Hello! My name is Arne! I chose LSE’s two-year Global MSc in Management (GMiM) programme for a couple of reasons: its structure and the international exchange term. However, the greatest parts have been its cohort and community.

As I near the end of my first year and approach my term abroad, I’d love to provide an overview of the programme, offer some recommendations, and share insights from my personal journey.

🖊️ Programme structure

Designed to equip you with a deep understanding of management principles and practices through world-leading academic teaching and a hands-on international exchange term, LSE’s GMiM programme covers the main topics in contemporary management through mandatory core courses.

However, the programme is flexible; you can tailor it to your personal interests. You can also get exemptions for a maximum of two of the below-listed core courses if you can demonstrate that you covered the materials during your previous studies: 

• MG434 Organisational Behaviour and Leadership 

• MG4E2 Marketing Management 

• MG431 Managerial Economics 

I’ve obtained exemptions for MG4E2 as well as MG431 and have taken mostly finance elective modules instead (e.g., FM471 Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing), which align with my career goals in climate-tech VC. 

Most courses are taught via lectures and seminars. Lectures provide the theoretical foundations of the topics, while group-based seminars focus on applying the learnings practically.  

You’ll also decide on one of three pathways: 

• CEMS MiM Double Degree  

• MBA Exchange  

• LSE Track 

If you undertake the CEMS option, you’ll be awarded a double degree. An overview of the partner schools can be found here. To be eligible, you must speak three languages (including English) at a minimum level. You can also undertake language courses at LSE, so don’t worry if you only speak two languages when you join the programme.

I’ve opted for the MBA exchange, which allows students to join a leading MBA classroom. Partner schools include Yale SOM and Chicago Booth. You must have a minimum of 12 months paid, full-time work experience, which could include one consecutive year or a combination of internships (each with a minimum length of 8 weeks). Stay tuned for an exchange-focused blog where I’ll share my experience!

The allocation process for both exchange options involves three stages:

1️⃣ Choose a pathway, demonstrate how you meet the requirements, and upload a motivational video.

2️⃣ Select your school choices in order of preference (7 for CEMS and 5 for MBA). 

3️⃣ Complete a personal interview.

You’ll be allocated to a school based on your performance in the video, interview, and academics. And if you decide to stay at LSE, you have the option to specialise in a field of interest. 

The programme is flexible; you can tailor it to your personal interests.

💼 Extracurricular activities

Despite the extensive and challenging coursework, there’s still enough time for extracurricular activities.

As a Student Representative, I work with the Programme team and share feedback from the cohort to improve the programme. I’m also a Student Ambassador for the Department of Management, where my responsibilities include writing blogs (like this one) and participating in online panels to inform incoming and prospective students about all the great things on offer. Last term, I was also involved in Castore Consulting, a pro-bono LSE student consultancy providing startups with strategic advice.

The skills I’ve acquired (and continue to develop) from these experiences include both soft and hard skills, such as communication and presentation skills as well as technical skills (e.g., boosting my Excel and PowerPoint knowledge, which I believe you can always improve). These skills are not only applicable to my coursework but also valuable to future internships and full-time employment, making extracurricular activities even more appealing in my view.

🌎 Cohort and support

My cohort is roughly 80 individuals from diverse backgrounds – such as Switzerland, Italy and France all the way to Indonesia, China and India (to name a few). Everyone brings a unique perspective to the classroom, while being extremely open, welcoming, and supportive.

You’ll also be supported by our fantastic faculty, the GMiM Programme team, and the Department of Management’s very own Careers, Alumni and Employer Relations (CAER) team. They’re all very responsive and strive to build personal connections with students.

Programme support

Every fortnight, you’ll receive a newsletter from the GMiM Programme team about upcoming events and opportunities. The team is also available to book in-person appointments to discuss your queries or concerns.

You’ll also be assigned an academic mentor who you can contact for support.

At the beginning of term, your cohort will elect four student representatives who will share your feedback with the Programme Director and Programme team and communicate useful updates to the cohort. 

Academic, personal and professional development

Located on the ground floor of the library, LSE Life is your go-to hub for academic, personal and professional development.

It offers a variety of workshops, one-to-one sessions and special events designed to help you build essential skills, explore your interests and prepare for your future. 

Career support

The fantastic Careers, Alumni and Employer Relations (CAER) team within the Department of Management has specialised career consultants who provide unlimited career appointments, helping you identify suitable career options and create effective job search strategies. 

They also organise a range of workshops, networking opportunities, employer skills seminars, and industry chats to enhance your career journey, in close collaboration with LSE’s global alumni network and employer partners. 

LSE Careers provides additional career support through a range of events, opportunities, resources, and appointments. 

🖊️ Applying to the programme

The application mainly includes the following components: 

• Academic achievements.

• Statement of academic purpose.

• Two academic references.

• CV.

• GRE/GMAT.

The academic achievements are primarily concerned with the transcripts from your undergraduate degree. These must be submitted to LSE from an official source. The easiest way is for your undergraduate institution to e-mail your transcripts directly to LSE. 

While there is no blueprint for writing your statement of academic purpose, I would advise highlighting the courses and the exchange option that interests you, your past experiences and future aspirations, and how they relate to the GMiM programme. Also, display how you will contribute to the programme and LSE.

For the two academic references, reach out to professors rather early. If you have professors that can assess your suitability for the programme, these are the first people to contact. Remember, LSE is a university, not a business school – professional or extracurricular references cannot be used. 

Regarding your CV, I recommend a traditional format, i.e., no personal image or fancy layouts. A consulting or investment banking-style CV is always a safe option. You may go with a two-page format, depending on your experience. 

The GRE or GMAT (Focus) is necessary if you don’t hold a UK undergraduate degree. I advise the GMAT Focus if you are indecisive (trust me, I have spent significant time on both tests). I’d strongly recommend applying with a 680 or above (625 or above in the GMAT Focus). If the test does not “come naturally” to you, take your time, set up an error log in Excel, and stay consistent.  

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Learn more about LSE’s MSc Economics and Management programme.

Find out more about LSE’s Department of Management by clicking on the video below ⬇️