Vanessa completed her undergraduate degree in Business Administration at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany, and has worked in strategy consulting and private equity. Since coming to LSE, she has served as Department of Management student ambassador, is next year’s president of Castore Consulting, and will do her CEMS exchange semester at Cornell University, USA.

Hi everyone! My name is Vanessa, and I am a Global Master’s in Management (GMiM) student at LSE, having started in the fall of 2023. Choosing a postgraduate program is a big decision, so let me share some things I wish I had known before starting the GMiM (spoiler alert: would highly recommend)!

1. Get involved beyond the academic program

One of the perks of a two-year program is not having to worry about dissertations and job applications right after orientation. Take advantage of the many initiatives available: I found a great community and the chance to work as a strategy consultant with start-ups at the society Castore Consulting (have a look here), connected with professors during office hours, and met many interesting people from other programs as student ambassador. Enjoy the work and life opportunities that come with studying at LSE for two years!
Additionally, I cannot encourage you enough to make use of the semester abroad, the biggest USP of the GMiM. The abundance of partner schools we can choose from is incredible, and everyone I know who participated in the semester abroad (whether CEMS or MBA) adored it. I will be heading to Cornell University via the CEMS program, which means I’m getting an LSE, CEMS, and Ivy League experience all in one!

2. Meet people outside of your program

One of the reasons I chose LSE instead of a business school was because a diverse community, spanning various programs and departments, was a priority of mine. But to fully immerse yourself in this diversity, you need to be proactive. Whether it’s mingling at the campus pub George IV or chatting with whoever sits next to you in electives, these interactions lead to a broad circle of friends from different backgrounds, exposing you to new ideas and perspectives daily. I am so grateful for how my friends studying human rights, data science, and many other programs have broadened my horizons!

3. Attend networking events with intention

Ah yes, networking – everyone’s favourite and yet most dreaded word. Let’s be honest, networking is extremely valuable for many careers, but it can also be stressful. My advice is to network with intention. Going to every single networking event LSE has to offer (and there are A LOT) and begging for referrals isn’t going to get you that dream job. Instead, use your time wisely and single out events that feature industries, companies and people you truly want to get to know. The unique insights you gain from genuine conversations with people are what is actually going to help you in that interview. This approach won’t exhaust you and will in fact add authentic value to finding out who and where you want to be professionally.

4. Talk to GMiM Year 2 students

Don’t be shy when the Year 2 students return from their semester abroad in January! Approach them and get to know them, as they are happy to help and were in your shoes just a year ago. I have met some of my closest friends through inter-generational GMiM meetups. Hearing about their lessons learned, general experience at LSE, student life, and professional journeys is incredibly valuable. Additionally, you can reach out to alumni and gain some great mentors.

5. Apply for exemptions if applicable

If you have a business undergrad background like me, I highly recommend applying for exemptions from the core courses (i.e. Economics, Marketing, Organisational Behaviour). This frees up extra slots for electives, and I made full use of this by choosing courses outside my comfort zone and from different departments. Learn about something you are genuinely passionate and curious about and make use of the abundant course selection LSE offers.

That’s it, folks! If you are thinking about pursuing the GMiM at LSE, I would absolutely recommend it. I have fallen in love with this city and the life I have built here – so join us and don’t look back!

Bonus tip: It is what you make of it!

I truly believe the key difference between those who love the program and those who don’t is taking responsibility for making it a fantastic two years! I know it sounds corny, but it really is up to you what your postgrad life will look like. Be proactive and look for opportunities – there are plenty around! If you follow the five tips mentioned above, I think you’re off to a pretty good start.

You can follow and connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn.

Learn more about the Global Master’s in Management (GMiM) programme.