MiFFT2007 diary entry 4

Name Malvika Agarwal MiFFT2007 Nationality Indian Job before London Business School Associate, JP Morgan Chase, Mumbai

We're almost there…
With just two weeks of classes left, I feel like we're slowing down before we alight from the fastest roller-coaster in the park. It's absolutely unbelievable how quickly these past few months have gone by. I remember reading a MiF2006 diary that said that this would be one of the fastest years of our lives, but I didn't buy into it at the time. Now I know that it's so true; I guess you need to live through it to know it. I will miss being in school, hanging out with other MiFs, partying on a Monday just because we can and student life in general. But at the same time, I think I'm ready for the next phase and definitely ready for a regular pay-check again.
 
Easter break was fun. I travelled a bit, shopped a lot, didn't sleep enough but definitely didn't end up making any headway on my project – which of course was not the original plan. The break was a lot busier than I had expected.

Though we still have one set of finals to go, we've just gotten over a major hurdle (read: Individual project). After a few weeks (I won't say how many) of reading, analysing, modelling, and writing, it's finally done. For several MiFs it was a good learning process.

…but the party goes on
There were several MiF events this term. We started off with MiF International Party - an evening of several different cultures coming together bringing with them their food, dress, music and more. It was a fantastic sight to see friends dressed up in their national attires and sharing the food and drink of their countries.
 
Soon after the project deadline there was an after-party, after which a few MiFs went to a Shakespeare & Sangria event in Regent's Park. Those who were able to, woke up early the next morning to make their way to an amusement park which as I believe was the perfect source of much needed adrenaline.
 
There was also the London Business School Talent Show followed by a Bollywood Night. The fantastic talents showcased definitely made us feel like we were at a performing arts school rather than a business school – it was a real treat. MiFs had their own representation there with the MiF band, which had the loudest support from the audience.

There's a lot going on now and much more to come over the next few weeks. Graduation is less than a month away. 

Name Ana Escobedo Conover MiF FT2007 Nationality  Mexican Job before London Business School  Project Finance, San Paolo Imi, London

Let me share with you what my experiences have been in the last term at London Business School. I have been very lucky because all the electives I chose to take this term have been very good - most of them are case focused but also many speakers have been coming to share their experiences with the class.

The workload during this term was not lighter than before, for most of the classes an assignment is required every week, so on average there have been three assignments per week.  I guess that by now, as a full-time MiF student, I have got used to meeting a different group of people to work with on a different subject every day.

Individual project
As you might have assumed, this is the time to work on the Individual project, especially if you did not follow the advice from the MiF Alumni, the professors, Alison (the amazing full-time MiF programme manager who will save your life during the programme) and Sabine (Associate Dean of the Finance Programmes Office) to work on your project during the Easter break. As was expected, not that many people did this, as there were so many other things to do.  Therefore it has been a battle this term to cope with the assignments, the individual project, the job search and of course the social life; but it has been well worth it.

Although there was not as much time as I would have liked to have had to spend on my project, I enjoyed every single effort I made towards it, because I chose a topic in the field that I really want to work in, so it gave me an excuse to talk with the people I was interested to meet and to build a network in the sector that I want to focus my future professional career in, and it is still helping me in my job interviews.  If I have something to say regarding the MiF Individual project it is to choose something you like, in a sector in which you are interested in meeting people and try to do it as soon as possible, but don't miss what is happening around you.

Amazing events and people
One of the most amazing events during my year in London Business School has been MBAT - I definitely recommend going.  Although I did not have much time to be part of any sports clubs, I managed to go with the swimming team that participated in this international Business Schools competition.  I had the opportunity to meet great people from the best business schools of the world and also enjoyed playing sports in the installations of HEC near Paris.

Another extraordinary experience I had during this term was to be involved in the organization of the Latin American Business Forum. I had the opportunity to meet amazing business people interested in helping to promote investment opportunities in this region.  Also I was able to meet two former presidents of this region, as they were two of the speakers. 

Final exams, Congregation and the Summer Ball
Now I am starting to prepare for my final exams.  Although I feel less stressed than at the end of the previous two terms, there is still a lot of work to do in the next three weeks. Also there are a lot of things to look forward to, like the Congregation day, where fortunately my parents are coming - I will be very proud to introduce my friends to them. And also the Summer Ball, the last party of the year, hopefully many full-time MiFs can make it to celebrate the fact that we survived the programme.

Looking back on the time I have spent at London Business School, I would recommend to any future MiFs that you get your time for studying organized as much as possible, but try to get involved with parallel activities like the different clubs, as they are not only a great source of entertainment but they also offer an amazing range of networking.

I hope my thoughts and experiences help you in your decision to join and enjoy London Business School.

Name Steven Reid MiF FT2007 Nationality Canadian Job before London Business School Analyst, CIBC World Markets, Toronto

At the beginning of June I officially handed in my Masters in Finance Individual Project. It took a lot of work but it was great to have created such a substantial piece of work. There was a class celebration afterward with drinks in the common room and then we all moved on to a pub. Overall it was a great night but most importantly, we could now focus on enjoying the month of June!

As summer has been approaching the weather in London has been getting better and better. The school's close proximity to Regent's Park has been a real plus. It's perfect to get away mid-afternoon to enjoy a sunny day or to play a quick game of pickup football! Additionally, there are often outdoor barbeques held on campus at lunch and student run events such as human foosball and sumo wrestling which are always fun!

This spring, Sundowners, the weekly campus pub night, has migrated onto the front lawn of the school. Students can enjoy the warm weather, volleyball, Frisbee and lawn bowling while enjoying a pint courtesy of the weekly sponsor. Several students have also organized class social events such as paint balling, outdoor theatre and an amusement park trip.

My focus is also starting to shift toward preparing for finals. By this stage I have a good idea of what to expect but there is still a fair amount of work required to get prepared.

And lastly, I find myself focusing more on life after London Business School. I start my full time position in late July and I am quite looking forward to it. There will be many new challenges to face but I'm confident that the knowledge and experiences I've gained while studying for my masters will enable me to meet these tasks head on.