By, Hauwa Umaru, MIFFT2025
The MBOs, Mergers and Other Corporate Reorganisations class, taught by Professor Julian Franks, has been the most challenging, yet most rewarding class I have taken so far on the Masters in Finance Full-time programme at London Business School. The class started as the Christmas holidays ended, during the height of recruitment, when my days were jam-packed with long job applications, dissatisfying rejection emails, and the emotional pressure of figuring out what came next.
This was far from an “easy A” course. It was highly technical, intellectually demanding, and required steady, consistent effort to stay on track. There were moments when I felt completely overwhelmed – but the programme’s structured schedule gave me just enough rhythm and resilience to keep moving forward. For that, I’m genuinely grateful.
Reflecting on my journey on the MiFFT so far, I value how London Business School creates space for all voices to be heard, even the quietest ones in the classroom. I was not the type of student who spoke up regularly in class. I sat at the front quietly, listening and trying to absorb as much information as I could. One day during a break, Professor Franks approached me. He noticed how engaged I was during the lecture and asked if I was enjoying the course. I admitted I was struggling to grasp a concept he had just introduced. Rather than offering a quick explanation and moving on, he took a different approach. He sent me additional case materials, checked in on my progress, and even made himself available outside of class. This seemingly small gesture changed everything. His attentiveness and follow-through made me feel genuinely seen and supported at a time when I was quietly struggling. I doubt he knew just how much that moment meant to me – but I remain deeply grateful for it.
Professor Franks continues to support me, even after the course ended. Despite preparing for retirement, he takes the time to answer my questions. His dedication to supporting his students is rare and reflects something unique about the faculty and LBS experience, where professors truly go above and beyond. His classes remind me value is not always loud or immediately visible. Sometimes, it reveals itself in quiet persistence, thoughtful conversations, and in the people who recognise your effort – even when you say very little.
A similar moment unfolded in the same class when we hosted Harlan Zimmerman from Cevian as a guest speaker. These types of events tend to carry a certain intensity – students can often crowd around the speaker, eager in their attempt to make an impression or inquire about job opportunities. I had grown weary of those interactions. Too often, they end in unanswered emails and fleeting conversations that lead nowhere. I understood why – there are simply too many students, too many requests, and too little time.
Yet, this time was different.
Harlan Zimmerman approached me and asked if I had any questions. I mentioned I knew of Cevian from my previous role, where I worked on fund reporting related to his firm. That simple, genuine exchange led to a deeper conversation about career paths and long-term goals – free from the usual pressure of making a pitch or asking for a favour. It was a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful lessons don’t come from the lecture slides, but from authentic conversations that leave a lasting impression.
Studying at London Business School is very much what you make of it. It’s not a magical answer to all of life’s challenges – you still have to put in the work, show up, and be present, even on the days when your mind is elsewhere. Yet, there’s something powerful about being in an environment intentionally built to help you thrive and engaging with professors who go beyond a simple slide deck. This has been my experience, though I know it may look different for other students. I’m so grateful for their support and proud of my resilience. I pushed myself to attend, especially on days where I felt nervous and unprepared, but knowing I could count on the support of my professors when I stumbled across obstacles, helped me advance towards success in my learning. Upon writing this blog, I realise the value of the LBS classroom is difficult to put into words – it’s something you must live to truly understand and appreciate its full impact.
Key Takeaways:
- The most meaningful learning often happens during your hardest seasons
- You do not have to speak often to be seen. Presence and consistency matter
- Supportive professors like Professor Julian leave a lasting impact on the students they meet
- Genuine interest leads to meaningful connections. Networking does not have to feel forced
- The classroom experience at LBS extends beyond lectures. It is shaped by people who care