New B-School Template – LBS

London Business School (LBS), one of the world’s premier educational institutions, has much to offer an ambitious, culturally curious, and globally-minded Indian student. The diverse culture, exceptional faculty, and expansive LBS network, coupled with London’s vibrancy, serve as robust springboards for your global career. Let’s delve into the specifics.

LBS prides itself on its richly diverse student body, and as an Indian applicant, you will contribute to this vibrant mosaic of cultures, experiences, and perspectives. The School’s ethos revolves around collaboration, mutual respect, and intellectual curiosity. Team-based projects, study groups, and the LBS Global Experiences (week-long immersive trips) promote cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

Being comfortable with this interactive, participative learning environment is key to finding your fit at LBS. If you value cultural diversity, have a collaborative mindset, and are ready to engage in intellectually stimulating discussions, LBS could be the right fit.

Crackverbal has seen immense success with LBS. Here are some of our students who made it through!

LBS isn’t just about academics; it’s a holistic experience. A typical day might begin with lectures or seminars on subjects like Strategy, Economics, or Leadership, followed by group meetings for project work. Lunch breaks present networking opportunities with peers, faculty, and visiting industry leaders. Afternoons may include career services workshops, club activities, or guest lectures.

Remember, the LBS experience isn’t confined to the classroom; social events, global immersion fields, and student-led treks to businesses and cultural hotspots are integral parts of life at LBS.

LBS has a strong track record in job placement across various industries, including consulting, finance, tech, and entrepreneurship. Its central London location provides you with direct access to many global companies.
As an Indian student, this is especially beneficial if you’re looking to transition internationally, as LBS’s robust connections and powerful alumni network can provide potential avenues for internships and jobs. The school’s Career Centre also provides personalized support to help you navigate the job market.

London Business School (LBS) emphasizes experiential learning, blending academic theory with real-world business scenarios. Here are some unique opportunities:

1. Global Business Experiences (GBEs): GBEs are one-week immersive experiences designed to give you an in-depth understanding of business practices and cultures in various global locations. GBEs provide a perfect blend of lectures, company visits, and cultural activities.
2. Entrepreneurship Summer School: If you are inclined towards entrepreneurship, this opportunity allows you to test your business idea over the summer term under the guidance of experienced entrepreneurs and faculty.
3. Practicums and Live Projects: Practicums (e.g., Social Impact or Private Equity) and live projects let you apply your theoretical knowledge to solve real-world business problems. They offer first-hand exposure to industry operations, trends, and challenges.
4. Case Competitions: LBS hosts numerous case competitions in association with companies or its vast array of clubs. These competitions provide not only hands-on experience but also opportunities to network with industry professionals.
5. Business Simulation Labs: Simulations like MarkStrat (a marketing strategy simulation) offer you a chance to make strategic decisions in a risk-free environment, providing deep insights into the implications of business decisions.

London Business School is committed to attracting high-potential applicants worldwide, regardless of their financial circumstances. For Indian students, there are several scholarships available:

1. London Business School India Scholarship: Awarded to Indian nationals with exceptional academic performance and professional achievements.
2. MBA Social Impact Scholarship: Available for students (including Indian students) who have experience in the social impact sector or aim to create social impact through their post-MBA career.
3. David Pyott Scholarship: Open to all nationality students, including Indians, who have proven academic and professional merit and can demonstrate business leadership potential.
4. Forte Foundation Fellowships: These scholarships are intended for outstanding female students, irrespective of their nationality.

Despite these opportunities, as an Indian student, you might face certain challenges. Here are some and how to tackle them:

1. Cultural Adjustment: Being in a new country and adapting to diverse cultures might be initially overwhelming. To overcome this, actively participate in orientations, join clubs, and engage in cultural exchange activities.
2. Academic Rigor: LBS’s rigorous academic curriculum may require a shift from traditional rote learning methods common in many Indian institutions. Adopt an interactive learning approach and leverage academic resources, such as the academic writing support at LBS.
3. Cost of Living: London’s high cost of living can be a concern. Plan your finances well in advance, consider on-campus jobs, and look into scholarships and financial aid options.

Access to a Global Business Hub: London is one of the world’s leading global business cities. It’s a hub for finance, consulting, tech, media, and more, housing many multinational corporations’ headquarters and regional offices. This proximity to a broad spectrum of companies means an array of internships, project collaborations, and job opportunities.

Networking Opportunities: London’s status as a global city attracts professionals worldwide, making it a melting pot of cultures and experiences. From business events, seminars, and conferences, to informal meetups, the city offers countless opportunities to connect with industry leaders, LBS alumni, and professionals from diverse fields. Such interactions could lead to valuable industry insights, mentorship, or job opportunities.

Learning from Industry Experts: LBS often invites industry experts, many of whom are based in London, for guest lectures, workshops, and panel discussions. These sessions provide first-hand insights into industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, complementing your classroom learning.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities: London is also a booming start-up ecosystem with strong support for entrepreneurs. If you want to start your venture post-MBA, you’ll find plenty of resources, including incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms. The city’s vibrant startup scene could be an excellent launchpad for your entrepreneurial journey.

Cultural Adaptation and Global Mindset: Living and studying in a diverse and global city like London exposes you to various cultures and perspectives, fostering a global mindset. This cultural intelligence can be a significant advantage in today’s interconnected business world, making you a more adaptable and inclusive professional.

LBS’s Dedicated Career Centre: The School’s Career Centre leverages London’s business hub status to build strong relationships with companies across industries. They facilitate company presentations, networking events, and career fairs, connecting students directly with potential recruiters.

In summary, studying at LBS places you at the crossroads of business and culture. It’s not just about earning a degree but about experiencing a city that lives and breathes business, giving you an undeniable edge in your career.

The prompt “What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these?” is asking you to clearly articulate your career goals post-MBA and demonstrate how your past experiences, combined with an MBA from LBS, will help you achieve these goals. It’s a forward-looking question that requires you to have a clear vision of your future, but it also requires you to connect your past and present to that future.

• Define your post-MBA goals: Be specific about your short-term and long-term goals. What role do you see yourself in immediately after graduation? Where do you see yourself 5-10 years down the line? In this case, the goal is to transition into Investment Banking immediately after MBA and eventually lead the M&A division of a global investment bank.
• Connect your past experience: Reflect on your past experiences and skills gained. How have these experiences shaped your goals? As a Chartered Accountant, you’ve gained a solid foundation in finance and a keen understanding of the corporate world. Highlight how these experiences have led you to your goal of transitioning into Investment Banking.
• Showcase how LBS will bridge the gap: Research LBS’s MBA program thoroughly. Identify specific courses, clubs, and other resources that align with your goals. Show how these resources will provide the knowledge, skills, and network needed to achieve your goals.

LBS looks for candidates who have a clear understanding of their career goals and a well-thought-out plan on how to achieve them. They value candidates who have done their research about the program and can demonstrate a strong fit.

They also look for candidates who can contribute to the LBS community. So, while writing the essay, also think about what unique perspectives and experiences you can bring to the classroom and beyond.

Lastly, LBS, like many other business schools, values leadership potential. Highlight experiences where you’ve demonstrated leadership and how you plan to further develop your leadership skills at LBS.

Introduction
Begin by briefly introducing yourself and your current role as a Chartered Accountant in India. Mention your interest in finance and how your experiences have led you to aspire for a career in Investment Banking.

Motivations and Career Aspirations
Delve deeper into your motivations for wanting to transition into Investment Banking. Discuss your long-term career aspirations in this field. For instance, you could talk about your interest in strategic financial decisions, the fast-paced environment, and your aspiration to lead the M&A division of a global investment bank.

Gaps or Deficiencies
Identify the gaps or deficiencies in your current skill set or experiences that need to be addressed to achieve your career goals. This could include a lack of global exposure, limited understanding of the strategic aspects of Investment Banking, or the need for a robust network in the finance industry.

LBS MBA’s Role
Discuss how an MBA from LBS can help fill these gaps. Be specific about the resources at LBS that you plan to leverage. This could include specific courses, clubs, networking opportunities, or the school’s location in a global financial hub. Show how these resources align with your goals and how they will help you transition into Investment Banking.

Conclusion
Conclude by reiterating your post-MBA goals and your enthusiasm for the LBS MBA program. Highlight your commitment to contributing to the LBS community and your confidence in the value that the LBS MBA will bring to your career.