Choosing where to take your next steps for your career can be a difficult process. Our Graduate Masters class of 2024 have shared why they chose London Business School and their experience as they started their GM student journey.
Written By, Avantika Chandak, MiM 2024
One year ago, I had a picture of London Business School on my desk, while I was struggling with balancing the application, GMAT and work. I still vividly remember the excitement and nerves as I hit submit, wondering if I would make it. Fast-forward to today, as I type away at this blog at the beautiful Regent’s Park Campus, that dream has turned to reality; it’s a full-circle moment that still sends shivers down my spine!
Born and brought up in India my entire life, I was yearning for an opportunity that would push the boundaries of my comfort zone, a leap into a top-class business school experience. London, with its blend of tradition, innovation, and cultural diversity, naturally piqued my interest, so it wasn’t surprising why LBS stood out both in terms of in rankings and location. The LBS MiM is currently ranked #1 in the UK and #3 in the world, and as every single day here unravels its excellence, I understand why!
My undergraduate took a more theoretical approach; with LBS’s MiM, I sought an education that was both tailored to my specific interests and helpful to fast track my career, giving myself an edge. During my diligent research and conversations with alumni, I found that the course at London Business School was very experiential, every class at LBS offers practical, hands-on insights. The faculty, comprised of some of the finest minds in business academia, ensures that the learning experience is not just current but also deeply insightful.
Every classroom at LBS has people from 50+ nationalities, and this diversity appealed to me. Being surrounded by the most intelligent people from all around the world, listening to their perspectives and drawing inspiration from their journeys has truly impacted me in a very positive way. Every person in this international cohort brings unique skills and experience to the table, making the classes and sessions very interesting.
At London Business School, you will never be the smartest in your class, and the positive peer pressure will shape you to become the best version of yourself. I have picked up numerous things from my classmates, be it their way of thinking, drive, perspectives or approach towards life.
The vast portfolio of Electives and Global Experiences drew me towards LBS. From almost 100 options to pick from, I could specialise in (literally) anything I wanted to do. For example, my passion towards Retail and Luxury led me to bid for Luxury Strategy and the Paris Global Experience, and my passion for Entrepreneurship made me pick New Venture development and Entrepreneurial Mindset that I’m super excited to pursue in the coming terms along with Digital Marketing!
It is no surprise that LBS has been ranked #1 for the quality of Alumni Network, a driving force behind my decision to apply. Although my course is just one year, I will have access to one of the best Alumni Networks in the world! I’m grateful to have friends today from each corner of the world and the opportunity to leverage this global network throughout my life is incredible.
LBS has clubs for everything. From Board Games to Dance to Women in Business to Retail and Luxury to Consulting, the list goes on. Each club offers immense opportunities to be involved and it is truly amazing. I always wanted to join the Retail, Luxury and Consumer Goods Club; today I am part of its executive committee and very excited for the year ahead. The events, sessions, workshops and socials organised by every club make LBS what it is.
Although these are a few highlights of why I picked LBS, no blog could do justice to this world-class institution and its achievements. My journey to LBS has been an exhilarating roller coaster of growth, challenges, and triumphs. Looking back, each twist and turn has enriched me, shaping the person I am today.
The past 2.5 months at LBS have been the most transformative of my life, filled with growth, learnings and anticipation for what lies ahead. My friends have turned into family, and from day one, LBS has felt like home. To all the aspiring students out there, let my story be a testament to the fact that such a journey is not just possible, but also immensely rewarding. Believe me, if I could do it, so can you!