By Pedro Barroso Varela Fernandes, MFA2025
Four months into my London Business School adventure, I can safely say that Term 1 has been a whirlwind of new experiences, challenges, and moments that will stick with me for years to come. From an incredible academic line-up to a community that constantly pushes you to be your best, this term has been nothing short of transformative.
Here’s a glimpse into what it’s been like so far.
The recruitment rollercoaster
While many of my classmates were navigating the maze of job applications and networking events, my Term 1 had a slightly different setting. Having secured a return offer from my summer internship in Private Equity in Lisbon, I wasn’t swept up in the recruiting frenzy that took over campus. Instead, I was lucky enough to get to approach the term with a bit more clarity and focus on everything else LBS had to offer.
That doesn’t mean I missed out on the career side of things entirely. Conversations with peers gave me plenty of insight into how LBS supports its students—whether it’s career coaching, alumni connections, or the sheer amount of knowledge-sharing among classmates. Watching everyone rally together to practice interviews or refine their CVs was a reminder of just how collaborative this community is, even when the stakes are high.
From the classroom to the real world
The academic side of LBS is as intense as it is rewarding. Term 1’s core courses are partially designed to bring students from all backgrounds onto the same page, which meant diving into topics that challenged me in entirely new ways.
Building on the solid foundations from the earlier Investment Fundamentals course, Corporate Finance was the standout for me. It wasn’t just about learning the mechanics of valuation or capital structure—it was about understanding how these concepts come to life in the real world. The discussions were dynamic, the assignments were thought-provoking, and it was one of those classes where I walked away every week feeling like I’d learned something new and that would help me in the future.
Of course, the learning didn’t stop there. Analysis of Financial Statements gave us a deep dive into interpreting financial reports, helping me connect the dots between theory and practice. And then there was Data Analytics, which enlightened me in unexpected ways—turns out, coding in R isn’t as intimidating as I thought (once you’ve survived a few assignments, that is). The whole curriculum feels like it’s building toward something bigger, which makes the effort feel worth it, even on the toughest days.
Building connections that matter
Social life at LBS is as diverse as the student body itself. Whether you’re into big nights out, small group dinners, or something in between, there’s always something going on. For me, it wasn’t about attending every event but about finding the ones that made the most sense for me.
Sundowners quickly became a highlight. In general, every other Thursday, students from across programmes gather for food, drinks, and conversation. It was the perfect way to reconnect with people I hadn’t seen since Orientation Week or to meet someone new who I might not have crossed paths with otherwise. It’s a simple tradition, but one that adds a lot to the sense of community here.
The real magic, though, is in the everyday interactions—cooking with flatmates, quick chats after lectures, or sharing a laugh during group assignments. These moments are where connections are built and where you start to realize just how much you can learn from the people around you.
One term down, a lifetime to go
It’s hard to believe that only a few months ago I was just starting this journey. In that time, I’ve been challenged in ways I never expected and inspired by the people I’ve met along the way. LBS truly has a way of pushing you outside your comfort zone while making sure you have the support you need to thrive.
As Term 2 approaches, I’m excited to see what’s next. Whether it’s diving deeper into electives, getting more involved in clubs, or simply continuing to grow alongside this incredible community, there’s so much more to look forward to.
If you’re curious about life at LBS or considering applying, feel free to reach out on LinkedIn. I’d be happy to share more about this journey—and some tips on how to make the most of it.