Student profiles

Name Sofía Ferraz Estrada MiFFT2006
Nationality  Spain
Job before London Business School  Associate Investment Banking, Citigroup

Thoughts on coming to London Business School
I was very excited to start the Masters in Finance (MiF): to become a student again, form part of an international community, go out for drinks during week days and last but not least some learning to improve my technical skills for my current job (as I am being sponsored).

My first impressions were as good as expected: highly demanding courses with outstanding teachers, smart open-minded classmates from different backgrounds and nationalities and many events to get to know each other such as the Trading Game on Introduction Day when we had the chance to "trade" with our new classmates and learn about their different personalities: the bossy trader, the "barely legal" trader, the "whatever you want to exchange" trader etc.

Classes and group work
Regarding the classes and the group work, I particularly admire the high standards of the people part of the programme, their intelligent contribution to the classes, the discussions held and efficiency when it comes to group assignments in order to be able to join the "liquidity seminar" (MiF drinks at the local pub, the Windsor Castle), the salsa fit course at the gym or continue with another assignment…

Social life
The Opening dinner was a more formal way to get to know each other: cocktails to start followed by dinner, a few funny speeches and then continuing the party outside school.

Name Michael Pierce MiFFT2006
Nationality USA
Job before London Business School Vice President and Investment Manager for GMAC Investment Advisors Japan

Reason for choosing London Business School
The Masters in Finance programme's reputation for rigorous financial academics and a globally diverse student body was a primary reason for choosing London Business School.  I did not elect to pursue an MBA because I felt that two one-year highly focused degrees would be more advantageous for me in the long run.  My previous program was a Masters in Real Estate Development – a shout out to MIT's CRE MSRED BCE!  I believe the skills and knowledge I learn here at London Business School will be extremely complimentary to my previous education and work experience. 

Thoughts on coming to London Business School
Excitement – a strong thrill and anticipation to work with a diverse group of professionals at a programme that takes pride in its reputation for academic intensity – and having a good time!  Thus far I have not been disappointed! 

Preparatory Modules
I was amazed at the quality of the teaching of the modules – really top class professors who made the subject very understandable and enjoyable – I of course expected this from the primary course work, but not necessarily from the modules.  Although the price seemed a bit high at first, I think at the end of the day it was worth it, because the materials they taught have been extremely valuable in the core courses.

Group Work
My group members are from Japan, Korea, India, Germany, Portugal, and myself from the US.  I've found the dynamic very satisfying and fun to see the ways we all interact with one another.  My favourite is probably the heated discussions between India and Portugal on whether or not Betas of individual stocks will decrease if market volatility increases. 

A Typical Day
There is no such thing!  Quite frankly I enjoy having a planned schedule that I can follow from day to day, but so far the program is not conducive to such stability.  Flexibility and time management is definitely critical to getting everything done.  I tried to setup a daily to follow, but it hasn't held up.  With the class time, readings, individual assignments, group work, Milk Round presentations, resume dissection, cover letter drafts, job applications, guest speakers, club activities, social events, personal errands…   there really is not much time for structure in the day – it's like being washed down a fast flowing river and it's all you can do to keep your head above water! 

Name Taka Tsuda MiFFT2006
Nationality Japan
Job before London Business School Policy Consultant, Ministry of Finance, Japan

The Masters in Finance programme is, especially at this initial stage, incredibly hectic. I want to stress here however that it is not simply busy - rather, this year is definitely rewarding for both future career development and personal self-improvement. In the following part of this diary, I want to introduce several advantages I am currently enjoying at London Business School.

Classes and group work
What fascinates me most from an academic point of view is the vigorous discussion in the lectures and group work. Core course lectures, albeit provided in relatively large classes, are totally interactive and exciting: students who have relevant experience provide the class with a more practical perspective. Others who have different backgrounds add various opinions to the discussion.  In group work, on the other hand, not only can we learn subject itself, but also teamwork, project management and so on. 

Professional Services
As well as the academic arena, London Business School provides high-quality professional services. Career services e.g. City Walk, individual consultation about CVs and cover letters, Interview practice, multiple presentations, are definitely helpful.   The Finance Programmes Office successfully creates and encourages a close-knit environment between students and staff. They also always responsive to students' feedback quickly and confidently.

Socialising and Networking
London Business School clearly does not want students to focus solely on academia. There are quite a few opportunities to socialise with students from the School's different degree programmes, such as the MBA, Sloan, as well as MiF students. This great environment reinforces my belief that human relationships are the most invaluable asset in life.