Like many MSc programmes at LSE, mine is under a year, and the time crunch is real. Balancing studying, socialising, and self-care can feel overwhelming—let alone adding job applications into the mix! I certainly felt it, and I think it’s almost a hallmark of postgraduate education to experience that existential crisis where you’re trying to juggle everything. At first, I thought I was the only one struggling, but talking to others on my programme (and department!) quickly showed me I wasn’t alone.
If you’re a current or prospective LSE student, here’s the advice I wish I’d known for managing job applications alongside other commitments.
Step one: know where and when to apply
The first and most important step is understanding where and when to apply. Application timelines vary widely depending on the sector and country, so knowing both the regions you want to apply to and the specific industries you’re targeting is key. As an Accounting student, natural choices for me were roles in finance, accounting, and professional services. For UK roles, most graduate schemes and internships open between September and December, but opportunities continue throughout the year so it’s worth staying vigilant until you graduate. Continental Europe, on the other hand, often has less strict deadlines. Whatever country (or countries) you apply to, familiarising yourself with industry-specific deadlines is crucial.
For international students, platforms like Student Circus are incredibly useful, as they list opportunities from companies with a history of sponsoring work visas. The Bristol Tracker is excellent for finance-related job postings, and LinkedIn remains a classic – don’t hesitate to message a recruiter at a company you like if you feel you’re a good fit. Regardless of which platforms you use, never forget to set up job alerts to ensure you don’t miss opportunities.
Step two: reaching out
If you’re stuck at the first step, please don’t fret! I was in the same position. What really helped was participating in workshops, training sessions, and alumni interviews hosted by LSE Careers, which allowed me to make my plans more concrete. These events were particularly insightful and motivating, giving me the chance to share my experiences – and fears! – with other students, while receiving practical advice from those who had been in my shoes not too long ago.
These sessions led to my first meeting with my career counsellor, who I now regularly connect with through the LSE Career Hub (the central resource for career support at LSE). I can’t tell you how invaluable having someone careers-wise to talk to is. Many of my questions couldn’t be answered online, but regular conversations with my counsellor helped me resolve my queries and refine my approach.
One last thing I wish more people realised is that your career journey is personal and unique. Some people apply to dozens of roles quickly, while others focus on fewer, tailored applications. The best thing you can do is work at your own pace—be inspired by others, but don’t let their journey discourage you.
Step three: timing
With a clear plan in place, the next challenge is fitting job applications into your busy schedule. Life at LSE is fast-paced, and living in London only adds to the busyness, so it’s crucial to allocate time intentionally. I found it helpful to carve out one to two hours twice a week to search for job postings, tailor applications, and complete tasks like prerecorded interviews or online assessments. My preferred time is in the morning, between 8.00am and 9.30am, because its when I feel freshest and most prepared. Also, an Excel spreadsheet is invaluable for staying organised—it allows you to track deadlines, tasks, and progress, from submitting an application to (hopefully) an acceptance!
Step four: dealing with rejections
Keeping track of applications can also bring moments of disappointment. One memorable Monday in December, I received eight rejections, back to back, in the span of thirty minutes. While it wasn’t the news I’d hoped for, filling in a red cell on my spreadsheet became my saving grace – it meant I was one step closer to the job that will accept me.
Rejections are inevitable, and it’s easy to feel disheartened. However, it’s important not to take them personally. Use them as opportunities to improve—refine your CV, practice interview skills, or reassess your approach. Surrounding yourself with a strong support system, whether it’s friends, family, career services, or peers, can make a huge difference in staying positive.
Final thoughts
Applying for jobs while studying is by no means easy, but with structure, consistency, and—most importantly—resilience, it’s entirely manageable. While it is my heart’s desire that the first job you apply to results in an acceptance, know that it’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t.
I hope these tips bring some clarity, and I wish you the very best of luck in your search!