With the final assignments of LSE’s Executive Global Master’s in Management (EGMiM) programme behind me, I know two things for certain: it was a lot of work, and it was worth it.
When I started the programme, I was working at DRW, a global diversified trading firm headquartered in Chicago, as an individual contributor (a software engineer with no direct reports). DRW combines advanced technology and exceptional talent to trade various asset classes, including Fixed Income, ETFs, Equities, FX, Commodities, and Energy, and it has expanded into real estate, venture capital and crypoassets.
Then, something unexpected happened… I got promoted!
Moving at the speed of financial markets, DRW is both an engaging and demanding place to work. Initially, I was concerned that I was negatively impacting my work by adding on a Master’s degree. Then, something unexpected happened… I got promoted!
Becoming a software engineering manager was my goal when starting the programme, though I thought it would take until the programme was complete. What I had not considered was the immediate increase in credibility that my investment in the programme would provide at work. Despite my lack of management experience, my dedication to transitioning into management was evident.
What I had not considered was the immediate increase in credibility that my investment in the EGMiM programme would provide at work.
Now working as a team lead and managing a team of six (going on seven) software engineers, I am finding that the benefits of the programme continue to positively impact my career. My line manager will now discuss strategy and best practices with me using terminology I would never have felt comfortable using when I was an individual contributor. There are opportunities for networking that I could not have taken advantage of previously, where the focus is on people rather than software systems. Most of all, my perspective has been broadened to a global scope, which gives me greater ability to navigate further steps in the global world of finance.
Completing the EGMiM programme was not a simple undertaking. However, I knew it was the right time in my life for a new journey and I have seen clear benefits for both my near- and long-term career. This is not to overlook the other benefits: the friends you make during the programme, the fun you have on the trips (in our case, to Bangalore and Cape Town), and the programme content you will use as context for your day-to-day work as a manager.
If your situation feels similar to my own, I would recommend undertaking LSE’s EGMiM programme. And if you have any questions about the programme, please feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can use LSE’s ‘Ask an Alum’ platform.
Learn more about LSE’s EGMiM programme at the video below ⬇️
Learn more about DRW here: www.drw.com/work-at-drw/university
