Studying at London Business School is far more than the academics. LBS prepares you for the next steps of your career. If you are an incoming student, an applicant or have just started looking at London Business School, you should know that our Career Centre will guide and support you throughout your time with us, preparing you for what is next.
Planning for post-programme life might seem far in the future but it is never too early to start thinking about your plans and goals. The Career Centre at LBS starts working with students before they even step foot on campus, offering a one-to-one coaching session, CV reviews and sector briefings from July onwards. Using the summer to prepare ensures readiness for the recruiting cycle, which may begin as early as August, depending on sector(s) of interest.
To help you on your journey, I sat down with one of our Graduate Masters Career Coaches, Sarah Wissing, to ask the common questions we receive, and the information they want you to know.
Does the Career Centre place me in an internship/full-time role at the end of my programme?
- No, we don’t place students. We provide students with the tools and skills to ensure they can find their own opportunities post-LBS and beyond, which is more valuable than simply being placed. This is done through workshops, tailored coaching and networking opportunities. We also have an extensive jobs board and have many employers come on campus to speak with our students.
Can the career centre help me with interview prep?
- Yes! We have Interview and Assessment Centre workshops throughout the year as well as the opportunity to book one-to-one interview practice at any time with a coach.
What are the skills most students need help with?
- As Career Coaches, we see lots of different students. Peer Pressure and the fear of missing out seems to be a big concern for students, we therefore encourage you to follow your own path. We note that students who have greater self-awareness and are able to articulate genuine motivation for the role they are applying for are more successful. Therefore, we encourage students to really think about what they want from their careers, what their values are and ensure they align with the roles and companies they are applying for.
Which services or opportunities do you wish students took better advantage of?
- We would love for you to take advantage of the coaching. You do not need to be ‘prepared.’ Just come as you are, that is a great place to start. We are here to support you; you do not have to do this on your own.
Does the career centre have exclusive contacts with recruiters and companies?
- No. However, through our career learning curriculum, students will be equipped to put themselves forward to roles in a competitive market. We also do have strong relationships with recruiters, allowing us to hold numerous networking opportunities so that students can get to know different employers.
What is the best time to get in touch with the Career Centre?
- As soon as you start! We have our summer series to support you in creating your CV. But we are here for you throughout the year and coaching is unlimited.
What is the one piece of advice you have for the incoming students?
- Do not compare yourself to others. You are unique and we are here to help you. We often have conversations with students who feel they are not where they want to be, and this is normal. The job search can be hard but the challenges you face now will make you more resilient!
If you are still curious about the Career Centre and our Graduate Masters Programmes, please get in touch with the Recruitment Team today!