By Daniel Ma, GMiM2026
It feels very surreal yet so rewarding to look back on the journey leading me into London Business School as a student of the Global Masters in Management. This innovative two-year programme with one year at LBS and one year at Fudan University in Shanghai offers extensive exposure to both Western and Asian cultures and business environments.
For me, the people and the community mattered most when considering a Masters program. LBS particularly stood out because of the incredible sense of connection I encountered at every step of the application process. From my first interactions with the Admissions team to conversations with current students, ambassadors, and alumni, I was consistently impressed by how open-minded, welcoming, and passionate everyone was about LBS. These discussions gave me invaluable insight into the structure of the program, the vibrancy of the community, and the very collaborative spirit that LBS stands for. It fascinated me that so many people were willing to take time to advise a prospective student like me by offering honest feedback about my profile and encouragement. The Admissions team gave me professional and personalized support throughout. They provided constructive feedback, and I felt the whole application process was very pleasant. During the interview process, I noticed how my interviewer approached our conversation with genuine warmth and curiosity. It wasn’t just my resume or accomplishments that interested him but understanding me on a personal level, my motivations, my personality, and my long-term goals. These impressions throughout the application journey made me feel seen and valued and reinforced that LBS is a place where people and their stories truly matter. This sense of camaraderie and support left a lasting impression on me and created a feeling of belonging even before stepping on campus.
In addition, the Global Masters in Management programme at LBS aligns perfectly with my goal of entering strategy consulting in an international setting, where high performance and cultural adaptability are essential. Consulting demands exceptional results within tight deadlines, which can be challenging to sustain over time. Engaging in practical, deep discussions with classmates on a daily basis helps to develop strategies for meeting these high expectations. Additionally, LBS’ career support further strengthens my preparation by offering essential social competencies and hands-on skills sessions and training that help me excel in the fast-paced consulting world.
The programme’s unique focus on cultural immersion is also invaluable. Having seen the challenges an acquaintance faced adapting to the less structured, more flexible working style in China compared to Germany’s formal approach, I know cultural adaptability will be key in my international consulting journey. The dual-country structure of LBS’ Global Masters in Management programme will equip me to navigate and thrive in varied working environments and thereby making me a stronger consultant with a truly global perspective and connections.
My advice for applicants is simple: be genuine and strategic. Connect your personal story and unique experiences to LBS’ values, seek insights from current students, alumni and staff, conduct in-depth research about the programme and stay true to your strengths and experiences. And if you’re passionate about LBS and the programme, it will definitely come through.