The Spark of Inspiration
Your undergraduate years are malleable, meaning you are empowered to try out various facets of your career interests. The future is uncertain, but by the end of your undergraduate degree, you should be confident you will have developed a set of skills you enjoy and can apply to your career. As you transition from freshman to senior year, you strive to apply for extracurriculars and internships to discover your life path. To expand my skill set and embrace the uncertainties of my career path, I chose to spend my junior year studying abroad at LSE, as it offers a wealth of academic, creative, and professional opportunities that transform studying abroad into more than just an academic endeavour—it becomes a spark for creativity, continually reshaping and redefining career aspirations.
Discovering New Worlds At LSE
Community is an aspect that LSE values deeply. As someone new to the British learning system, you are welcomed by vibrant societies that aim to foster passion and a sense of belonging. These societies cover various interests, from languages to academic disciplines to the arts. Their ability to connect students with fascinating speakers who provide valuable advice about navigating interviews or exploring topics you’re passionate about makes them particularly exciting. For instance, one of my passions is finance, and living in London while spending USD has sparked my interest in foreign exchange. This year, I joined the Trading Society as a foreign exchange analyst, even with minimal prior experience in finance. Through this experience, I’ve gained valuable insights into the fundamental and technical analysis of currency trading, thanks to educational sessions and engaging speaker events. A key speaker who piqued my interest at a Trading Society speaker event was Salomon Sebbag, now a University Lecturer at Cambridge, following a profound experience of trading and advising at Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan. This event taught me the importance of making the best of every situation and seeking opportunities that push me to adapt and seek the best version of myself. The takeaway from societies is that you can challenge yourself to try new things without fear of failure, as everyone is learning for the first time.
In addition to joining the Trading Society at LSE, I discovered a more creative side of myself. I applied to be a student content creator for the study abroad program, and through this experience, I developed a passion for exploring new places. It encouraged me to face my fears of unfamiliar environments while capturing the small, joyous moments to transform them into content others could relate to. I have also learned the importance of seeing the world from various lenses and appreciating everyone’s individuality, which is an aspect that makes London so wonderful to explore.
Learning to Think Differently
Adapting to living in a foreign place often forces you to be comfortable with the unknown as you seek to navigate cultural differences. At first, you’re scared you will not be able to meet people, but suddenly, you’re flooded with all these social events that allow you to sip and paint or simply play with puppies while doing yoga. These events foster hobbies which convert into skills that may seem small in magnitude but help you orient yourself towards a career that inspires you and allows you to do what you’re good at. From your skills, you can piece together how you want to express your love for the cross-cultural insights you gain from being in London.
Final Reflections
Throughout your years of study, people often tell you that you must figure out what you want to do in life as if it’s a single, definitive decision. However, studying abroad at LSE has shown me that it’s far more nuanced than that. Life isn’t about arriving at a final answer—it’s about embracing an ongoing journey of discovery. Each experience, whether joining societies or stepping outside your comfort zone, adds another piece to the puzzle. Being far from home has taught me that passions and hobbies are more than stepping stones to a career; they’re threads that can weave together a dynamic and fulfilling path forward. At the same time, it’s okay to let some passions remain just that—sources of joy and creativity, free from the pressure of becoming career-defining. This balance helps narrow down what truly excites you about the future while keeping the door open for growth and exploration.
