by Selina Wang, MIFFT2026
I still remember that early Friday morning last November. I woke up before sunrise, unable to shake the feeling that my application result was just around the corner. I reached for my phone and opened my inbox.
There it was – the subject line read: “Masters in Finance – Good News!”
I immediately felt a wave of excitement and relief knowing that my life was about to take a completely new turn.
Coming to London Business School was an easy decision – it had been my top goal for years, and my LBS journey so far has been everything I hoped for and more.
What wasn’t easy, however, was the financial decision. While many of my colleagues and friends were settling down, I chose to invest in myself by returning to school and embracing a new environment. I was grateful to receive the Women in Finance Scholarship, which provided invaluable financial support and allowed me to focus wholeheartedly on making the most of my LBS experience.
Experience as a Women in Finance Scholar
In October, I had the honor of attending the LBS Scholar Welcome Event as a Women in Finance Scholar. Listening to the stories of MBA alumni and connecting with fellow scholars reminded me of the power of community and shared ambition.
Having worked in the male-dominated finance industry, I am deeply interested in promoting gender equality in the workplace and encouraging women to build confidence and thrive in their careers. This passion is also personal – I grew up watching my mum dedicate countless hours to her start-up before giving it up to move abroad and create a brighter future for me. She paved the way, showing me that women can build a business from scratch and succeed through determination and skill. While still in elementary school, I was determined to pursue my own career ambitions when I grew up.
That is why this scholarship means so much to me. It has strengthened my commitment to empower women at LBS to unlock their potential and pursue leadership opportunities with confidence. This motivation led me to join the Executive Team at the Women in Business (WiB) Club as Treasurer. WiB is truly part of the LBS legacy, dedicated to creating a platform that connects female students and professionals, enabling them to share experiences, support one another, and collectively drive change both within LBS and beyond. To kick off the new school year, we had a WiB offsite trip to a winery in Kent, where we shared stories, laughter, and plenty of good wine. This affirmed that my decision to join LBS was absolutely right.
Life at LBS and the MIF Programme
Even with the expectations I had before joining this world-renowned business school, I’ve continued to be impressed by the incredible opportunities at LBS. It’s not every day you get to attend talks by a Senior Bain Partner or the President of Euronext, or to interact with senior professionals from leading financial institutions.
The strong networking culture at LBS is another highlight. I’ve had the chance to connect not only with my cohort but also with students from other programmes through events and peer advising. The LBS alumni have also been very supportive and offered invaluable insights that have reshaped my thinking and career goals. Everyone at LBS is genuinely open to sharing and helping each other grow.
Within my cohort, I continue to be amazed by the thought-provoking opinions shared by my talented peers. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds, we’re all driven by the same sense of intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn.
Advice to Prospective Students
I will keep this short – you’ve probably read many great posts already!
- Understand your priorities: Be prepared to be overwhelmed (in a good way) by the ample opportunities at LBS and in London. From career sessions to social events, there’s always something happening. Try to come up with a few key goals before joining LBS – whether it’s focusing on a particular industry or enhancing technical skills – and keep those priorities in mind. Remember to take some time to rest and recharge, too. There are lots of good parks surrounding LBS.
- …But keep an open mind: The market can be challenging, especially for those who want to make a career transition. Be willing to explore new opportunities and meet people outside your immediate goals, and don’t be afraid to reach out to current students and alumni to hear their experiences. It is a gift to be able to take a break from professional life, reflect, and refine your direction. The skills you build and the network you form will carry a long way wherever you go.
If you’d like to learn more about the MiF programme or LBS, please don’t hesitate to reach out: swang.mifft2026@london.edu.