The Masters in Finance Part-time programme at London Business School welcomes a diverse, close-knit cohort of talented finance professionals balancing their full-time roles with part-time studies. 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 edition, students from our MIFPT2027 class reflect on their decision to join LBS, their motivation for studying, advice for prospective students, and the ways they are already shaping, and being shaped by, the part-time programme.
Join us in getting to know the students in the part-time class.
The students profiled are Nugzar Gogolidze, Aya Abdellah, Rodwell Katyora, and Maria Ivanova.
Nugzar Gogolidze – Georgia
- Why did you choose London Business School?
Pursuing a Masters at London Business School has been my long-held ambition. With its top-tier faculty, global network and dynamic learning environment LBS provides perfect platform to elevate my career.
2. What was your motivation to study the Masters in Finance?
My motivation to study the MiF Part-time was to deepen my technical expertise in finance and gain a global perspective. I wanted to broaden my career opportunities in the finance world.
3. Which electives have chosen or clubs have you joined?
I have chosen electives such as Topics in Asset Management and Fixed Income Securities. You could say that I am very passionate about investment management as I have joined the Investment Management Club too. Also, I am a member of Central and Eastern Europe Club where I serve as a treasurer. I believe these choices allow me to deepen my knowledge and build connections in areas I truly care about.
4. What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective students?
If you are considering doing a masters at LBS remember it is not just about technical skills it is about building relationships. Your classmates, faculty and alumni are invaluable. Get involved early, join study groups, attend events and connect with people. These connections open many doors.
Aya Abdellah – Egypt
1. Why did you choose London Business School?
I wanted a programme that wasn’t only theoretical, but connected to real markets, deal-flow, and industry leaders, and LBS offers exactly that. The diversity of perspectives, especially in my MiF Part-time cohort, delivered on this expectation. Coming from an emerging market and now working in London, I wanted an environment that reflects how international finance really operates. LBS felt like the perfect bridge between my experience and the global financial career I’m building.
2. What was your motivation to study the Masters in Finance?
After many years working in banking and having completed the CFA programme, I wanted to deepen the areas where I could become more strategic rather than purely execution focused. The Masters in Finance Part-time programme was the ideal next step to expand my strategic understanding of finance and accelerate my transition toward roles with broader ownership. I wanted a programme that complemented my experience and gave me the confidence and analytical toolkit to tackle more complex transactions, markets, and decision-making.
3. Which electives have chosen or clubs have you joined?
This academic year, I’m taking Emerging Markets, Financial Analysis of Mergers & Acquisition, and Negotiation and Bargaining; all areas I know will be directly applicable in my transactions. Thanks to a very diverse offering of electives, I was able to choose exactly what I needed.
The same applies for clubs, as I joined clubs that reflect both my interests and identity: the MENA Club, Africa Business Club, Women in Business, and the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club.
4. What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective students?
Be decisive. The sooner you identify what truly matters to you, the more control you’ll have in shaping your own LBS experience rather than being swept along by it.
Rodwell Katyora – Zimbabwe
- Why did you choose London Business School?
The Masters in Finance programme at LBS has been over the years consistently ranked as the #1 post experience finance masters in the world by The Financial Times. This was therefore an easy decision for me to make. Before applying I also had the opportunity to attend a few events hosted by the school. i.e the MiF Part-time Dinner. One of the things that everyone kept highlighting to me was the vibrant, student centric culture and community that’s prevalent at LBS.
Institutions like London Business School offer international exposure and top rankings which equips you to work across markets and adapt to global financial trends.
2. What was your motivation to study the Masters in Finance?
My motivation to study the Masters in Finance Part-time was driven by my need to gain more specialized knowledge with a focus on financial markets, valuations, and risk management. The MiF has been known to build expertise beyond general business degrees like an MBA.
Based off my research and chatting with other alumni, the programme enhances credibility and competitiveness in a global job market.
3. Which electives have you chosen or clubs have you joined?
My electives for the first year are: Global Capital Markets and Currencies, Project and Infrastructure Finance and Topics in Asset Management.
I am currently a Vice President of Allyship & Partnerships within the Black in Business Club. I am an active member as well in the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club.
4. What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective students?
Apply early if you can. This gives you time to familiarise yourself with the programme and even the cohort. Make effort to attend as many networking events as you can that are hosted by London Business School.
Maria Ivanova – Bulgaria
1. Why did you choose London Business School?
I chose to join London Business School for its strong global brand, the depth and influence of the alumni network, and the opportunity to learn alongside highly accomplished peers.
2. What was your motivation to study the Masters in Finance?
I chose the Masters in Finance Part-Time to deepen my technical expertise through rigorous core and elective courses, and to learn directly from practitioners through clubs and industry events.
3. Which electives have chosen or clubs have you joined?
I am part of the Women in Business Club, Central & Eastern Europe Club, Private Equity & Venture Capital Club and Racket Sports Club.
4. What is one piece of advice you would share with prospective students?
Speak with as many current students and alumni as you can. Building your LBS will give you a clearer picture of whether the school and programme are the right fit for you.