by Jingyan Sun, MIFPT2027
In this Student Spotlight, Jingyan reflects on balancing the demands of the MiF Part-time programme with a career transition into asset management, the lessons that have challenged her thinking, and the experiences that have shaped her LBS journey so far. Through classroom discussions, case studies and exposure to new areas of finance, she discovers possibilities she hadn’t previously considered, while refining her top motivation: finding a role that is both intellectually fulfilling and capable of making positive impact.
What was the defining moment that led you to pursue a career in finance, and how has your motivation changed since starting the Masters in Finance?
From a young age, there wasn’t a specific industry I felt deeply passionate about. I knew, however, that I didn’t see myself as a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Finance therefore, became a natural choice because I enjoyed working with numbers and understanding how money moves and creates value. At each stage of my education, I made choices that gradually brought me closer to the industry.
Since joining the MiF, I have been exposed to the breadth of finance through lectures, discussions, and electives. Each has revealed new possibilities I hadn’t previously considered. While I’m still in the early stages of refining my direction, I’m increasingly motivated to find a role that I genuinely enjoy while also allowing me to make a positive impact.
What does a typical week on the MiF Part-time programme look like for you?
In the first year, the MiF Part-time programme consists of three core courses, Financial Accounting and Analysis, Investments, and Corporate Valuation, delivered on a fortnightly schedule. During teaching weeks, I typically use weekday evenings after work for light pre-reading to prepare for class and attend tutorials on Friday evenings from 7–9pm. Saturdays are spent on campus from 9am to either 3:45pm or 6:45pm, depending on the number of sessions. Sundays are generally reserved for rest, light reading, or making progress on assignments to reset for the week ahead.
On alternate weeks without classes, I focus on catching up on pre-readings or getting ahead on coursework.
From the second term onwards, we begin taking 1–3 electives. I opted for the block-week format, which allows each elective to be completed in an intensive one-week period rather than through evening sessions or additional Saturdays. During block weeks, classes run from 9am to 3:30pm, with evenings dedicated to readings and assignments, typically culminating in an exam on the Saturday. This format has been an efficient way to learn using study and annual leave, although it requires careful planning in advance.
How do you implement what you learn in the programme into your role at work? Have you noticed any developments or changes so far?
So far, I have completed Financial Accounting and Analysis, which has strengthened my understanding of accounting standards and corporate financial reporting. The course provided practical insights into how companies such as Boeing and Airbus, Hertz and Sixt, historically structured operating leases prior to the introduction of IFRS 16 and how that has evolved since 2019. We also delved into how poorly intangibles are currently being valued in the industry and why we should always take EBITDA with a heavy pinch of salt.
While corporate accounting is not the primary focus of my previous role working with financial institutions, the knowledge and case discussions broadened my analytical perspective and gave me greater confidence in interpreting corporate financial statements and assessing credit risk across a wider range of sectors.
This proved particularly valuable during my recent career transition into Asset Management, where I now work in credit underwriting. The technical foundation gained from the programme, combined with the signal of commitment and motivation associated with the LBS MiF, helped demonstrate my readiness to move into a new role and take on more complex credit analysis responsibilities.
What is a classroom discussion or case study on the MiF Part-time programme that challenged your thinking or shaped your perspective on responsibility in finance?
During our Purpose of Finance class, a case study on microfinance sparked a thoughtful discussion about how a Nobel Prize–winning idea can and have been increasingly exploited in the pursuit of higher yields.
That discussion reminded me that even ideas designed to do good can also cause harm if incentives are misaligned. As future industry professionals, we carry the responsibility of making the right, but often difficult decisions. I appreciate that LBS brings these uncomfortable yet important topics into the classroom. Even when there are no clear right or wrong answers, the process has empowered me to form my own values and judgments.
How would you describe the LBS classroom dynamic to someone who has never experienced it. What has surprised you most?
Our part-time MiF class is around 40 students, similar in size to an undergraduate tutorial, but the dynamic is very different from what I remember from my own experiences. Everyone actively contributes insights drawn from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, and professors are genuinely keen to listen and learn from these perspectives.
What has surprised and delighted me most is how willing everyone is to share and learn from one another. The classroom feels collaborative rather than competitive, which makes discussions richer and more engaging.
What’s one misconception people have about the finance industry that your experience at LBS has helped clarify?
Public perceptions of finance have understandably shifted following events such as the 2008 financial crisis. Many misconceptions stem from real historical failures. Finance attracts highly intelligent individuals, but we all operate with diverse goals and incentives.
Rather than simply trying to dispel misconceptions, LBS has helped me understand why these perceptions exist, how regulation has evolved to mitigate bad actors, and how the industry has changed over time. Most importantly, it has made me reflect on my own responsibility, as a finance professional, to uphold higher standards and contribute positively to the industry’s reputation.
What’s a challenge you’ve had to navigate during the programme that has taught you something about yourself?
The biggest challenge has been fitting more commitments into the same limited amount of time. I’ve had to balance a demanding workload at work, job applications and interviews, pre-reading and assignments, while still being present for friends, family, and most importantly, my paid gym membership!
Through this, I’ve learned to be far more disciplined with my time and intentional about trade-offs. I’ve also learned to appreciate how even a small action today can make a significant difference tomorrow.
What is something about you: an interest, habit or value, that your classmates would be surprised to know?
My classmates know that I’m actively looking to switch jobs, but they may be surprised to learn that my longer-term ambition has recently shifted since my visit to Geneva. Increasingly, I find myself drawn to the idea of working for the United Nations in Geneva, combining finance with global impact.
Where or what is your favourite hidden gem in London?
My favourite hidden gem is a cafe called Another Brother in Canary Wharf. I spend about 50% of my productive time there, the other 50% at Starbucks. It has grown so much in popularity. Finding a seat past 11:00am can sometimes be tricky. Venture there if you fancy your chances.
Where is your go-to place to unwind after a long day of lectures?
I like going to dance classes at XY Studio in Chancery Lane. It’s the perfect way to unwind, as I have to put thinking about lectures to one side and use all my brainpower just to remember the choreography.
Who is someone in the LBS community, (student, staff, alumnus) who has quietly influence you?
I have been deeply influenced by everyone in LBS who are ambitious, highly motivated individuals who are also juggling complex personal lives, whether that’s raising newborns, planning weddings, or sustaining long-distance relationships. Observing how they pursue demanding goals while managing real-life responsibilities has reshaped my perspective on what is achievable and motivated me to aim higher.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to yourself pre-MiF?
There is nothing I would change, especially since I gave myself six months before the MiF not studying for any exams. That kind of break won’t happen again for a long time, and I’m glad I took full advantage of it.
What’s one LBS experience you almost skipped but are now really glad you didn’t?
The one LBS experience I almost skipped out on but was glad to have attended was the Fall Festival. The MiF Part-Time class went together after a long day of class. We saw some impressive ice skating moves from our classmates and investigated which door the food was coming out of because they would otherwise never get to us! It was a great opportunity to see the rest of the school in a privately booked ice skating/bowling venue.
What question would you like to ask the next MiF Spotlight Student?
If you achieved financial freedom tomorrow, by your own definition, what job would you choose to do, and why?