By Zhi Yee Soh, MiM2025
Discovering a family, not just a network
I expected LBS to be a professional network, but what I found was a family. That’s one of those phrases that often gets tossed around, but at LBS, it’s real. My journey in connecting with the LBS community has already begun before I intend to set foot on the campus. As an LBS applicant, I was committed to going above and beyond the application process and truly learning about the LBS experience. I have been fortunate enough to connect with LBS’ extensive network of alumni and current students through LinkedIn and networked connections. The numerous in-person coffee chats, calls, and e-meets have been inspiring. Everyone was willing to share their experiences and excited to hear about mine. It surprised me as these weren’t just one-off “contacts” or “connections”, but they were genuinely interested in my journey as much as their own.
Kindness and diversity at the heart of LBS
While researching schools and conversing with students and alumni, I kept hearing about LBS’ reputation for kindness and diversity. At first, I didn’t understand how a school could “champion kindness” until I saw it first-hand. During the LBS welcome party, I had the chance to meet some of my future classmates. We came from different continents, industries, and cultures, yet every person in the room seemed genuinely curious about everyone else. I vividly remember sharing my story, feeling heard and listening to others whose life experiences were extraordinary and vastly different from mine.
It’s not just the diversity of backgrounds but the diversity of perspectives that makes this place special. The classroom diversity at LBS exists to bring together different ways of thinking to enrich everyone’s experience. I’ve learned as much from the perspectives my classmates and study group mates bring to discussions as I have from past experiences. There’s a commitment here to respect and learn from each other, which is not something I took for granted.
An open-minded culture that fosters growth
As someone who values personal growth as much as professional development, I was particularly drawn to the open-minded culture at LBS. Before coming here, I was somewhat apprehensive about stepping out of my comfort zone. Having been in Singapore, an environment I’ve been very familiar with all my life, and while it felt safe, I knew I needed a chance to challenge myself.
LBS offers that space to grow without judgment. Here, I’m encouraged to try new things, take on different roles, step up and take risks in an environment where I know I’ll be supported. For instance, I recently joined an OiB club pro-bono consulting project, and the project was in a sector in which I had no prior experience. It was only possible due to the supportive and inclusive culture around me. The open-minded culture has helped me to build confidence, not just in the classroom but beyond.
What I wish I’d known: you’ll grow in more ways than you expect
If I could go back to that version of myself anxiously reading through forums, I’d tell myself this: LBS isn’t just about the career boost or the academic prestige but about growing as a whole person. I would say that I’m confident the experience thus far proved that I would leave LBS with not just a degree but lifelong friendships, a broader perspective on the world, and a deeper understanding of myself.
Initially, when choosing between the schools, I was fixated on the practicalities of my decision, what classes LBS had to offer, and what clubs and societies LBS had. However, what I failed to consider was how much I’d evolve on a personal level. LBS is shaping me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. I am becoming more empathetic, resilient, and open-minded, thanks to the people around me and the experiences I’m having every day.
Final thoughts: saying yes to LBS is just the beginning
Choosing LBS was one of the best decisions I’ve made, not just because of the professional advantages. I’m grateful to be in a place that truly feels like home, filled with extraordinary people who want to see each other succeed, who believe in kindness and diversity, and who challenge each other to keep growing.
I’m excited for the years ahead, knowing that this is just the beginning of a journey that will continue to shape me for many subsequent years. If you’re considering LBS, my advice is simple: dive in with an open mind and be ready to grow in ways you can’t imagine.