London School of Economics and Political Science

Since graduating from the LSE in Regional and Urban Planning, I have worked for the Prince’s Foundation for Building Community in London, a charity set-up by HRH The Prince of Wales to promote a return of traditional values to architecture and urbanism across the world. Holding dual-qualifications in landscape architecture and urban planning, I have been involved on a number of projects ranging from a 4,000 home new town in Bahrain, to an urban infill site in North London. The position allows me to use my background in physical design together with the education gained from the LSE in policy and economics. All in all, I couldn’t be happier with the doors LSE opened for me.

Why did you choose LSE?
I chose LSE because I was impressed with the MSc in Empires, Colonialism, and Globalisation’s emphasis on non-European history. I also wanted to be part of a community of intellectually curious people.

What did you do before you started your master’s?
I worked as a middle and high school history teacher.

How has your experience been so far?
I’ve had a fantastic experience so far. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by brilliant, thoughtful, kind, hardworking classmates, as well as knowledgeable, passionate, caring professors.

What’s been the hardest thing you’ve experienced so far, and how have you overcome these difficulties?
Adjusting to the UK education system has been a bit difficult. There is a lot of ‘lingo’ that is different from the US. The grading and assessment systems also look a bit different from what I was used to in the US. I’ve dealt with this by asking my classmates and professors about how the system works. It is also really helpful that we have ungraded ‘formative’ essays to practice writing in the style that LSE prefers.

How has the pandemic affected your experience as a master’s student at LSE?
The pandemic has obviously meant that I am not having a ‘traditional’ experience. Some of my classes are online, but some are in person. However, I still feel like I am receiving a very high-quality education, and that the LSE professors and administrators are doing a good job of adapting to these challenging times.

Do you have any advice for future LSE master’s students?
Reach out to your classmates and professors early on and get to know them.

"The elective modules offered allowed me to pursue my wider interests within the Department of Health Policy and broadened my career aspirations. In addition, the placement opportunities on the MSc programme, in industry and consultancy, provide fantastic insight and invaluable experience, especially to those people who are at the beginning of their career path. Day to day you will have the opportunity to interact with approachable Professors at the forefront of innovative research in health economics and health policy as well as colleagues who came from a variety of academic and cultural backgrounds."

Vice President, Nudge Lebanon

My decision to apply to LSE’s Executive MSc Behavioural Science programme was driven by its rigorous curriculum and the opportunity to further build my capacity in experimentation. The programme gave me a stronger theoretical understanding of the field of behavioral science and practical tools, which I am currently applying to a lot of the pressing policy challenges in the Middle East related to corruption, civic engagement, sectarianism, etc. Throughout my dissertation, I learned how to be more rigorous in my approach which I now bring to my work.

BA in Economics & BSc in Mathematics, Bogazici University
Now at Risk Control Ltd

I was looking for a programme which would prepare me for academia as well as equip me with a skill set for an industry job. MSc Finance and Economics was the perfect choice considering its excellent placement record for top PhD programs and industry jobs.

I am currently a quantitative analyst at a risk consulting firm. The core courses provided the financial, mathematical, and statistical theory required for my role. With the help of the coding assignments in the elective courses, I applied my theoretical knowledge to hands-on work, which is crucial for the quantitative projects at my job.

The programme is fast-paced and packed with information. Learning from the professors who are the best in their fields is a great experience. Although it is sometimes challenging to keep up, my advice for prospective students is to make the most of the programme. The department staff is helpful and always supports you if you have any issues. Finally, enjoy London with your amazing classmates!

B.Tech (Honours) in Information Technology, Indian Institute of Information Technology
Now an Assistant Vice President in Quantitative Research at Citi

While working as a Trade Execution technology strategist, my interest was piqued to understand the fundamentals and driving forces of financial markets.

The MSc in Finance and Economics course at LSE offered an in-depth understanding of quantitative and intuitive aspects of financial markets, which equipped me excellently for my role as a Quant researcher in the Citi Institutional Clients Group.

My interactions with diverse batchmates, alumni, and professors broadened my perspective and helped me in steering my career in the desired direction.

My advice to future students is to take any academic challenges in a positive spirit and seek support when necessary. Be open to networking with and learning from your fellow batchmates as well as alumni.

Akash is an Environmental Analyst for the World Bank.

"I had the most wonderful two years of my life at LSE. What attracted me most towards the MPA at LSE was its curriculum and the diversity of students. I always felt that I was a part of something meaningful at LSE’s School of Public Policy. Building my technical expertise in policy design and implementation has empowered me to fulfil my ultimate objective to serve the Antyodaya (the last person in the society).

Each one of my professors, colleagues, and friends have given me a unique sense of understanding and helped me continue to push myself for better. Life will move on, but these memories will stay forever.

Having had the privilege of serving the LSE community as a Governor and Company Director as part of LSE’s Governing Council, I contributed to many initiatives to give back to the LSE community: these included a food loyalty scheme, facilitating online library access for alumni, access to menstrual products, and stress counselling.

Before beginning my journey at LSE, I worked at the Government of India at the Cabinet Minister’s Office as a Policy Analyst. I was involved in many initiatives to contribute to the betterment of quality of life for Indian citizens including rural electrification program, national smart grid mission, national solar mission, and national action plan on climate change.

As I embark on my new journey at the World Bank, I reflect on the biggest takeaway for me after completing the MPA program at LSE. I am now equipped with the necessary theoretical and empirical skills to engage in rigorous analysis of public policies. I shall be working with the ENB Global Practice at the Bank as an Environmental Analyst and my work will be to support a number of activities with a broad theme of using disruptive technology to conserve the environment globally."

I came to the LSE with the main goal of improving my quantitative problem-solving skills, and subsequently landing a job in investment banking. The School and societies provided extremely good network opportunities, which really helped to land the job that I aimed at. After only two months at the LSE I landed a job offer with one of the top global investment banks. However, upon finishing the Operations Research & Analytics programme I quickly realised that I would rather pursue a career in data science, and once again the university's reputation opened doors for me last minute. Currently I work as a Data Analyst in the Telenor Digital data science team in Norway. There I code various machine learning algorithms in R, all of which I have all learned during this degree.

Overall I can say that coming from a non-quantitative, business background I have learned more in this one-year Masters than I did in my entire three years of my bachelor degree. The programme was challenging but manageable. In particular, I highly appreciated how much face time I received from all of my professors, as well as the professor who supervised my thesis. The decision to come to the LSE and studying Operations Research & Analytics was one of the best I have made so far and I can highly recommend LSE and the degree.

I chose LSE because it is the only programme that combines the interrelated and interdependent areas of regulation, policy, and planning, which makes it the most effective and exciting programme for environmental governance.

Studying with such a great group of people, and benefiting from the high quality of our lectures and tutors has made my world bigger and more interesting. It has made me aware of job opportunities and career paths that I would never have discovered otherwise, and given me the skills to take advantage of them. It has afforded me with the opportunity to attend lectures by world leaders in a variety of fields, and put me in touch with people who can help me achieve my academic and professional goals.

I chose LSE to have some credibility as a person passionate about political science. I chose my degree in Comparative Politics, Politics and Market stream, because I am very curious to analyse and understand the relationships between the state and the market and assess how it can be improved for more justice and sustainability. It was definitely the best year of my whole life because I learnt so much. Despite the fact that it was stressful, intense and scary when I used to think about the final exams, I miss it so much now and I wish I could go back.

CEO, Connectology

There is no doubt that behavioural perspective is the next big thing in the world of startups, investors and associated policymaking. Given the increasing demand for entrepreneurial success stories and innovation, especially in Europe, factoring psychological foundations in entrepreneurial and investment decision-making is more important than ever.

LSE's EMSc programme in Behavioural Science is second to none in providing a complete insight into contemporary behavioural science debate and methodology, delivered by world-class experts. Apart from fantastic network of international contacts, this programme has the potential to empower professionals to specialize and create additional value for international early-stage ecosystems.

My advice from my career so far would be: If you don’t know what you would like to do, go for a broad position that gives you complementary skills to those you already have. Don’t be afraid to apply for positions you might think you won’t get – you never know what they’re looking for, and LSE has a very strong name.

An interest in economics, politics and development made me choose my LSE programme. LSE’s reputation as a great school with good teachers and motivated and smart students was attractive. A lot of employers seem to be impressed when they see that you have a master’s degree from LSE. Perhaps the network might come in handy later. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at LSE – the school, the teachers, the city, my fellow students helped make the year a great experience! I learned a lot that I have benefitted from since.

I initially chose the LSE for academic purposes, because it is such a respected institution and also because of the programme of my degree. I soon came to realise that this was only part of it. Living in London, with all that it has to offer, was just as, if not more, important. It opened doors and new opportunities that I would never have had elsewhere. I would encourage students to take advantage of the fact that you are in London. Most organisations, NGOs, think-tanks and so on have some sort of office or representation there. And the LSE ‘label’ helps immensely, so make use of it.

I am thankful for my time at the LSE. I have learned a great deal, both in terms of content as well as in research skills. It broadened my horizons, it greatly extended my network connections and I made great friends with whom I keep in contact to this day.

MSc Environment and Development
Maun, Botswana

Just being at LSE, as a university with diverse students, and hence cultures, has helped me learn about and appreciate the different cultures that we have on this planet. I have also been privileged to sit and listen to some very important academic figures as well as prominent people of the world, through public talks, debates and conferences.

The programme integrates issues of sustainable development, a subject that has dominated agendas on environmental management issues in the past decade, from a theory and practical based perspective, giving examples from both the developing and developed world.

Partnerships Consultant, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), headquartered in Kenya

The EMSc Behavioural Science enabled me to pivot my career from a national food policy advisor for the Australian Government into remote work as an international development consultant supporting small-holder farmers in Africa. After 20 years of working with more than 300 species of plants and animals I realised that I was only really dealing with one: homo sapiens and their decisions in relation to how to manage natural resources. The skills, network and access to opportunities that the LSE enabled has been phenomenal. My EMSc journey led me to specialise in trust and building the power of 'we' to enable change. I use the knowledge gained in my Masters studies to build partnerships and tackle some of the most pressing issues in global food systems today.

Why did you choose the course/LSE?

I have always been interested in human geography and the combination of an interdisciplinary programme that also offers a concrete career path was attractive.

What has been the highlight of your LSE experience?

It has been immersing myself in extra-curricular activities. Myself and some friends on my course helped to organise a conference about urban technology that was well attended.

How are you planning to use your degree for your future career?

I am hoping to start a career in planning development management or property consultancy more generally.

Sum up your experience in 3 words

Challenging, perspective, communication.

I chose the Politics and Communication programme at the LSE because it bridged the gulf between public policy and communications. As a public service professional I find it difficult to pursue policy initiatives without thinking about the role of communication and media. Additionally, how citizens deliberate is a key function that government must consider. As such, developing a deep theoretical understanding of communications as it pertains to public policy and political engagement was the driving force behind my decision to pursue my degree. I specifically chose the LSE because of its international character and multi-disciplinary approach to education. I also felt that have a broad international perspective would nicely complement my undergraduate education from two Canadian universities.

Founder and Executive Director, Photographers Without Borders

I chose my degree subject because it was the perfect marriage of what I wanted to study - International Development and Sustainability issues. I chose LSE because it is the only school that combined the two fields in a Masters programme and because LSE ranked amongst the best schools in the world in the social sciences.

LSE changed my life and was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did I realise how incredible learning could be, but I have made lifelong friends in the field and still stay in touch with some of my professors to this day.

The AOI programme provides the opportunity to gain a deep knowledge of technical accounting and at the same time challenges the student to look beyond the pure technicalities of the subject. In addition, the programme offers the chance to combine the core accounting subjects with a wide range of other courses from non-accounting areas (e.g. finance, law, politics). Right after my master's I started a graduate scheme in financial management with General Electric (GE) Capital. The graduate scheme involves moving every 6 months to a different location, business and financial management related function. Hence, I am benefitting from the skills acquired and concepts learnt during my year at LSE.

My personal LSE experience also goes far beyond the pure academic knowledge. The most unique aspect of the LSE, were the people I shared my experience with. Never before had I met so many people from that many different countries with such exceptional backgrounds. It has been and will certainly remain one of the most memorable years of my life.

I chose LSE because of its reputation as a leading research institution in the field of social science. My MSc programme equips me with a great blend of theory and policy issues that provides a good platform for both further study as well as work in the policy arena. The opportunity to be able to work with leading academics and meet eminent personalities in your field coupled with interaction with a diverse student body makes studying at LSE a unique and enriching experience.

Assistant Professorial Research Fellow, Network of African Health Systems and Policies

"The multi-faceted nature of the programme and its delivery exposes students to the core issues in health economics and financing in a very interactive learning environment. Deciding to enrol in this programme was the defining point in my career. I am now engaging with country partners in health systems to strengthen efforts under the African Health Systems and Policies Platform supported by the LSE while also teaching on this programme."

Bachelor in Economics and Business, LUISS Guido Carli University
Now a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company

I was looking for a challenging and rigorous Master's programme that would keep both the industry and the PhD doors open. The MSc in Finance & Economics at LSE was the natural choice to me, and it turned out to exceed my already high expectations. The programme fully exploits what makes LSE one of the top universities in the world, namely its reputation for ground-breaking impeccable research and its overly successful job placement record. You have the opportunity to make your profile very attractive to employers and at the same time explore the very foundations of Finance and Economics theory. What’s more, you will meet extraordinary people coming from a variety of different backgrounds and having extremely diverse aspirations for their future.

You should make the most of your time in LSE without stressing too much about finding a job. From the academic faculty to the staff, everybody is genuinely interested in your success in the programme and will guide you through it. Be also open to know your fellow students and make friendships that will last far more than your time in London.

"LSE’s MSc in International Health Policy was the kick-starter to my career. I was drawn to the LSE for the esteem of its lecturers and academic rigour, placement-based dissertation, highly motivated and experienced students, and well-established network bridging academia and real-world health policy.

The programme allowed me to hone in on my skills while establishing a network of peers and academic mentors that have remained great professional allies. The prestige of the programme and level of international recognition as well as the wide network of leading alumni testify to the skills of graduates in areas like health systems thinking, performance measurement and international policy.

This level of recognition has afforded me great opportunities, including my initial placement with the World Health Organization where I would continue to work in the years that have followed graduation, and now, with the opportunity to work towards my PhD as a research fellow of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network for Healthcare Performance Intelligence Professionals. In my personal experience and looking to that of my professional network, I strongly believe this is the programme for those looking to kick-off a career in international health policy."

Sanofi Genzyme

Why did you decided to apply for the programme?
LSE and NICE are highly regarded institutions in education, policy and HTA.

How do you plan to use the knowledge and skills gained in the programme in your future career?
To increase my contribution to the Rare Disease community

What are you looking forward to most about joining the programme?
Even more exposure to amazing LSE professors, NICE lecturers and students

“The degree allows you to take a multitude of paths afterwards including health consulting, health economics roles, aid and development work as well as policy roles. Gaining the breadth of knowledge from the MSc in Global Health Policy allows you to fully understand the broader context of health systems which makes you far more confident in deciding your chosen career path. You make a strong bond with your cohort and the academic and administrative team which help make the year more fulfilling.”

Content Strategy Director and Behavioural Scientist at Spoon Behavioural Communications (SBC)

The EMSc has had a huge impact on my career. Previously I was working in branding, and reading books like Nudge help me justify my ideas, but things are different now. I’m now in business with a member of my cohort, and implementing behavioural insights into my work more accurately, and effectively every day – and I train others to do the same. The course made it possible by giving me 3 things: the stories to inspire others, a challenging environment in which to think critically about Behavioural Science, and the confidence to shift my career in a new, positive direction.

Doing my Masters at LSE allowed me to continue to pursue my passion for accounting and finance. Accounting skills are paramount for the financial sector and this course was quite flexible with its compulsory modules in accounting and finance and the choice of outside courses to tailor your own path.

Without doubt there were some big challenges whilst studying on this nine-month programme. Having to maintain an efficient pace, the deadlines, the readings, and also the job and internship applications, which for a Master’s student can be quite overwhelming. Luckily, the way the course was conceived helped me navigate the academic year. Additionally, the career service support has been very useful throughout the year, and an area I did not have an idea about when I started the course. Whether you are looking for a CV check or a mock interview, there are plenty of opportunities on offer.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the lectures, seminars, readings and assignments, as well as the public lectures with special guests. I was really impressed by Simon Samuels’ talk regarding the aftermath of the last decade’s financial crisis. He was the first speaker of the Department of Accounting’s Insights Speaker Series.

The whole year has given me so much opportunity to learn, to experience, and to improve. You literally never stop acquiring knowledge and skills on this degree. If you are able to cope with the frenetic rhythm of this city, then living and studying in the centre of London is like hitting the jackpot. Samuel Johnson once said, “for there is in London all that life can afford.”

In terms of careers, there’s no magic formula for obtaining the job of your dreams. You will need to strive and work hard to get where you want to go, no matter whether you are an LSE graduate or not. Having said that, I’m really grateful to have been given the opportunity to study here. My studies have given me a much greater comprehension of the ”real world”, which is helpful for understanding your options and developing your skills and career path according to your goals. Being an LSE alumnus also opens up unparalleled networking opportunities. Embrace them.

Founder and Director NOVA Innovation & Analytics Lab

If the learnings and network developed during the EMSc was second to none I have to highlight the human quality and constant availability of all the teaching and staff. This is a life changing experience and you will be back to your professional life with a set of new tools that will change your career path. In my case I’m integrating behavioural insights in my design thinking and innovation lab with exciting results for industry, government and academia partners!

Bachelor of Science in Economics, University of Mannheim
Now at McKinsey & Company

My undergraduate economics studies and my practical experience in the financial industry shaped my passion for topics in finance and in economics. The possibility to combine these two fascinating fields in my graduate studies attracted me to the MSc Finance and Economics programme at LSE. It is a unique programme in Europe, and perfect for everybody who has a deep interest in both areas.

The F&E programme is challenging and rewarding. I was impressed how the programme manages to prepare the students for so many different careers. The gained knowledge and the broad set of skills allow students to pursue careers in academia, the public and the private sector. In my case, the department gave me all the support I needed to land a consulting job next to my studies.

My advice to future students is to be curious about all the opportunities this programme offers. Make use of the great resources at the university and if you encounter a problem of any kind, there is always somebody to help.

BSc. in Business Administration, LMU Munich.
Now an incoming PhD candidate at Imperial College, having completed a traineeship at the European Central Bank

I chose to do the MSc Finance and Economics at LSE because of the excellent prospects it brings to students with PhD ambitions in finance or economics. Its reputation, the guidance provided by the department and the quality of training all contribute immensely to students’ success in applications. The degree has further helped my career by opening various paths, hence allowing me to gain experience in central banking before pursuing a PhD. Finally, it has equipped me with the skills and knowledge required to be successful in research, which eventually gave me the confidence to pursue graduate studies.

The highlight of the programme definitely is sharing this experience with your F&E cohort, which will be full of very ambitious and bright people. I advise prospective students to be open-minded and make use of all the opportunities the MSc brings, including the connections it offers to current and past students.

A specific focus on applied economics - particularly in regards to climate change and the environment - drew me to LSE. The deep expertise of the teaching staff helped convince me it was the right place to study environmental economics. My course allows me to apply a rigorous economic skill set to interesting policy questions of the day.

Access to the world’s experts in climate economics allows me to get a really clear picture of what the big issues are in the field I am studying. I plan to continue my studies after graduation specifically looking at the impact of renewable energy policies on the electricity market in US states.

Internal Medicine Resident Physician

“As a front line healthcare worker, I entered the Health Policy, Planning and Financing programme with the skills to care for my individual patients. The programme has provided me with the knowledge and skills to advocate for ALL my patients at the policy level. The value of this programme is in its networking and work opportunities that supplement the in-class learning. By the end of the MSc, I was applying my degree to make substantial transformations to a real national health system. It was these experiences offered by the programme that exceeded my expectations.“

Bachelor and Master of Science in Mathematics, University of Bonn
Now a Research Analyst in the Monetary Policy Strategy Division at the ECB, and an incoming PhD candidate at the University of Oxford

The programme impressed by its mix of rigorous foundational courses in Financial Economics with a wide range of specialised elective options. In this way, theoretic econometric principles are perfectly combined with practical questions in the finance industry. This structure gave me – even as someone who previously came from a pure mathematics background – the optimal basis for working in central banking after graduation and for pursuing a challenging PhD-degree thereafter.

I would encourage every new student to take full advantage of all the different opportunities that LSE provides - from the networking events, over the individual consulting sessions in the career centre, to the office hours of the programme administrators and professors, who significantly supported me with questions about the course material and with my PhD-applications. For those who fully immerse themselves in the programme, the year in London with all the new connections and friendships will have profound benefits that will fundamentally boost further careers.

Bachelor of Science in Economics, Humboldt University, Berlin
Now a PhD Candidate in Finance at Columbia Business School, previously pre-doctoral Research Assistant at Chicago Booth

While spending an undergraduate exchange year at UC Berkeley, I was drawn to the idea of building economic models of the financial world and pursuing a career in research. With this goal in mind, I chose MSc Finance & Economics, as it provides excellent academic training for students seeking to prepare for PhD studies or research-oriented roles in industry or policy.

The core class Financial Economics was among the main academic highlights for me, and throughout the programme I enjoyed the challenging course work. I have learned from some of the worlds’ leading experts in their fields; to this day I find myself going back and looking at LSE lecture material. On a more personal note, I made close friends amongst my peers, making my time there even more memorable. Lastly, the global nature of LSE’s community greatly contributed to a unique experience.

After F&E I worked as a Research Professional at UChicago Booth for one year before starting my PhD at Columbia Business School. F&E strengthened my ambition to pursue a PhD in Finance and in many helpful ways continues to carry over into my current studies.

Member of Parliament of the Republic of Kosovo

"Beyond the incredible experience at such reputable higher education institutions, and having the chance to be a student of the most respected departments in the world within the area of health care, the programme gave me a better understanding of key challenges in health care and opened many doors through the connections I made. It equipped me with the necessary theoretical findings and technical skills to be able to quantify problems, and reach the most suitable and effective solution. Understanding the linkage between economics and the operation of health markets and health institutions helped me in health policy design and implementation."

This programme provided a unique opportunity to enhance my competitive edge in the current global job market. The School has a distinguished reputation in social sciences and a cosmopolitan character. The AOI programme encourages students from diverse academic backgrounds to bring brand new perspectives to challenge the teaching and research of the School.

I really enjoyed the academic freedom at LSE. Students do not always need to agree with everything they are taught. In fact, the faculty expects students to take risks to challenge them. The AOI programme moves very fast. Some readings can be intimidating. The core paper is cross-disciplinary and taught from a social science perspective, students are invited to think outside the box in order to see a bigger picture.

"More than anything, I appreciate my time at LSE for the people I have met. It has been so rewarding to have met friends and colleagues from around the world, and to learn about Health Policy in such diverse contexts."

My experience in the LLM has been nothing short of excellent. The academic rigour and intellectual challenge that the LLM necessitates has shown me what I am capable of and inspired me to continue living up to my potential.

The level of teaching and research in the MSc Economics programme is excellent. The teaching is diverse, as each of the lecturers specialise in their own research areas, which allows many in-depth academic discussions. We were also very honoured to have had this year's Nobel laureate teach us in one of the core courses.

There are a lot of resources which are accessible for economics students. Students admitted to the programme are all from top universities around the globe and have a very strong academic, as well as professional, background. This facilitates the exchange of different cultures and views and offers us opportunities for discussion.

“This programme gave me a great opportunity to become familiar with the most applicable and practical method in health economics, from both a researcher and advisor point of view. Professors in the Department were very friendly and willing to help students. Also, being in this programme provided me with an excellent environment to work and learn from my classmates from various backgrounds. Moreover, the unique placement scheme offered students precious opportunities to gain experience in the leading private sectors, public sectors, NGO or academic institutions.

I would definitely recommend this programme to others as I found it to be a wonderful opportunity to study in one of the most prestigious institutions and learn from the professors' wisdom. If you want to obtain insightful knowledge and become familiar with the most applicable research method in health economics, this is no doubt the most valuable programme and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to take part.“

The LSE teaching method is unique because it challenges you to critically think for yourself and take ownership of your career. My professors were top academics and practitioners that facilitated vigorous discussions, but I was responsible to read, reflect and develop an opinion of my own. Studying at the LSE gave me access to the largest Social Science Library in the world and a network of experts that was also decisive to conduct high-quality research. In my dissertation, I explored the identity transition of working mothers and provided practical recommendations for women and organisations to thrive. This not only granted me a distinction grade but, above all, became the foundation of my own business. I never imagined myself as an entrepreneur but being in such a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment like the LSE, sharpened my curiosity to understand the roots of inequality in the workplace and equipped me with the tools to help women accelerate their career growth. This experience broadened my understanding of what I can achieve and convinced me that I can contribute to social change on a global scale.

My experience in 3 words: Stimulating, Transformative, Inspiring.

The best thing about this programme is how it has allowed me to expand on some of the things I only touched on in my undergraduate studies, and to pursue an area of great interest with my dissertation. I have had the chance to meet some of the leaders in the field of economics and politics thanks to the excellent programme of speakers at LSE. The Careers Service at LSE has given me a lot of help in sorting out my future. I will be starting work at ABN AMRO in September working in asset management, a career path I chose with the help of the LSE Careers Service.

Why did you choose LSE?
I did my undergraduate degree at the University of London and my modules were designed by the LSE so I was familiar with the structure of courses and assessment systems. Naturally, it made sense to me to look into the institution for higher education. When I was applying for my master’s, I also noticed it was the only high-ranking university that offered a degree situated in two departments i.e. the department of International Relations and the department of International History which was an exciting prospect as it meant I would have more choice when it came to course selection and an opportunity for the degree to be tailored to my own specific research interests.

What did you do before you started your master’s?
I worked as an undergraduate tutor at my alma mater for a year and then went on to do a traineeship at the EU for 9 months where I learnt a lot about refugee and migration policy. I also did voluntary work with Extinction Rebellion UK, including climate activism and briefly interned at an NGO in Lahore called the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan, which is affiliated with the Harvard-Kennedy School.

Do you have any advice for future LSE master’s students?
Don’t be intimidated by the reading lists! They can seem long and dreadful but if you genuinely enjoy the course, it isn’t as scary as it seems, especially if you make a conscious effort to stay on top of it. Also, be sure to talk to your professors if you are struggling. One thing I love about LSE is how accessible and willing to help the faculty is, especially your academic advisor who will always talk you through your concerns. Lastly, reach out to your class fellows and make friends because you’ll need a support system to unwind with when the workload seems too heavy and you need a bit of fun!

What can you say about your academic growth at LSE?
My academic growth at LSE was incredible. Being here in London and participating in ‘blended learning’ with the LSE [during COVID] has been enlightening. The expansive reading list, stocked library, intellectually curious classmates – it truly allows one to expand one’s mind.

What did you do before you started your master’s?
I was in Peking before my time in London. I completed my first half of my Master’s program in Beijing, albeit with COVID. I went straight from my undergrad into my Master’s in China.

What were the most important factors influencing your decision to come to LSE?
The most important factors were perhaps the city, London and LSE’s prestige and eminence in my field of interest.

What are you looking forward to doing in your studies?
Discussing the latest readings (the issue on Palestine, Pacific war and Colonial armies) with classmates at a coffee shop or a bar. What’s really exciting is that this usually fosters interdisciplinary (courses) discussion about how certain time period/spatial causes also relates to another. That’s really exciting!

How has the pandemic affecting your experience as a master’s student at LSE?
As a Master’s student, the pandemic does restrict or limit access to archival material, libraries and museums. That’s certainly quite an inconvenience since London truly has an immense repository of historical materials, exhibits and texts.

Do you have any advice for future LSE master’s students?
I think bring an open mind. If you come in willing to positively engage with the academic workload, I think you’ll find the intellectual environment here to be really stimulating.

Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology at Yale University

Why did you decided to apply for the programme?
At this junction of my academic and professional journey, I am becoming even more interested in working not only “in” the system, but also “on” the system. Being involved in science, teaching, patient care and administration in a time of increasing opportunities but with decreasing resources, I have grown a strong interest in health care management, and in the evaluation of interventions and outcomes. I believe that through better coordination of care and using the compass of the patient-oriented value medicine, we could overcome some of the current obstacles in health care. I have experienced these obstacles and lived through them daily in my work as a physician and as head of division and department chair.

How do you plan to use the knowledge and skills gained in the programme in your future career?
There is a lot that academic physicians can do to improve care delivery. However, the skills to evaluate health care interventions and outcomes are rarely part of the physician armamentarium. My expectation is that, by attending the LSE Master in Health Care Interventions and Outcomes, I will improve these critical skills and broaden the scope of my research to other areas of clinical medicine and health care delivery.

What are you looking forward to most about the programme?
So far, the programme has provided great teaching, a dense schedule of well-integrated activities and a lot of “hands on” teaching, all with the quality and rigor one expects from LSE plus plenty of real-world experience from NICE’s experts.

Medical Officer/Physician

“The experience of studying this programme at LSE has been truly incredible. I strongly feel I have gathered the much-needed skillset which I was missing as a physician and would now steer my new career path in health policy. The most attractive feature about this programme was the range of students from varied professional backgrounds and work experience. I learned a lot from the many discussions with my peers inside and outside the lecture rooms. Also, getting exposure of two world class institutions (LSE & LSHTM) was highly significant for me to choose this programme. And to top it all, the excellent faculty at LSE made the entire journey very comforting and enriching. Students looking forward to applying for this programme should be prepared for a year of insightful academics along with career events, socials and outstation trips with friends. Reflecting on my time at LSE just feels that it ended too soon!“

Why did you choose the course/LSE?

I chose LSE because it's one of the best institutions for social science in the world. I chose RUPS because I want to work at the city-level and enjoy thinking about how we can create welcoming spaces by considering both physical design and policy.

What has been the highlight of your LSE experience?

Seeing an amazing series of speakers over the past year including Kimberlé Crenshaw, Raghuram Rajan, and Nancy Pelosi.

How are you planning to use your degree for your future career?

I want to work at the city-level, either for an agency or for an urban-focused firm or affordable housing developer back in the U.S.

Sum up your experience in 3 words:

Intensive, stimulating, rewarding.

Why did you choose the course/LSE?

During my Bachelor’s degree in Criminology & Psychology, I fell in love with the Organisational Psychology module and I decided to do a Master's to specialize in that field. I applied to LSE because I knew that it was one of the leading universities in the world: its unique teaching approach based on research and independent thinking it’s what convinced me.

What has been the highlight of your LSE experience?

The movie night where we watched “Fight Club” with snacks and drinks and did a post-modernist analysis of it afterwards. This is just an example, but all the professors organised some unique activity that strengthened our professional and personal relationship with them.

How are you planning to use your degree for your future career?

3 months prior to the completion of my Master’s I've started working as a data analyst in an amazing Organisational Intelligence start-up called Temporall that combines AI and human minds to give leaders the clarity they need. This degree gave me the tools that allow me to be part of something innovative and exciting.

Sum up your experience in 3 words: Academia is cool

Why did you choose the course/LSE?

Coming from a fairly broad, interdisciplinary academic background, I was eager to narrow my focus to a subject that I was interested in and passionate about. I thought the EPR MSc offered the perfect complement to my existing knowledge, while allowing me to develop greater understanding of a multitude of key environmental issues and their many intersections. Having reached out to former peers of mine who studied at LSE, I knew from their testimonial that the school would provide the right amount of academic rigor while also offering a supportive and engaging social community.

What was the highlight of your LSE experience?

The highlight of my LSE experience was meeting brilliant people from all over the world, who each brought their own unique experiences and nuanced perspectives to bear on class concepts. On top of the excellent teaching throughout the course, engaging with my peers during class discussions really brought the course material to life, linking it to real-world barriers and applications in fascinating ways. Beyond what they offered in the classroom, my classmates were also some of the most kind and genuine people I’ve met. I felt very lucky to have been part of such a special, close-knit cohort. These are truly friendships that last long after the programme ends.

How has your degree been useful for your career?

First, this degree allows you to go in almost any direction with your career. Understanding the efficacy of policy interventions under various conditions will be useful regardless of whether you choose to enter government, private, non-profit or academic sectors upon graduation.

Second, in addition to providing me with knowledge of a vast array of environmental topics, this program taught me make connections across sectors and disciplines, which is an important skill in any profession.

Finally, completing this MSc has made me more effective at building and structuring arguments, engaging critically with a concept, and articulating my thoughts clearly and persuasively.

Sum up your LSE experience in 3 words:

Exciting, enlightening, & fun!

The LSE LLM offered me exactly what I was looking for – a course that expanded my understanding of the challenges facing the world today, friendships with people from around the world, and being in the centre of the action in London. I really learned a lot not just from my professors and the classroom, but also from my peers and their experiences.

Why did you choose LSE?
I did history for my undergrad but ended up studying a lot of British history. I decided that for my master’s I wanted to study international history to move away from the British history focus. I also wanted to branch out from history a little and study some international relations. LSE is renowned in both fields so I applied and luckily got in.

What did you do before you started your master’s?
I graduated with my BA in 2018. I did a history degree but decided that I wanted to go into commercial law. I completed the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) in 2019 then did a three month legal internship in New York towards the end of the same year. When I got back to the UK I did some paralegalling until the pandemic hit, followed by a vacation scheme in the summer just before starting my master’s.

Do you have any advice for future LSE master’s students?
Make the most of the resources available to you. For instance, LSE LIFE runs some useful workshops on reading and writing essays which are great for a refresher if there’s a gap between your undergraduate and master’s degrees.

If you’ve had some time out of academia in between your undergrad and master’s, how have you found the jump back into studies?
Getting back into academia was definitely a learning curve; I had forgotten how time consuming reading was! After a few weeks I was back into it, though. Despite that, I’m enjoying the academic side more than my undergrad. I think it’s largely because I’m doing a master’s because I want to do it, rather than because I have to do it. Because of that I am doing modules and readings that I am genuinely interested in. I have also been able to employ what I was doing well by the end of my degree, like writing critically, analysing sources and knowing how to navigate a heavy reading list so I am more time efficient than I was during my undergrad.

What was your professional background before coming to LSE?

I worked in ExxonMobil as an LNG Trader

What attracted you to the programme?

The masters programme was well-suited to working professionals. I was attracted to the programme due to the reputation of LSE both in academic rigour as well as the strong alumni network. I was interested in meeting other professionals in finance to understand the variety in of career paths available.

How would you describe your experience at LSE?

I had the unusual experience of starting my programme in person, with the second half transitioning to online study. The best part of the programme for me was how adaptable the course structure was during this period and the accessibility to the teaching staff to answer questions. I also got to meet a lot of like-minded professionals, made some great friends and I'm sure I'll cross paths with a lot of them professionally again.

How did you find the challenge of studying part-time alongside work?

Not having studied formally in a while, it was challenging at first to get used to the routine but the course is set-up to transition students back into academics and the expectations are laid out clearly ahead to time to ensure that work commitments can be balanced carefully.

Has the qualification influenced your career?

Absolutely. Mid-way through my course, I changed roles from trading to investment banking. I met a representative (also an LSE alum) of my (then future) now current employer at an LSE networking event for energy professionals.

To whom would you recommend the MSc Finance (Part-time)?

The course is great for individuals who want a formal grounding in finance. Joining this course after a couple of years of work experience would be ideal as the context of the academics become a lot more clear.

Do you have any tips or advice for prospective students?

I learnt as much from my other course mates as I did from the formal academic programme. at LSE, you're surrounded with successful professionals and their understanding their career experiences can be very enriching. Keeping your employer informed about your time commitment well in advance can also be very helpful to organising your time.

“I would definitely recommend this programme to people who are passionate about health and eager to learn and grow under amazing guidance and mentorship. There are a host of opportunities available to you at the LSE, from career support to research opportunities, and the availability of many events in different fields means you can always continue learning and growing. The teaching support has been excellent, since the professors and seminar leaders are interested in your thoughts and development. From the day I started this MSc, I knew I wanted to savor each one, however stressful it may have been, and I am grateful to have been able to enjoy it as much as I could have done this year! My year at the LSE will always be fondly remembered as the place I grew the most and connected with people from around the world, and this experience has taught me so much about making the most of whatever opportunities come my way.“

Oluwagbemileke is an Ecosystems Research Lead for the Government of Sierra Leone in the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation.

"I chose the LSE because of the MPA curriculum - having come from a mostly legal background, I wanted and liked the focus on quantitative skills. The best things about the SPP were the people I met: I learned so much from my friends and classmates, whether in-person or during class and work discussions, and I had great academic mentors. I also gained and developed various quantitative and policy analysis skills during my studies.

After graduating my career path was quite diverse and went in a few different directions. I have worked on reviewing government agriculture expenditure in Sierra Leone over the last five years: I loved it because it was a follow-up to the work I did on my dissertation on concentration of government expenditure. I also worked on developing and implementing research on understanding the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sierra Leone. I enjoyed this because the several elements involved combine many of my interests: research, policy, technology, law, and business. I continued working as a lawyer and got to see first-hand how our laws and policies regulated, supported, hindered and at many times left huge gaps in how the private sector and investment landscape operated.

I am still working on understanding the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sierra Leone. I consolidate all the data we gather from research and other external sources before analysing and reporting, as well as supporting the development of an online tool which would make all our research publicly available. I am also still doing law, and am supporting a baseline study on the COVID cash transfer program in Sierra Leone.

It can be a bit of a stretch sometimes, but I enjoy seeing how different aspects of the public policy work in Sierra Leone: how they interact, or mostly do not. I also appreciate the private sector perspective I get as a lawyer. Altogether I think I am still learning and trying to understand the world around me – but this time by doing (mostly). I hope that along the way I am also contributing to making our systems better and supporting the people who are doing similar."

Novartis Hellas

Why did you decided to apply for the programme?
To learn more about HTA, health policy and access

How do you plan to use the knowledge and skills gained in the programme in your future career?
Apply the knowledge to my profession, Medical Lead in gene therapy rare diseases

What are you looking forward to most about joining the programme?
Understanding health policy principles and application in real-life models

Having a background in finance and economics, I aimed for a Masters programme where I could develop mathematical and programming skills to solve industry problems in operations research and data science. Enrolling in the Operations Research and Analytics programme at LSE was the right choice for this goal.

The programme features a diverse student body with the majority of students having majored in mathematics with some engineering and finance students. Even though only a one-year programme, the programme achieved a good balance between theoretical foundations and industry applications and allowed us to study topics such as combinatorial optimization, advanced statistics or algorithmic techniques for data mining.

The high academic level and relevance of the programme is due to the academic staff, who have excellent academic credentials, partially have worked for renowned industry companies and are well connected in the academic community. Graduating from the programme, I had an offer from BCG Gamma, the advanced analytics team of BCG, which I rejected for a PhD in discrete mathematics.

External Relations Officer, World Health Organization

"The excellent courses and the intensive work with the dissertation opened new perspectives and gave me new skills that helped me transition to a new phase of my career. After working in the pharmaceutical industry, I moved on to work in the United Nations system and also held a position in the European Commission. Furthermore, I expanded my network of relevant health economics and policy experts and I made many new friends with whom I am still in contact."

Assistant Professor, University of Ottawa

"The curriculum was well integrated and gave me the tools to critically assess the issues facing health care and to generate appropriate policy solutions. The programme offers the flexibility that I needed to pursue my training while having a full-time job."

Graduate Analyst at BNP Paribas, London, in Capital Introduction and Prime Brokerage Sales

What was your professional background before coming to LSE?

Prior to attending LSE, I studied Architecture at the Architectural Association School and worked at Grimshaw Architects in London (an international leader in rail, aviation and cultural infrastructure design) for two and half years. At Grimshaw, I worked as a RIBA Part I Architectural Designer before transitioning into a financial management role. Working on large scale infrastructural projects, such as the Heathrow Airport Expansion project, allowed me to understand first-hand the importance of finance in shaping our built environment. These experiences solidified my interest in finance and led me to apply to LSE.

What made you choose MSc Finance (part-time) at LSE?

LSE’s position as a leading institution is evidenced by the quality of professors and guest lecturers it attracts, by its alumni network, and the rigorous teaching curriculum on offer. The Part-Time format was appealing as it enabled me to continue working full time in parallel. I felt that the opportunity to study alongside industry professionals and other working professionals was additionally valuable.

How would you describe your experience at LSE?

Overall, my experience at LSE was intellectual stimulating, challenging and rewarding. I particularly enjoyed attending lectures, which were packed with insight, delivered with enthusiasm, and inspired me to want to learn more. I also appreciated the flexibility of choosing our own elective modules, which I took as an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone.

How did you find the challenge of studying part-time alongside work?

Studying part-time alongside work was certainly challenging. It sharpened my time management and prioritisation skills. This said, the part-time format has the advantage of granting more time to digest taught material, write our thesis and interview for roles.

Has the qualification influenced your career?

Absolutely. Prior to studying at LSE, the idea of working in investment banking seemed like an unattainable dream. Thanks to LSE’s highly regarded reputation, doors of opportunities opened up to me, as I'm sure will be the case for prospective students. I currently work in the Global Markets division of a leading European bank, in an intellectually stimulating role I enjoy. This qualification not on

The MSc in Gender and the Media at LSE attracted me particularly for its wide range of theoretical components and interdisciplinary nature. This exciting combination of theory from a wide range of disciplines has been one of the most attractive components of my degree. The manner in which faculty are able to encourage and push you for your research interests is excellent, and the facilities afforded to students are by far the best I have experienced. After the completion of my degree, I would like to work for a media organisation, particularly working on women's issues in the developing world.

I chose to pursue a Masters in Applicable Mathematics at the LSE because of the broad range of courses available and the possibility to enjoy its unique environment. It was easy to compose a rich and challenging curriculum. Eventually, this helped me integrate the European Central Bank as a graduate trainee at the end of the program. Thus, my background in mathematics applied to economics has proven useful in real policy applications.

Students in the Department of Mathematics benefit from a good interaction with academics. It is also easy to satisfy one's curiosity by taking courses from other departments or enjoying joint events, so that everyone can make the best out of LSE in the way that suits them.

From an academic background in the natural sciences the format of the MSc programme seemed to have the right blend of theoretical and practical knowledge that would equip me to deal with real world issues.

With its research facilities and the ease of access to information - provided both by LSE and by the school's location in the centre of the city and its convenient proximity to other institutions and libraries, LSE seemed the appropriate place to achieve this.
My time at LSE has made me more aware of the importance of study skills and the need for discipline. After LSE I plan to work with a NGO focused on developing environmental policy and putting that policy to practical use.

Coming out of an undergraduate programme in Psychology where I independently enjoyed social psychology and industrial/organizational psychology, the OSP programme seemed like the ideal specialization, housed in a rigorous social scientific institution of LSE and the exhilarating & diverse city of London! It’s hard to name a single highlight of my LSE experience, but one memorable one is our Departmental trip to Cumberland Lodge, where we participated in discussions, debates, socials, and relaxing walks in Windsor Great Park. Based on my training at LSE, I am now in a PhD programme, investigating the relational dynamics in organizational life. In sum, my LSE experience was open, stimulating, and challenging.

My favourite part of the programme was working on case studies with my case study group in Mergers, Buyouts and Corporate Restructuring. My group consisted of peers from diverse professional, academic, and regional backgrounds which added depth and complexity to our group discussions. I also thoroughly enjoyed the speaker seminars where industry veterans share their experiences of the job.

One of my biggest takeaways from the MSc Finance program is having had the opportunity to study with extremely sharp and driven students. Being in such an environment not only heightened my motivation but also allowed me to constantly learn from my peers. I feel privileged to have been part of the MSc Finance program and to be an alumnus of the program.

I am working as an Analyst at Duff & Phelps in the London office.

My programme is intense and challenging as it takes an interdisciplinary, intersectional and non-linear approach to gender studies. Engaging with diverse schools of thought has helped me develop a robust theoretical foundation. Although there are over 100 students within the Gender Institute, there is a great sense of community and belonging. Being able to discuss issues you are passionate about with like-minded friends and peers is just the cherry on top.

I chose LSE because of the School’s reputation, the content of my degree, which I thought would push my career in the right direction and the professors in the Department of Media & Communications ; they are all very competent and experts in their fields. LSE offered me a unique studying and human experience. I always felt intellectually stimulated, heard great lectures and talks, and made great friends. In short, I’ve never regretted studying there (or maybe just during exam time!)

Why did you choose the course/LSE?

I chose the Organisational and Social Psychology MSc because I wanted to gain a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior in the workplace. This program educates students on both academic literature and theory, as well as how to apply these concepts in realistic situations that occur in organizations.

What has been the highlight of your LSE experience?

I think the highlight of my experience at LSE has been the seminar discussions and extensive conversations held outside of the classroom about course content. It has been incredibly impactful to hear the perceptions, thoughts, and reflections my colleagues have towards material taught in lectures.

How are you planning to use your degree for your future career?

I plan to use this master's degree as I pursue a career in human development consulting and later in my pursuits for a PhD. program in organizational psychology.

Sum up your experience in 3 words: Rigorous, inspiring, and rewarding

“I would recommend this programme to anyone who has a passion for improving health outcomes for people in society. The faculty that have taught me this year are experts in their field and have opened my eyes to the different areas of global health policy. Additionally, the cohort of students I was able to study with were from a wide range of backgrounds, both professionally and academically and in terms of nationality. This made for enriching conversations within seminars, and also outside of the classroom. Overall, I am extremely grateful that I was able to learn in this environment.“

Having completed my BSc in Mathematics, I wanted to enhance my quantitative/mathematical capabilities in a more “real-world” setting. The MSc in Applicable Mathematics provided me with the perfect opportunity to move away from the abstractions of pure mathematics, by helping me use mathematics as a tool to understand and solve problems in a variety of settings. This can be seen by the vast array of courses available to us, with my favourites being Game Theory, Financial Risk Analysis and Cryptography & Coding.

However, the most important aspect of this programme is its unique emphasis on preparing you for your next endeavour - be it academic or professional. One example of this is the importance this MSc places on improving our programming capabilities using both Java and Python, which is something that is extremely relevant today.

As academically stimulating as this programme is, my favourite part of this MSc was the people I met. It’s the perfect place to meet like-minded people from a variety of quantitative backgrounds. Being a part of such a diverse group of people, all of whom had such strong analytical and quantitative capabilities, really made this the perfect programme for me.

After having studied undergraduate degrees in Mathematics, Law and Philosophy, I wanted to deepen my knowledge of mathematics that is applied to economics, political science and philosophy. The MSc in Applicable Mathematics at LSE gave me the unique opportunity to explore my interests by allowing me to take courses in the Department of Mathematics as well as courses in other departments.

The close contact with academics in all courses was very inspiring and stimulating. During the dissertation, I got the chance to work on an open problem with my supervisor, which was the best introduction to mathematical research that I could wish for. The academics always have their door open to discuss problems and play a key role in the friendly and open environment at LSE, in which people from all cultures and backgrounds are at home.

Without the MSc in Applicable Mathematics, I would have never embarked upon a PhD in Computer Science. The degree has opened my eyes to the types of mathematical puzzles that spark my imagination and the ways I can combine my mathematical interests with law and philosophy.

The programme covers a lot of different aspects of regional/urban geography, and one of its great strengths is the way London is used as a case. Most of the subjects discussed in class can be related to the world right outside the classroom.

The teaching is of very high quality, and the social life within the programme is very good. There are lots of people from abroad and that has two positive consequences. Firstly, people have many different experiences which they can contribute to the teaching; and secondly you don't feel like you are a foreigner – because many people are, and people are very open towards you. Once I leave LSE, I will be working as an analyst in a consulting firm in Copenhagen, working within the field of regional policy and local economic development.

The programme contains a broad ambitious agenda to prepare students for the rigours of the real estate profession all in a one-year masters programme. For my particular programme, it has given me the opportunity to be part of one of the most active property markets in the world and to have access to indispensable resources in the professional field. LSE and the real estate programme has allowed me to focus on my own personal development – pushed my intellectual boundaries to learn something that I had not previously experienced.

The education at LSE will hopefully provide the basis in which I hope to link economics with property development and land use planning in some form, whether it be in professional practice or further academic pursuits.

When deciding which Master's programme to pursue, I focused on three main criteria: the quality of the course; the reputation of the school; and the quality of the alumni network. The MSc Finance at LSE ranked top on all three aspects. The School's reputation, particularly the Department of Finance, is highly regarded by industry professionals - a factor which definitely played a role in enhancing my employability prospects, having been offered internship opportunities within banking and consulting.

The course was extremely gratifying to me on a professional and personal level. Professionally, it equipped me with the technical skillset which allowed me to hit the ground running from day 1 - giving me a differentiating level of independence upon joining.

I am currently working for JP Morgan as a member of the Equity Research Financials team in London, focusing on Italian and French banks. I joined the bank after completing the summer internship programme following my year at LSE.

The people at LSE are the main highlight of the programme: both students and academic staff are just amazing. Another great highlight of the programme is the LSE alumni network which provides a great opportunity to network your way to a job you could not even dare to dream about: a factor that eventually worked for me just perfectly.

LSE can be the key opening the door to a great job, given you are ready to open this door yourself. If I managed to do that, being a non-European with possible UK visa problems and even having lost another job offer after the recruitment season, each prospective MSc Finance student who is ready to put effort, should be able to do the same.

After graduating I joined the Infrastructure team at Ardian to work in Private Equity.

Operations Officer (Creating Markets Advisory) at the IFC Nigeria (World Bank Group)

"The MPP programme was immensely beneficial in helping me combine the theory, politics, and tools of policymaking - key elements in making governments and policies work for development. Learning with extraordinary classmates who shared their expertise, background, and culture also helped to illustrate how our varied life experiences shape our policy choices and preferences.

I chose the MPP programme because I wanted to effectively apply my experience working in both the private and public sectors and with development partners. Before joining the MPP, I first worked as an investment professional and lead research analyst in the private sector: leveraging macroeconomic, sector and markets research to unlock opportunities in the energy sector. Then I moved to the public sector as a Special Adviser to a Minister of Finance in Nigeria, where I developed and assisted in implementing federal and state-level policies, sector-level and economy-wide reforms. Moving from the private to the public sector remains one of my most challenging yet insightful career experiences because there are nuances to policymaking that are better experienced first-hand.

Using information from the project, I authored a book to tell the story of IDPs and also developed a theory of change that self-reliance can act as the bridge to close the transition gap between the early phase of displacement (humanitarian aid) and sustainable solutions to rebuild their lives and leave the camps. I further developed the “transition gap” concept in my Policy Paper at the LSE, highlighting the significance of weak ties and complementarities between resources and social ties. This paper won the Lloyd Gruber Prize for the Best Policy Paper in the SPP.

After graduating from the LSE, I shared lessons learned about closing the transition gap in a guest blog with the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) and created a short documentary demonstrating the challenges of living in displacement and highlighting the impact of self-reliance. This documentary has received its first Official Selection at the Docs Without Borders Film Festival in 2022.

I also published articles discussing global policy issues, including the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the temporary patent waiver for COVID-19 vaccines, and how privilege in policymaking can deepen inequality."

One of the biggest highlights was the pre-sessional course. It definitely facilitated the transition to LSE and helped me settle in. I am very glad that I took advantage of all the opportunities that were offered outside of the classroom for example practitioners’ talks, networking events or guest lectures which helped to get a deeper insight into the financial services sector.

I am doing a traineeship in Banking supervision at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt and after finishing this traineeship I'll be starting a graduate programme in Bank of America in the Global Risk Division with a focus on compliance.

I applied to the SPP in 2019 looking for a change in my career path. I’m from a small city in Spain called Torrevieja: I had studied a dual degree in Law & Business Administration in Madrid, and had spent almost three years working in a start-up in the field of innovation consulting. My dream had always been to work in public policy, but I had no clue about how to get there.

When I learned of the Master in Public Administration at LSE, it was like a light went off in my mind. I wanted to learn to design good public policies, to implement them effectively, and to navigate the politics involved. I also wanted to be in an international environment so I could learn from new perspectives and get exposure to new markets. The MPA just ticked all the boxes.

My time in LSE was as challenging as enriching. I had professors from different countries, with a mix between pure academics and practitioners: brilliant minds actively contributing to the intellectual debate about global issues such as how to break the poverty trap or how to respond to the worst global pandemic in our lifetime. Being at LSE during the COVID-19 outbreak and consequent waves felt like being actors and actresses of a perfect public-policy case study. All that said, the best part of the SPP was my classmates: smart individuals from all around the world with diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise, each always ready to share with and learn from the rest. Without a doubt, fifty percent of what I learned during my time at the SPP I owe to them. And I keep with me good friends that I know will continue inspiring me for the rest of my life.

From the SPP I jumped right to the European Parliament, where I work now as a Parliamentary Assistant for a Spanish MEP. It was thanks to one of my professors that I learned about this position, and who subsequently helped me with a reference letter. Every day I use the skills and knowledge I gained during my two years at the SPP. I didn’t leave the SPP knowing everything, but I did leave with the right tool kit to learn everything I need in the next step of my career.

Bachelor in Accounting, Tsinghua University
Now DPhil in Finance student, University of Oxford.

The F&E programme is a compass that activates the magnets of knowledge and intelligence, as it features extraordinary academic resources in one of the best finance departments in the world. I chose it over many other alternatives as preparation for Ph.D. study, and this was the best decision I have ever made! At LSE, each professor makes a great effort to explain financial theory clearly and is approachable; giving you the chance to immerse yourself in all aspects of financial economics. Based on broad exploration during the year, I was able to decide my research field for later study.

The programme is rigorous and challenging, summer break before the start is a good time for math refreshing and self-study. Participate in lectures and office hours actively, as you will receive valuable advice from course study to career decisions. The relationship with professors is shaped by you, and it is truly beneficial, as they always support you without reservation.

Why did you choose LSE?
I had initially chosen LSE to do a postgraduate degree in International Relations, seeing as it is one of the best universities for IR studies, but I soon switched degrees back to History, in this case, International History.

What did you do before you started your master’s?
I was doing my undergraduate degree on Ancient History and History, at the University of Leicester.

Do you have any advice for future LSE master’s students?

If you realise you don’t like the Masters programme you are in (as I sadly did, with IR), talk to your personal tutor, and don’t see dropping out as the first option; check out the other programmes LSE offers and see if there’s anything you like there. The degree transfer process is a very simple and smooth one.

What can you say about your academic growth at LSE?
It is certainly a new challenge, and most times I’d say a welcome one. The way History is taught and assessed at LSE pushes me to rethink my approach to the discipline and re-evaluate myself on a postgraduate level. So, though it is early, I’d say there definitely will be some academic growth.

What were the most important factors influencing your decision to come to LSE?
Its ranking as a university on the world stage, the fact that it was in Britain (as in, in Europe, relatively close to my home country of Greece, and employing teaching methods that I’m already familiar with from my undergrad also in the UK), and the hope that at LSE I would be able to make very helpful acquaintances and connections that would assist me both in my academic and professional growth.

LSE is definitely a fantastic place if you want to explore your interests, deepen your knowledge, and crystalize your career goal. In addition to its renowned reputation, widespread alumni network, and high-quality courses, my favourite part about MSc Finance program is its massive support about career development. I found that career fairs, consultation sessions, and technical workshops are really helpful and do open doors for us students.

After the programme, I joined American Express as a Financial Analyst in their Investment Optimization team in London.

Senior Consultant at Dalberg Advisors

"The LSE SPP met and exceeded what I was looking for in a program. First, it gave me the ability to tailor my time at the MPP to my professional interests while meeting my educational objectives within nine months. Second, the programme had a multidisciplinary approach: pulling in expertise from the departments of government, political science, and philosophy, among others. And finally, all of this was delivered through a world-class institution with professors and peers from all over the world, who would complete the experience and provide a unique and diverse set of learnings."