When I started my MBA I knew I wanted to stay in banking and finance, but I also wanted to develop a broader set of skills. My background was very quantitative and narrow: I had been working for the National Banking and Securities commission in Mexico.  I was also very interested in living and potentially working abroad, particularly in Europe.

Life at School was great fun - I was involved in the Latin American Club and was also a proud bartender at Sundowners for two years. Directly after graduating I joined A.T. Kearney as an Associate Consultant, (specialising in finance) then in 2000 I joined Barclays Capital as Associate Director of Strategy and Planning, working directly for the COO and CEO of the Bank.  Later, I was seconded to Hong Kong to assist with the transition of the newly appointed CEO, and to set up a planning team in the region.  I was then promoted to Director and subsequently became COO for Global Sales in London. After four years in Investment Banking I decided to pursue a new path in Private Banking, the fastest growing financial services market worldwide. I am currently Head of Financial Services at the Private Bank and was promoted to Managing Director of Barclays Wealth in December 2006.  Within Barclays Wealth I also serve as Gender Champion to our Diversity Committee. Our aim is to continue to promote and develop women in the financial services industry and Barclays.

The London Business School MBA opened doors to a truly international career, one that I could not have dreamed of if I had stayed in Mexico or studied in the USA.  It provided me with the intellectual flexibility to adapt to new and demanding roles and to be able to tackle any management problem – it also gave me an amazing personal and professional network of international contacts.'

Stuart Cockburn (UK, MBA2005)
Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton 

'For me, one of the big attractions of the London Business School MBA was the ability to undertake an exchange with another business school overseas. I chose to go to Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, California. The proximity to Silicon Valley is perfect for a view on how the venture capital and technology industry works - something that I am particularly interested in. My exchange also allowed me the chance to travel through California at the weekends, or to socialise with friends in San Francisco. The London Business School exchange is a fantastic experience and one of the cornerstones of the School experience. The vast choice of schools caters for the tastes and needs of most. I'm from the UK, and this was one of the key factors in my choosing London.'

'Prior to my MBA, I had the opportunity to live and work in Delhi, Geneva, London and New York. These experiences made me realise the benefits of living in London – a truly multicultural city and global financial centre, with a balanced work culture and superb location. Studying in London gave me an opportunity to meet numerous alumni of the School. These opportunities to network and learn provided invaluable insight into different career choices, and helped me find the right job at the right firm! Given that the School is so close to the city, numerous alumni drop by for sessions on career paths, market and product information, mentoring, interview and skills training. These interactions would have been extremely limited had I not been studying in a financial capital like London. Having worked for a year since graduation, I am extremely happy with my decision. London is a great city in which to live and work.'

"One of the things I remember very clearly from my London Business School MBA is Business Ethics.  Year's later emphasis is being put on ethics again, but they ask the same questions today – who are you responsible to?  We realise that in some countries where we do books they have a big influence, and can make or break a place.  I think learning is something that goes on throughout your life, and the ability to go back and do an MBA after your undergraduate degree is fantastic – a great opportunity to learn."

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"Clearly, compared to US counterparts the international profile of London Business School is a strong differentiator.  The benefit over other European schools is the two-year programme, the ability to carry out real-life projects, the summer internship, and the outstanding location.  It's exciting, challenging and exhilarating!" 

Since graduating from London Business School, Katherine Armstrong has worked for Johnson and Johnson Corporate Communications, both as an employee and more recently as an independent consultant.  A Fulbright scholar with an undergraduate degree in French from Duke University, Katherine has been honoured with the YWCA's Tribute to Women in Industry Award and was also selected as one of the 'Top 40 Under 40' by PR Week magazine.

"London Business School provides a true commitment to team-based learning.  It was hectic and intense at times, but also stimulating and motivating.   I learned an incredible amount of material and skills, but also learned about myself and came into my own.  It was a springboard for what is the best job in Corporate America for me, and continues to open doors again and again."