Tailored Coaching Throughout the MBA Journey
At London Business School (LBS), located in London, UK, MBA students receive comprehensive career support that prepares them to excel in today’s fast-changing job market. Patricia Keener, the Associate Director of Career Management at LBS, explains how the school’s career support system is designed to guide students through their professional journeys and equip them with the skills they need to succeed. LBS’s multifaceted career support system follows a three-pronged approach. MBA students receive support from a personal career coach, sector advisors, and peer leaders.
Patricia explains, “The model that we have at London Business School is designed to give you support when you need it, from different perspectives. As an MBA [student], you’ll have an assigned coach who will work with you throughout your two years here… it’s nice to have one person who really understands your story and helps you through that journey.” (00:14)
Each MBA student is assigned a dedicated career coach who works with them throughout their two-year program. This personalized coaching helps students reflect on their career strategy and decision-making skills.
LBS students also benefit from sector advisors who provide expert advice on industry trends and insights. Patricia notes, “In addition to that, we have sector advisors that you can meet with, who are there to help deepen your knowledge about the sector… they have business relationships with different companies, and they can add their expertise as to what you need to know.” (00:35)
These advisors work closely with students to deepen their understanding of the industries they wish to enter. In combination, career coaches and sector advisors can offer expertise and well-informed guidance from different perspectives to help students find the right career path.
In addition to career coaches and sector advisors, LBS offers students guidance from peer leaders. These second-year MBA students provide advice and mentorship based on their own internship experiences, recruitment processes, and industry changes.
“We hire and train them, and they work alongside us, and that gives you a unique perspective of somebody who has been through the recruitment process journey that maybe you’re going through, and also they can share their pre-LBS experience if they’ve worked in a role that’s of interest to you,” Patricia says. (00:58)
Peer leaders serve as mentors, helping first-year students navigate the challenges of the MBA program. They share their first-hand experiences with current students and can offer relevant advice and insights.
Patricia summarizes, “You’re getting coaching… you’re getting sector advising, which is about deepening your sector knowledge, and then you’re getting that perspective from other students… it’s a nice blend.” (01:20)
This three-pronged career services approach offers students holistic support, aiding them in all aspects of their career journey.
Internships as a Stepping Stone to Your Career
The two-year MBA program at LBS allows students to gain valuable real-world experience through internships. Most students complete internships in the summer between their first and second years, giving them hands-on exposure to the industries they plan to join post-MBA.
“In a two-year MBA, you have this opportunity to do an internship, certainly in the summer,” Patricia notes. (08:05)
Internships offer students the chance to explore different sectors and refine their career plans. Many use their internships as stepping stones to full-time roles.
Industry Connections and Global Employers
LBS has strong connections with top global recruiters, including McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and EY-Parthenon. Financial giants like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are also regular recruiters, as well as tech leaders such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. “We have some very strong relationships with employers at LBS,” Patricia highlights. (2:55)
These relationships help students get their foot in the door and have greater access to careers in consulting, finance, tech, healthcare, and more.
The school’s strong employer network is critical to its students’ success. 90% of LBS’ 2023 MBA class accepted employment offers within three months after graduation. This success reflects LBS’s commitment to helping students make meaningful connections with top employers worldwide.
Navigating a Fast-Changing Job Market
The job market constantly evolves due to political, economic, and environmental factors. Factors like political elections, climate change, and the post-COVID recovery affect hiring trends across industries. LBS prepares its students to remain flexible and adaptable in the face of change.
“At the moment, [the market] is fast-moving, it’s changing… we need to be adaptable and understanding to what’s coming and what’s changing. Where are those green shoots, those growth areas? Sometimes, that means broadening out your perspective.” Patricia says. (02:23)
To help students navigate these changes, LBS provides them with the tools and knowledge they need to stay competitive. LBS also prepares its students to thrive in a fast-changing work environment, helping them to navigate post-COVID challenges and overcome generational barriers in the workplace.
Post-COVID Challenges and Generational Differences
One of the critical challenges facing today’s employers is the integration of multiple generations in the workforce. LBS actively works to understand these challenges through its recruiter forum and provides students with opportunities to practice their communication skills through cross program networking events and shared electives.
“We run a recruiter forum once a year where we bring in our recruiters to discuss the challenges they’re facing and how we can help prepare students better,” Patricia says. (03:09)
With more Gen Z and Millennial employees entering the workforce, employers are rethinking traditional work environments. On the other end, LBS helps students develop a growth mindset, stay curious, and develop their relationship-building skills. This is a key advantage in the workforce, especially when working with colleagues from different generations and cultural backgrounds.
Lifelong Career Support
The support LBS offers its students doesn’t end at graduation. The Alumni Career Center provides career coaching and access to online resources for alums at any stage of their careers. “Our support doesn’t end when you graduate. We have an Alumni Career Center that offers career coaching…we also have a wide range of online, digital resources,” Patricia notes. (14:43)
Whether alums are looking to make a career switch, take on a leadership role, or return to work after a career break, LBS provides them with the tools and support they need to succeed.
The school’s extensive global alumni network, with over 55,000 alumni in over 160 countries, is another valuable resource. It allows graduates to connect with industry leaders and professionals around the world. London Business School organizes various alumni events, clubs, and volunteer opportunities that make it easier to stay connected to other alums and the school community.
Preparing for the Future: LBS’s Approach to Career Growth
London Business School’s MBA program offers a unique blend of personalized coaching, industry insights, and strong recruiter relationships. With a focus on holistic career support, adaptability, and real-world experience, LBS prepares its students to excel in today’s fast-paced job market.
Discover more about London Business School and its excellent MBA programs, and contact one of their MBA ambassadors to learn more about their first-hand experience at LBS.
