I think it’s safe to assume that the reason most of us choose to study at LSE has at least a little bit to do with its prestige. It certainly was at the top of my list.
Indeed, LSE is a brand in itself. There are some university degrees that can kickstart your career but soon get overshadowed by your experiences. LSE, however, like Oxbridge, stays with you for life as a stellar entry in your CV.
This is not just a façade, though. LSE is a highly respected institution with a strong reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared for successful careers.
During your studies, you can take advantage of excellent and extensive career resources provided by the university. In particular, there are regular chances for networking with representatives of top firms and former students. There is also a lot of dedicated personal support for whatever you may struggle with (CVs, cover letters, interviews… the list goes on).
A testament to the way employers perceive LSE alumni is the high employability rate the School has each year – it ranks top 5 of the employability and earnings rankings in the UK.
Additionally, the School’s location in central London provides students with access to a wide range of internships and job opportunities. The city is considered an international hub for social policy, research, and business.
Furthermore, no matter what the programme is, LSE provides students with rigorous academic training and a diverse range of skills valued in both business and academia. As the School is focused on the social sciences, it equips students particularly with strong critical thinking, research and analytical skills that are applicable to a wide range of careers and arguably the most crucial skills in the 21st century.
Each degree has its special strengths, too. My programme – MSc Sociology – gives me a deep understanding of the social world and the ways in which social structures and institutions shape our lives. The curriculum which I designed myself includes research methods and substantive modules that fit my interests, thereby giving me both a strong foundation and developing my skills and passions. The course is taught by leading experts in the field, and there is an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and current social issues.
There is also a range of less quantifiable and obvious things that LSE helps me with as I am entering proper adulthood. For example, for my assessment for the course Sociology of Consumption, I need to keep my “consumption diary” to then conduct an autoethnographic study of my consumption patterns and thoughts associated with it – a helpful audit in one’s 20s.
These small things and fine details which perhaps don’t spring to mind immediately when thinking about how LSE sets one up for life are in fact the fabric of everyday life at university which can also have a lasting impact.
