By Thabang Letheo, MiFPT2025
A year ago, I was at a point in my career where I was seeking two distinct career goals. The first was to deepen and enhance my finance knowledge particularly in corporate finance and investment management. The second was to accelerate my career and bring immediate value to my current employer which would help me take the next steps in my career. As a South African who had recently relocated to London, I was looking to grow my career in a new global city whilst also creating new personal and professional relationships which could expand into life-long friendships.
Throughout my research, I learned more about London Business School and in particular the Masters in Finance programme which is highly regarded around the world as it is ranked as the World’s leading post-experience Masters in Finance (MiF) Programme by the Financial Times. Immediately, I knew the programme could help me achieve both my career goals and connect me with a diverse group of students from different backgrounds. The Part-time programme was a natural fit for me as I can continue working and I dedicate my evenings and weekends to my studies.
My journey at London Business School began in August 2023. I was nervous about what the next two years would hold for me, but I was determined to gain as much as possible from the holistic LBS experience which I was certain would help me in my personal growth and in achieving my career objectives.
I am an accountant and have predominantly been working in Investment Banking in both Africa and Europe (Leveraged Finance). The MiF has been instrumental in broadening my finance knowledge, shaping me into a well-rounded finance professional and helping me evolve from a banker with African experience to a global professional with the ability to adapt to different geographical markets and economies. I have had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge on valuations, mergers and acquisitions, investment analysis and private equity.
I continue to grow both personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to join a global bank at the end of my first year on the programme. In July 2024, I joined the Leveraged Finance department of SMBC, one of the leading financial institutions in the world with a European focus. One of the things that gave me the confidence and the belief to make this career transition was the blending of my technical knowledge, accounting and banking experience together with the World-class educational offering provided by the Masters in Finance at LBS. Previously, I had worked for Africa’s largest bank by assets, Standard Bank from 2018 until mid-2024.
As I embark on the second year of the programme, I am proud to say that the programme has helped me tremendously. I have taken steps forward in achieving my career goals and, chiefly, I have established new relationships with students from diverse backgrounds across all the programmes at LBS. Professionally, the technical skills I have acquired on the part-time programme have aided my ability to deliver value to my employer and make an immediate impact in my current role.
I have engaged with the most talented and inspirational finance professionals. Their positive impact in class discussions inspires me to continue progressing in my professional development. The networks I have fostered have been invaluable and will certainly remain after I graduate. One of my highlights of the year was being invited to my first ever English Premiership match by a fellow classmate on a Saturday afternoon at Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham FC, one of the most historical London-based football clubs. The club offer fans visiting their home ground a unique once in a lifetime experience and I was delighted to share this memory with a fellow classmate. The experience was a dream come true for me as I am a passionate sports fan and would not have been possible without my newfound friendships made at LBS.
Looking ahead to my second year at LBS, I believe there is still much more for me to gain from the programme in terms of technical skills, formal learning, and networking through forming new friendships and connections. LBS is a world-class institution offering students a unique holistic experience in the heart of London. The school is more than academics. It has a strong focus on personal development, professional relationship building and networking through events, conferences, clubs, and societies. My goal for the second year is to immerse myself fully in all facets of the LBS student experience and take full advantage of the all-inclusive educational experience.
Find out more about our Masters in Finance Programmes here.