Choosing a Master’s in Management programme can be tricky- what are your career goals? Where do you want to live? What size of cohort is best for you? Here’s why LSE’s Master’s in Management stood out to Matei Bjola and why he’s never regretted his decision to come to London.

Hi, my name is Matei! If you’re reading this, you are likely in a similar position to me a little over a year ago… I was just about to finish my undergraduate degree and debating where to go next- to do a postgrad, jump into a consulting career – or even better, become a bartender at a mediocre hostel in Germany.

To explain why I ended up going for a postgrad and why I’m loving every single day at university, let me first tell you a little something about myself.

I was born to Romanian parents in Germany, went to school in Munich and when I turned 18, I packed my bags and moved to London to study Economics and Business at UCL. Now, I had a blast at UCL; classes were (mostly) great fun, I had a group of kind and really ambitious friends, and above all I could devote all the time in the world to extracurricular activities and job hunting. However, towards the end of my degree, I still hadn’t landed that ideal job I wanted. I thought, “I could still do better!” So, I decided to go ahead and have a look at Masters’ Degrees.

Discovering the MiMs

My dream job at the time was, and still is, working in consulting. I could write a whole book declaring my love for consulting – but for now let’s just say it’s a really cool industry to start your career in. The point is, I knew what I wanted to do once I started working. All I had to do now was find out what the best way was to get there. I had a look around and started to see so called ‘MiMs’ popping up at every big European business school. A MiM – a Masters’ in Management, a course that equips you with all the skills needed to go into any company in the world and add value in one way or another. Sounds great, sign me up!

Why LSE was right for me

I quickly came to realise that a MiM at LSE was not the same as a MiM at LBS, WHU or Bocconi. In fact, LSE really stood out among the crowd. For better or for worse, that’s for you to decide – but stand out, it certainly did. With an admission rate just below 5% the MiM at LSE is amongst the most competitive degrees in the world. The school is committed to keeping the class size small and the student quality high. At a double-digit number of students, we are one of the smallest MiM cohorts around. This ensures that you will know and interact with nearly every single one of your colleagues. I think that’s great. The class really grows together and forms a community that will, and that I am sure of, last well into our careers.

The second factor setting LSE apart is its aspiration to retain its academic rigour above anything else. Coming to LSE is not like going to any other business school. The professors are eager to underpin their practical teachings with insightful theoretical frameworks!!! Great. Have I lost you yet? When I first found out about LSE’s approach to education, I came this close to dropping the university from my shortlist. I thought I was going to do a MiM for its practical applications rather than for yet more boring theoretical knowledge, right? I was wrong. LSE’s more academic approach was exactly what I wanted.

I thought I was going to do a MiM for its practical applications rather than for yet more boring theoretical knowledge, right? I was wrong. LSE’s more academic approach was exactly what I wanted.

Don’t get me wrong, doing cases is fantastic. It teaches you skills in analysis, critical thinking and structuring like nothing else – while being super interesting and fun in the process. And that’s why you still get to do loads and loads of cases at LSE! However, it won’t be the only thing you do. Rather than diving into a case without any of the theoretical foundations, Professors at LSE spend time presenting and uncovering the underlying concepts first- and only then ask you to put theory into practice. More than just teaching you the skills I mentioned above, LSE will instil in you a mindset that will truly make you question the causes of things.

A great institution in a great city

So these are the factors that really set LSE apart. Does that mean, that other than this there is nothing special about the MiM? No.

First, London: Absolutely amazing city. Maybe best in the world.

Career Opportunities: We’re in London – they’re endless.

People: We’re in London – they’re diverse, bright and really outgoing. You get the point by now. London attracts some of the smartest people around and gets the best out of them. Studying here is a great pleasure and privilege.

Now, I’ve told you about all the cool stuff regarding LSE. Does that mean that there is nothing bad about the MiM? No! I’ll be honest, like with any other university in the world not everything runs perfectly. Sometimes, teaching isn’t great, or employer evenings don’t live up to your expectations. However, being perfectly honest again, I have never been in an educational institution which was so eager for feedback, and willing to change. Things are not perfect around here, but every day we are getting one step closer. Why don’t you come and be a part of it?

Learn more about the Master’s in Management programme