impact stretches across the entire LBS ecosystem, current students, incoming cohorts, and even alumni. The SA works closely with the school on academics, operations, student wellbeing, and the functioning of all student clubs.
I am a part of the marketing pillar, where our job is simple in theory but complex in practice: making sure people know about the incredible number of things happening on campus. From Sundowners every two weeks to the Distinguished Speaker Series, where we recently hosted James Quincey, CEO of Coca-Cola, there’s rarely a shortage of activity at LBS. We try to make sure none of it goes unnoticed.
TATTOO 2026 – Marketing Pillar lead
Then there’s Tattoo. Calling it a cultural event almost feels like an understatement.
For one night, the LBS campus transforms into something closer to a festival. Laser projections across the Sussex building. A silent disco. Food stalls hosted by country clubs from around the world. Talent shows. Battle of the Bands. Unlimited food and drinks. And an afterparty that stretches long into the night. Over 1,000 people attend.
What most people don’t see is the team behind it, more than 30 people working relentlessly for months to make it happen. I lead the marketing pillar, where a team of six focuses on bringing the event to life. It’s chaotic, ambitious, and a little bit crazy. Which is probably why it works.
The interesting thing about being involved on campus is that it changes how you experience the MBA. Small groups of people can make big differences, and create experiences that hundreds, thousands of others will remember. And you begin to realize that the MBA isn’t just something you consume, it’s something you create.
Institutions and traditions that define LBS today exist because generations of students decided to contribute something to the place while they were here and decided to leave it slightly better than they found it, and now it’s your turn. And if the club you’re looking for doesn’t exist yet? That might just mean you are supposed to start it.