Sindre Olafsrud discusses how to make good use of your DSP degree and succeed in your career.

In this blog post I will describe why you should go to next years Alumni presentation event. The alumni sessions being part of the departments support for post-student life is one of several initiatives the department takes to prepare student for life after LSE.

Sorry to say it, but relying on the department is not going to provide you with a job. Whether you like it or not: some personal initiative is required!

However, taking advantage of departmental events is a great opportunity to connect with a professional network across London and the world that can open doors unimagined.

During two Tuesday nights, a dozen former MSc students came to tell about their life after LSE. Their career choices and their path to get there was immensely diverse. There was knowledge consultants, PR specialists, digital strategists, fire researchers, PhD-students, head of learning departments, management consultants and more. Some had started their own companies; others had joined big renowned companies, while others again had chosen to purse an academic career.

Now, what was the take-away from this year’s alumni sessions?

I’m not going to give you all of them, but here are a few tips to enhance your chances of getting the career you dream of:

1. Networking, networking, networking

Take advantage of the opportunities offered by services like LinkedIn. Also try to attend professional conferences and seminars related to your field. However, don´t wait for others to contact you, approach people that might be helpful to you.

2. Have a coherent story to tell future employers

Self-branding might not feel natural to you, but employers need to understand what´s special about you. Take some time to develop your edge before the next interview.

3. Use your dissertation

Writing your dissertation is going to be a major part of your life the second half of your MSc. It also offers a great opportunity to promote your future career. Take advantage both in terms of content and possible first job opportunity.

4. Your degree is extremely sellable

Be confident that you have something to offer. Your expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methods and also the strength of the LSE-brand will be helpful when approaching employers.

5. Follow your passion, but be realistic

Doing what you´re interested in is probably the best way to get a meaningful career. However, the perfect job might not be your first one. However, you want to do something leading you in the right direction.

Conclusion

After the presentations there was time to informal networking. This was a great opportunity to approach the alumni on a personal lever to ask more specific questions and establish contact.

I would argue that the Alumni presentations are some of the best opportunities we as students get to prepare for life after LSE.

Now, going to the alumni sessions might not get you a nice haircut, but it’s a good start to kick-start your future career.