The Masters in Finance Full-time programme brings together an extraordinary group of finance professionals from all around the globe. Our Meet the Class series offers a closer look at these diverse voices, highlighting motivations, aspirations and personal stories that shape our community at London Business School.
In this feature, we introduce you to members of the MIFFT2026 cohort, who reflect on why they chose London Business School, what drives their passion for finance, and how they are making the most of their experiences on the programme.
Join us in getting to know the students in the class.
The students profiled are Jonathan Starkman, Selina Wang, Pieter Ziani, and Valentina Rodriguez Saez.
Jonathan Starkman – Israel & Switzerland
1. Why did you choose London Business School?
I chose LBS for three main reasons: the school’s reputation and cohort, its leading position in attaining exposure to the finance job market in London and its academic rigour. These three elements, along with my personal ambitions that involve progressing as an investment professional, made the decision to join LBS easy. After having several coffee chats with alumni and discussing my plans with colleagues, the decision to invest in myself during the MiF programme’s length (which can be modified to either 3 or 4 terms) made perfect sense to join LBS.
2. What was your motivation to study the Masters in Finance?
My main motivation was selecting a programme that is focused not only on elevating my post-experience managerial skill set, but also on investing in my financial acumen. This combination is reflected in the MiF’s wide range of electives and, even more importantly, in the programme’s cohort. In my view, it is the latter that often turns great content into invaluable pragmatic insights – and these are precisely the things I wished to gain by joining the Masters in Finance.
- Which electives have you chosen, or clubs have you joined?
I have decided to join two clubs that are close to my heart: the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club and the Investment Management Club. Both focus on building the investor’s mindset and mentality that I wish to adopt. Furthermore, I also chose other courses that are highly relevant to achieve this goal, including, “Mergers, MBOs & Other Corporate Reorganisations”, “Distressed Investing” and “Business Resilience”. Also, the programme allows to broaden one’s horizon easily – and that is another benefit I believe makes the whole experience greater than the sum of the its parts. In my case, I completed my selections with “Python for Finance” and “Wisdom and Happiness”.
- What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective students?
In my opinion, the most influential tip for candidates would be to talk to alumni. In doing so, they could firstly, acknowledge for themselves the breadth, intellectual curiosity and diversity that define LBS; and secondly, tailor their questions so that the conversations could shed more light on how joining LBS can help them achieve their goals… Lastly, on a lighter note, learn to love Guinness.
Selina Wang – Canada
1. Why did you choose London Business School?
London Business School was my top choice because of its proximity to the financial hub, its deep connections with the business community and global alumni network, and the strong support it provides to help students develop resilience in an ever-changing market. For example, LBS has a dedicated Career Centre with specialised sector teams that offer industry updates, CV/cover letter/interview workshops, and tailored guidance. In addition, LBS is not only an unparalleled learning ecosystem but also a community that values diversity, student-driven leadership, and social impact. With a wide range of student-run clubs and treks, there is truly something for everyone, no matter their interests or background.
2. What was your motivation to study the Masters in Finance?
My key motivation is to make a career transition into investment management. While I have completed the CPA and CFA programmes, I felt I lacked the practical insights and resources needed to make a direct transition. The Masters in Finance provides a platform that enables me not only to strengthen my technical rigour but also to connect with post-experience students and alumni working in my areas of interest. I have also been exploring various opportunities across the finance sector through speaker events, practitioner courses and workshops. The MiF is one of the few programmes that offer a perfect blend of practical applicability and strategic depth, equipping me to navigate this next stage of my career.
3. Which electives have you chosen, or clubs have you joined?
I am interested in pursuing the Investment Management concentration and have therefore chosen relevant electives such as Equity Investment Management and Fixed Income Securities. In addition, I would like to further develop my soft skills and will take organisational behaviour courses such as Negotiation & Bargaining.
I have joined the Women in Business (WiB) Club as a Junior Treasurer and the Investment Management Club (IMC) as a regular member. Both clubs organise a wide range of engaging events throughout the year – whether professional events like office visits or technical workshops, such as systematic investing. Through these events, I’ve expanded my network and gained valuable industry insights.
4. What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective students?
Understand your priorities, but keep an open mind! Be prepared to feel overwhelmed by the many opportunities available at LBS and in London. Set a few key goals before joining LBS and keep those priorities in focus. However, don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities or meet people outside your immediate interests; the skills you develop, the insights you gain, and the network you build will carry you a long way wherever you go.
Pieter Ziani – Netherlands
1. Why did you choose London Business School?
LBS drew me in because of the atmosphere. Before joining, I spoke to several alumni, and they all described the same mix of ambition, openness, and international energy. I hadn’t been to London before the MiF, but their stories convinced me it was the right step. Once I arrived, the combination of campus life and the city’s finance scene made complete sense.
2. What was your motivation to study the Masters in Finance?
I came from venture capital and loved working with early-stage companies, but I realised I needed a deeper technical foundation to grow into a stronger investor. The MiF gives me the space to build that. It forces you to think more precisely about value and risk, and it pushes you to back up your instincts with real analysis. That shift has already changed the way I look at deals.
3. Which electives have you chosen or clubs have you joined?
I chose electives that help me think more like an investor, like Private Equity and Venture Capital and Distressed Investing. They offer a clear view of how deals are structured and what drives returns. I also joined the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club, which has been one of the easiest ways to meet people who think about investing from different angles. The mix of backgrounds keeps the conversations sharp and makes it easy to stay close to what’s happening in the market.
4. What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective students?
Take initiative early. The school gives you a lot of freedom, but your experience becomes much richer when you start conversations and say yes to opportunities. The first weeks shape the rest of the year more than you expect. If you stay curious and engaged, LBS becomes a place full of momentum.
Valentina Rodriguez Saez – Chile
1.Why did you choose London Business School?
I was initially drawn to London Business School for its renowned academic excellence and world-class faculty. What really made the School standout for me was its collaborative culture and its incredibly diverse, international community. The diversity within the student body not only opens the door to a global network, but also helps you develop your global mindset. It introduces so many different perspectives into every discussion, that you end up learning not only from the programme, but just as much from the people around you.
I was drawn to the strong sense of community that LBS is known for. Now, as a full-time student, I can confirm that its collaborative environment and support system, across staff, students, and alumni, really does make a difference. You feel backed by a community that wants you to succeed. That sense of belonging is one of the aspects I value most.
2. What was your motivation to study the Masters in Finance?
I come from a business administration background. Having built my career in finance, I reached a point where I felt I needed to strengthen my technical foundation, and the softer skills required for the challenges that emerge with more senior roles. When I discovered the MiF, it felt like the perfect bridge between where I was and where I aspired to go.
I was drawn to the programme’s global reputation for academic rigour, ranking top in the world, and how it offered the depth I was seeking to further specialise in finance, while still providing an impressive level of flexibility. With its wide range of electives, from highly technical modules to leadership-focused courses, along with hands-on learning opportunities and international experiences, the Masters in Finance allows you to tailor your journey in a way that fits your goals.
3. Which electives have you chosen or clubs have you joined?
Student clubs have become a meaningful part of my experience, both personally and professionally. Joining the Volunteers Club ExCo has allowed me to work with inspiring students from different programmes while collaborating with local communities and non-profits to promote volunteering initiatives. This experience has given me a space to contribute in a way that feels personally meaningful, adding a very special dimension to my time at LBS.
I’ve also joined the Women in Business Club, which has given me access to great events, both social and professional, as well as valuable resources. I found a touch of cultural familiarity in the LatAm Club. From day one, I was made to feel welcome through their Buddy Programme and enjoyed the full LatAm spirit at their much-talked-about Kickoff Party. These clubs have shaped my experience even further, bringing me closer to personal, professional, and cultural aspects that are very important to me.
4. What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective students?
Everything moves fast at the beginning. Coffee chats, internship applications, and recruiting… sometimes all at once. It can feel like a hundred things are happening simultaneously, and to be honest… they often are! To avoid the very unwanted last-minute chaos, my biggest piece of advice is to stay organised early on and get familiar with all the resources LBS offers (and there are many).
Keep an open mind. You may arrive thinking you know exactly where you want to go, but once you’re here, you might suddenly realise your “plan” now has five different versions. Take advantage of everything LBS provides, from dedicated career coaches to networking opportunities and countless tools to help you explore your career direction and prepare for the job market. These resources can make a real difference if you use them intentionally.
But just as important, don’t forget to enjoy the experience. Spend time with your cohort, build new friendships, go to events, have fun. Giving yourself the space to enjoy the journey is what truly makes the experience memorable.