Careers

IB African Business Careers Club wins prestigious debate at Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference

Shamita Harsh — Wed, 28 May 2025 14:19:56 +0000

IB African Business Careers Club wins prestigious debate at Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference

Shamita Harsh Wed, 28/05/2025 - 14:19

17 March 2026 News

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at 51�Թ�� Business School

16 March 2026 News

51�Թ��’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

9 March 2026 News

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Community Changemakers

29 May 2025

The IB African Business Careers Club has claimed a remarkable victory at the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference, one of the most influential student-led forums exploring Africa’s evolving global role. Held on 9–10 May 2025, the conference brought over 250 delegates to Cambridge, offering sharp insights into African development beyond traditional narratives.

Competing in the Inter-University Africa Debate, 51�Թ��’s team triumphed over rivals from Cambridge, Oxford, and LSE, arguing the motion: “This House Believes Foreign Investment Is Deepening Inequality and Dependency in Africa.” The motion was rooted in the Ichikowitz Family Foundation's African Youth Survey 2024, which revealed that 72 per cent of African youth believe foreign investors exploit the continent's natural resources for their own benefit.

This year’s theme, "The Flames of the Big Four, Shining with Many More", challenges conventional thinking around African investment patterns. While Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt – the "Big Four" – still attract the lion’s share of foreign direct investment (FDI) and venture capital, the theme spotlights the growing momentum and untapped potential across a broader range of African nations.

51�Թ��’s winning team included researchers Michel Akylangongo, Ejiro Onwo and Itai Dzinotyiwei alongside debaters Emmanuel Thomas and Maazu Bayuoni, who was also awarded the Best Speaker title. Their victory marks a major moment of recognition for the Club’s commitment to championing rigorous, Africa-focused dialogue on the world stage.

“Our mission as a Careers Club is to foster the collaboration with the robust academic network that 51�Թ�� Business School provides. It means a lot to win against some of the best universities in the UK. We debated Oxford earlier this year and lost. This win is a testament to our growth, discipline, and team effort.”
Michel Akylangongo, the Club's president.

The IB African Business Careers Club is a student-led group committed to connecting African students to career opportunities and deeper engagement with the continent’s business and political landscape.

The event was judged by an influential panel that included Botswana’s Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe; African Union Youth Envoy, Madam Chido Mpemba; and Mr. Ivor Ichikowitz, Chairman of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation.

Maazu Bayuoni, the lead debater, credits their success to a structured, evidence-based strategy. He said, “We focused on building a clear and measurable framework to assess whether FDI leads to inequality and dependency. The idea was to frame the argument intelligently, using a calculated approach we’ve learned at 51�Թ��."

Maazu cited Professor Tim Weiss’ elective “Shaping Frontier Markets” as key to developing his perspective, “The class gave me the analytical lens to ask: who is value being created for, and how is it distributed in emerging markets? My academic learning, practical experience in impact investing, and lived experience on the continent helped our team challenge oversimplified narratives around foreign investment and inequality with a more nuanced, data-driven view.”

“This victory shows that our voices as African students matter,” Michel added.

“It also reflects 51�Թ��’s identity – where science means business – and how we apply intelligent thinking to real-world problems," said Maazu.

The team presented the trophy to Dean Peter Todd, commemorating their win and continuing to raise the profile of African voices within the Business School and beyond.

“It was a pleasure to host the IB African Business Careers Club and congratulate them on nudging out such eminent competition to win the Inter-University Africa Debate. Their trophies are now on proud display in the Business School, having been kindly presented to us by the club members,” the Dean said.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to see more institutional support for student-led initiatives like theirs. “Why can’t we host an African Business Summit right here at 51�Թ��?” Maazu asked. “There are incredibly successful African alumni who could help shape important conversations about frontier markets. 51�Թ�� is the future – and we want to be part of how it leads.”

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IB African Business Careers Club claimed top honours at the Cambridge Africa Together Conference, defeating Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE in a landmark debate on foreign investment in Africa.

Main image: Students from IB African Business Careers Club with Dean Peter Todd | 51�Թ�� Business School

3 minute read

51�Թ��’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

51�Թ��’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

Shamita Harsh Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

17 March 2026 News

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at 51�Թ�� Business School

16 March 2026 News

51�Թ��’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

9 March 2026 News

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Community Changemakers

16 March 2026

51�Թ�� Business School has once again been recognised as one of the world’s leading providers of online business education, with its Global Online MBA ranked second globally and first in the UK in the latest Financial Times Online MBA Ranking. This year’s result is particularly notable as the ranking has expanded from 15 schools last year to 20 institutions globally.

The programme also rose to first place worldwide for salary three years after graduation, with alumni reporting an average salary of $253,733. The School retained its position as first in the world for international faculty, while the proportion of female students improved significantly, rising to sixth place globally from twelfth last year. 51�Թ�� also strengthened its position in the FT’s research ranking, moving up to second place from third.

These indicators reflect the Business School’s commitment to combining rigorous academic research with an inclusive and globally connected learning environment.

The Global Online MBA is designed for ambitious professionals seeking to develop leadership skills while continuing their careers. Delivered part-time through 51�Թ��’s dedicated digital learning platform, the programme blends cutting-edge technology with collaborative, interactive learning.

Within this online environment, a diverse global cohort engages with world-class faculty and industry experts. The platform integrates lectures, discussions, simulations and group projects, encouraging students to challenge established thinking and apply insights to real-world business challenges.

The Financial Times ranking is based largely on alumni outcomes, including salary progression, career development and overall satisfaction with the programme. As a result, the achievements of 51�Թ��’s Global Online MBA reflect not only the strength of the curriculum but also the success of its graduates.

Responses to the FT’s alumni survey highlighted the calibre, career progress and professional impact of 51�Թ�� graduates. Their achievements continue to strengthen the programme’s global reputation and reinforce its position among the world’s leading online MBA offerings.

The results demonstrate the value of sustained investment in digital learning innovation. The Global Online MBA represents a key element of 51�Թ��’s strategy to expand access to high-quality business education through flexible, technology-enabled teaching.

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2 minute read

Work with 51�Թ�� MSc students to solve real business challenges

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

Work with 51�Թ�� MSc students to solve real business challenges

Shamita Harsh Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

17 March 2026 News

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at 51�Թ�� Business School

16 March 2026 News

51�Թ��’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

9 March 2026 News

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Community Changemakers

26 February 2026

51�Թ�� Business School is inviting organisations to collaborate with its talented students through the MSc Group Consulting Projects, a flagship experiential learning programme running from June to July 2026. The initiative offers businesses a unique opportunity to tackle strategically important challenges while gaining fresh, research-driven insights, free of charge.

The programme allows organisations to partner with a dedicated team of MSc students for four to five weeks. Student teams conduct in-depth research, analyse data and deliver practical, evidence-based recommendations tailored to each organisation’s needs.

"Organisations benefit from working closely with the next generation of business leaders - driven individuals who bring curiosity, analytical rigour and strong commercial awareness to real-world issues,” says James Eteen, Academic Director of MSc Management and Senior Teaching Fellow.

Connecting fresh perspectives with real impact

Students are drawn from seven MSc programmes, including Management, Strategic Marketing, Business Analytics, and Global Health Management, ensuring a strong match between academic expertise and business needs.

In previous years, student projects focused on open-ended, real-world business issues ranging from developing business and marketing strategies to tackling analytical challenges using internal datasets. Common themes have also included research to support innovation, evaluating the impact of emerging technologies, and developing entrepreneurial ventures. The programme welcomes projects from businesses of all sizes, spanning from startups to global corporations, across a wide range of sectors, including:

consulting
finance
energy
healthcare
technology
media
telecommunications
fast-moving consumer goods
not-for-profit organisations

Alumni-led collaboration that delivers value

For many organisations, the programme is also a way to reconnect with 51�Թ��’s global alumni network. Ghassan El Darazi, Principal at Kearney and alumnus of the MSc Management (2014-15), participated in a recent project and highlights its impact: “51�Թ�� has made a huge impact on my personal and professional career. Collaborating with the Business School allowed us to work with fresh, curious minds and explore new perspectives on a meaningful challenge. The team delivered a rich, research-backed analysis full of actionable insights, and it’s something we’ll continue to use.”

He adds: “Bringing together people with different ways of thinking and a willingness to dig deep turned a complex brief into something far richer. I would absolutely encourage other alumni and organisations to get involved.”

Collaborating with the Business School allowed us to bring together people with different ways of thinking and a willingness to dig deep turned a complex brief into something far richer.
Ghassan El Darazi, Principal at Kearney and alumnus of the MSc Management (2014-15)

Solving for real-world challenges

Sebastian Varela-Garcia, Senior Manager at BIP UK, has been a keen advocate for collaboration with universities and endorses working with 51�Թ��’s community: “Each project we’ve undertaken has had a clear commercial dimension, leading to tangible outcomes, whether through internal developments or solutions applied directly with our clients. Since 2020, every year has produced results we’ve been able to build on and put into practice.”

He adds: “These projects reaffirm that collaboration with institutions like 51�Թ�� acts as a real accelerator. The biggest takeaway is the power of working collectively to address challenges, rather than approaching them in isolation.”

Participating companies frequently note that the quality of commendations rivals those of professional consulting firms, while also creating a direct connection to the next generation of business leaders. Many go on to build lasting relationships with 51�Թ��, using the projects as a pipeline for future talent and collaboration.

How to get involved?

The process starts with identifying a suitable business challenge that requires resolution and submitting a project brief. The deadline for submitting project briefs is Monday, 30 March 2026.

Submissions will be reviewed and matched to an appropriate MSc programme. Students will then bid for the projects, which are reviewed by internal academic panels, to find suitable alignment with interests and skills. At the end of the project, students get an opportunity to present their final recommendations to a panel comprising academic assessors and company representatives.

This is your chance to participate in a strategic, no-cost way to solve your business challenges that can spark meaningful business impact.

Please note that this is a competitive process, and although we strive to match all briefs, we cannot guarantee that a student group will be assigned to every project submission.

Find out more about the MSc Consulting Project

Submit your brief by 30 March

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Partner with our students: why businesses should apply for our consulting projects

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Partner with our students: why businesses should apply for our consulting projects

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

After beginning his career at Finance Think, Besnik Mustafa went on to advise Members of Parliament in North Macedonia. He later joined Salience Consulting, gaining experience across multiple international markets.

27 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.

13 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

As the world of work continues to shift through the rise of remote working and rapid advances in AI, our careers consultants are increasingly supporting professionals who want to stay visible, valued, and strategically positioned.

28 January 2026

Alumni

Last summer, global consulting firm AlixPartners were one of 87 companies who partnered with 51�Թ�� Business School for our Consulting Projects, presenting students with a real-world business challenge. The results? Innovative solutions, fresh perspectives, and measurable impact.

We spoke to AlixPartners consultants Business Analytics graduate (2018) Qiuyue Zhang, Vice President, and Oli Freestone, Director, about their experience and why they believe other businesses should get involved.

Working with 51�Թ�� has been a hugely rewarding experience for AlixPartners. The students supported our team in building and running the model, giving them the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a business problem taking place in real life, real-time. While we were able to give the students a look-in to the world of consulting, the experience equally helped our firm to connect with new talent and hear external perspectives on the project.

The team was impressed by the students’ ability to quickly understand the scope and deliver high-quality work. “If this was a live client situation, nailing down what the problem is and what you’ve been asked to do early on is key,” Oli explains. “Their technical capability was really impressive. What they managed to do with AI models, mock-ups, and bridging technical concepts with business-oriented explanations was outstanding.”

Qiuyue agrees,

The students were incredibly innovative. I work in the AI field myself, so understand firsthand how much time and effort it takes to upskill in those areas. They were able to do that very quickly while also having a genuine interest in solving the problem, as if it was a real-life challenge rather than just another graded part of their programme.

As an 51�Թ�� alumna, Qiuyue brought a unique perspective to the project.

I can definitely put myself in the students’ shoes, having been on that side before. I remember when I did my consulting projects, I wished I’d had more opportunities to speak to consultants at the business, so I used my own experience and learnings to tailor how I supported the students and the project. I made sure that we talked regularly so that they felt comfortable with what they were working on, and so that we could address any pain points.

Beyond technical skills, the project fostered growth and confidence. The first time we met, the group was relatively quiet, but then they became increasingly confident,” Qiuyue recalls. “You could see their development in real time. I’d be comfortable putting their final presentation in front of a client.

Both leaders strongly recommend the programme to other companies. 51�Թ�� offers the ability to address a real business problem with innovative solutions,” says Oli. Qiuyue added, “It’s good to present a variety of projects because students have different career aspirations some technical, others more business-focused.

Ready to bring fresh thinking to your business challenges?

Submit your project for the next Consulting Projects and collaborate with some of the brightest minds at 51�Թ��.

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Alumni blog: From 51�Թ�� to the Workplace - My Career Journey So Far

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni blog: From 51�Թ�� to the Workplace - My Career Journey So Far

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

27 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.

13 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

12 November 2021

Alumni

In my last article, I gave you an overview of my time at 51�Թ��, why I went to the Business School and how it helped me transition into the workplace. Here I’ll delve deeper into my decision to do more business-focused roles in science industries and how my time at 51�Թ�� influenced the choices I’ve made.

Exploring through internships

Whilst I was at 51�Թ��, I was unsure what I wanted to do after graduating, so I experimented by doing several internships in very different areas. This included the charity sector, a social enterprise and a pharmaceutical company (GSK). I was pretty much taking a shot in the dark with each one to see what stuck! The first two were not science related at all, but gave me some experience in events and marketing. At GSK, I did a HR role, and was happy to work in a science-led organisation.

I also attended A LOT of careers fairs and talks, where I networked with many employers. Mostly, they were banks or consulting firms talking about science graduates going into these fields. But I also discovered some interesting potential paths that I had never heard about before. Some healthcare-based charities came and spoke about roles in Science Policy. A patent attorney gave a talk about intellectual property and patent law being an alternative career path for scientists. The more I spoke to people about these fields and did my own research, the more I discovered other fields like Science Communication, Science Education & Outreach, Life Sciences Consulting, Teaching, Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Business Operations….the list goes on.

Discovering all my options

Suddenly, there were almost too many choices for me as a Biology graduate! Luckily, I was able to extend my degree for a year to do Management at the Business School. I knew this was the right option because I was sure I wanted a business-focused role. I thought I would be more suited to work where business skills like project management or communication were needed. When I did those internships, I felt more fulfilled than doing research projects at university. A lot of this was because of the real world, practical application I was able to experience in the workplace.

I ended up landing a graduate job on GSK’s HR Future Leaders Programme. In the Pharmaceutical sector, I got exposure to an almost overwhelming number of roles you can do in the science industry. Working in HR in the Pharma industry was great because I built a foundation of business skills that I can now transfer to a wide range of roles across industries. It is also where my interest in supporting others with their development was ignited. I rotated around four different areas of the company before being promoted to a HR Manager role, so in total I did five roles there. Mostly, I ended up working with Research & Development departments, which meant I could work closely with scientists and others in science-related roles. It gave me a sense of fulfilment to keep a link to my science background and support the work of scientists, without having to directly do the research myself!

Luckily, I was able to extend my degree for a year to do Management at the Business School. I knew this was the right option because I was sure I wanted a business-focused role. I thought I would be more suited to work where business skills like project management or communication were needed.

Where I am now

I decided to leave GSK and explore different science-led industries through volunteering and networking. During this time I also started Outside the Lab to support others with their career development in non-academic roles. I volunteered at the Cultural Events team at the Science Museum Group and now work in Research Grants & Funding, supporting researchers to apply for funding for health-care related studies.

All the way, I’ve been able to keep my link to science and apply business skills at the same time, which is exactly what my degree in Biology with Management set me up to do. It’s been really fulfilling to know that both parts of my degree are relevant to my career.

If you interested in taking your career outside the lab and want to know how to start, you can watch Batool’s webinar on How Science Graduates Can Get a High Paying Job Outside the Lab Even if You Have Little to No Work Experience.

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Alumni blog: How to Get a Job in Big Pharma

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni blog: How to Get a Job in Big Pharma

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

27 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.

13 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

19 January 2022

Alumni

In my last two articles, I’ve been talking about my career journey and how I got a job in a global pharmaceutical company after graduating with a degree in Biology with Management. I’m now going to share my tips with you on getting a job in a similar industry.

1. Have a broad idea of the department you want to work in

It can be difficult to know the specific roles available to you at a company without insider knowledge. The roles advertised on job sites may not always make sense to you at first glance. When you get into the Pharma industry, you discover the diverse range of roles available. It’s therefore a good idea to know the department you want to join, but be open to moving around later on. You are likely to discover roles that are attractive to you once you enter the company. Think about whether you still want a scientific element to your job. In this case, it would be worth considering functions like Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Operations or Environment, Health and Safety. In sales and marketing roles you also need to understand the science behind the drugs you are selling, as well as the wider healthcare industry. Or, you could opt for pure business roles. This is what I did, as I wanted to use my business skills but still be working in a science context. In this case, you could explore areas like HR, Finance, or other roles in Business Operations.

2. Think about why you want to work in Pharma

There are obvious reasons why you might want a job in 'Big Pharma', including pay, prestige and opportunities for development. Keeping a link to my science degree in some way was part of my motivation to work in a science-led organisation. The employer will want to know that you have a bigger reason for wanting to join them, linked to their purpose. This is usually customer-focused which ultimately centres around serving patients, contributing to healthcare, and improving lives. Reflect on the bigger picture reason why you want to work in Pharma and how you can express this when you apply.

3. Build your commercial awareness

It’s time to do some research! Before you apply for a job in big Pharma, look up their recent work. Use their website and Google articles about them. Find out about their product pipeline, commercial performance and overarching strategy. Building your commercial awareness is important as you are entering an industry where you will be expected to demonstrate this no matter what your role is. You can also look up other business activities such as their Corporate Social Responsibility work. Once you do this research, use it in your application! Mention your interest in a particular area in your application and your interview.

4. Prepare to demonstrate your soft skills

Get ready to demonstrate your soft skills using your academic and work experience to date. This is especially important if you are applying for a pure business role, but it’s important in any role you apply for. Even if the role requires more technical knowledge, you are still working in a business environment. Common soft skills they will look for are team-work, leadership, handling difficult situations, decision-making, overcoming obstacles, time management and organisation. There is a bit of preparation to do before applying for a job in big Pharma. The first part of it involves understanding your own aims and motivations in applying for a specific role within that industry. Then you need to prepare for the application process itself, which involves some research and reflection on your experience to position yourself well. Remember, these companies look to see if you fit with their culture as well as technical knowledge. If you are applying for a business role, it is often just transferable skills and cultural fit that you need to demonstrate. In any case, commercial awareness is key to showing your competence and suitability for the industry.

If you are ready to take your career outside the lab and want to know how to start, watch my webinar on How Science Graduates Can Get a High Paying Job Outside the Lab Even if You Have Little to No Work Experience.

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3 minute read

Alumni reflections: my experience as a woman in finance

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni reflections: my experience as a woman in finance

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

27 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.

13 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

29 January 2024

Alumni

Manushri Jain, MSc Finance (2022) offers an insight into her experience studying at 51�Թ�� Business School. She shares how this Master’s programme has transformed her global perspective and cross-cultural competencies, as well as opening doors for her career in finance. Manushri highlights what being a woman in finance means to her; she touches on the drive and talents of extraordinary women in her 51�Թ�� cohort, providing a strong sense of community.

As an ambitious young Indian woman, I aspired to have global impact in a future-oriented industry. The field combined my interests in mathematics, problem-solving, global affairs and strategic decision making.

Nationality: Indian

Undergraduate education: BSc Finance, NMIMS, Mumbai

Company and role: Ernst and Young LLP, Associate, Lead Advisory

Why I chose 51�Թ�� Business School

I was always fascinated by London and the global possibilities it held, which motivated me to apply for my Master's there. 51�Թ�� Business School is one of the most coveted choices offering not only a competitive start to my career but also the kind of multinational exposure I was looking for. Specifically, 51�Թ�� stood out to me for its excellence in finance education, its focus on responsible business practices, and its diverse student community.

Additionally, studying alongside classmates from over 20 countries created an enriching cross-cultural experience that has helped me succeed in an increasingly globalised financial sector. I was able to gain diverse perspectives and build a multinational professional network. The collaborative environment also prepared me well for teamwork in fast-paced London.

My post-graduate achievements

Professionally, my MSc Finance has opened doors to respected finance roles, like my previous position as a Quantitative Analyst at Tudor Investment Corporation as well as my current post in the Lead Advisory division at Ernst & Young. In both jobs, I have developed specialised technical skills and leadership abilities that have accelerated my career within quantitative analysis and advisory services in the London financial sector.

On a personal level, my degree truly transformed my global perspective and cross-cultural competencies. Studying alongside such an internationally diverse group of peers expanded my worldview. I learned to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems more effectively with individuals from varying backgrounds. This has served me well in succeeding within multinational corporations in London's diverse financial district.

Additionally, through 51�Թ��'s focus on ethical business practices, I deepened my commitment to using my finance skills responsibly. As I progress professionally, I strive to bring both technical excellence and steadfast integrity to my work. Overall, my Master’s from 51�Թ�� Business School has equipped me with the hard and soft skills to continue making positive impacts in global finance.

Witnessing the drive and talents of these extraordinary women gave me a strong sense of community and reaffirmed my commitment to female advancement in the field. Although barriers persist, I emerged from 51�Թ�� Business School feeling equipped, emboldened and responsible to champion women leadership in global finance.

What I valued the most

What I valued most was the immense breadth and depth of financial subjects I was able to study. From corporate finance, investment banking, and financial econometrics to specialised topics like PE, VC, and M&A—51�Թ�� offered an incredibly wide selection. I tailored my curriculum to pursue diverse facets of finance.

This wide range of electives gave me versatility and allowed me to discover my passions within the field. Ultimately, it equipped me with multi-dimensional finance skills that set me apart in securing coveted roles. The vast finance education was truly invaluable preparation for leadership positions in global financial firms in London. I emerged ready to add value across banking domains—and that flexible expertise is what I treasure most from 51�Թ��.

Why I chose a career in Finance

I chose finance as a career because I have always been fascinated by financial markets and excited by the fast-paced, challenging nature of the industry. During my undergraduate economics studies, I discovered I had an aptitude for numbers, modelling, and data analysis. Finance built upon those strengths perfectly while allowing me to remain closely connected to business operations.

Additionally, entering Finance opened doors to work internationally. As an ambitious young Indian woman, I aspired to have global impact in a future-oriented industry. The field combined my interests in mathematics, problem-solving, global affairs and strategic decision making. With possibilities to specialise across banking, investments, financial advisory and more—I knew finance could be dynamic and intellectually stimulating over the long run.

Most attractive, however, was finance’s potential for positive change on both micro and macro levels. Helping businesses grow sustainably, enabling trade across borders, designing inclusive financial products—the field facilitates economic prosperity. I felt called to be part of that. Finance empowers visionaries, uplifts communities, and transforms industries for the better. That ability to drive progress both locally and globally is what truly drew me in.

What it means to me to be a woman in finance

Being a woman in finance fills me with a sense of responsibility to forge paths for other women and represent our capabilities within a male-dominated industry. I recognise the unique challenges women face regarding career progression, work-life balance, compensation equity and more in banking. And I aim to lead by example in overcoming systemic barriers.

Seeing my classmates balance internships and family life while excelling academically motivated me to bring my best self as a woman forging new paths in the industry. Other peers went on to secure competitive banking and fintech roles, further widening the door for women in finance.

Witnessing the drive and talents of these extraordinary women gave me a strong sense of community and reaffirmed my commitment to female advancement in the field. Although barriers persist, I emerged from 51�Թ�� Business School feeling equipped, emboldened and responsible to champion women leadership in global finance. I strive to represent the capabilities of women in the industry and open even more opportunities for the next generation.

51�Թ��’s support for my career ambitions

51�Թ�� Business School supported my career ambitions in numerous impactful ways. Firstly, the rigorous finance curriculum and specialised concentrations prepared me with cutting-edge technical abilities that set me apart. Through electives in financial modelling, econometrics, risk management and more—I developed versatile skillsets tailored to thrive in London’s dynamic financial sector.

Additionally, the Business School’s ties to top global banks and firms opened pathways to coveted internships and jobs. From resume workshops to exclusive networking events, I gained access to firms I had dreamed of working for. The career coaching also helped me articulate my value powerfully. Leveraging those connections and learning how to effectively promote my expertise were instrumental in landing roles after graduation.

Furthermore, 51�Թ��’s focus on holistic development made me well-rounded. Presentation trainings, leadership workshops, ethics cases and group assignments not only boosted my hard skills but also communication abilities, emotional intelligence and moral compass—qualities vital for impactful finance leadership.

By fuelling me with multidimensional talents grounded in ethics, 51�Թ�� empowered me to bring technical excellence and compassion to advance responsible, inclusive finance globally. I emerged perfectly equipped to match the needs of leading corporations while staying true to my ambition of driving progress through finance. For nurturing that, I am tremendously grateful.

My advice for women

Firstly, have confidence in yourself and your capabilities. 51�Թ��'s programmes are rigorous, but if you have a strong quantitative background and interest in business, you have what it takes. Use the application to accentuate your unique passions within finance, whether in banking, sustainability, fintech or beyond.

Additionally, leverage all the support available if admitted. Seek out mentors like the incredible female finance faculty who can offer insights on thriving in this space as a woman. Attend 51�Թ��'s career fairs and resume workshops to land competitive internships that open doors. And get involved with clubs like the Women in Business Society which provide community and empower you further. These clubs also offer opportunities to connect with peers from all our programmes and attend events hosted by inspiring female leaders.

Finally, appreciate that you'll be forging new paths for other women. Finance needs more diverse perspectives and ethical leaders. Leverage this opportunity to find your voice and develop solutions to complex global issues. Let the women peers that inspire you motivate you to bring your best self. You'll face challenges but have an enormously powerful opportunity to turn them into triumphs.

Ultimately, have courage in your talents and know that 51�Թ�� will equip you with the hard and soft skills to shatter ceilings. You'll emerge ready to advance as a woman in global finance while lifting others.

51�Թ��’s support

To help towards closing the gender gap in business, 51�Թ�� offers a Women in Finance scholarship of £25,000 (for 2024 entry) to those demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential. In addition to the financial reward, recipients gain access to networking events and can share their outstanding achievement with recruiters when applying for jobs.

Finance is traditionally seen as a ‘male-dominated' industry, and as a result some women may have reservations about working in this area. However, this shouldn’t be the case as steps are being made to make the industry inclusive for all, beginning at institutions like 51�Թ��.

This award is available for all five Finance Master’s programmes at 51�Թ��, which range from the broader to more specialised topics like fintech and risk management:

Careers

Finance

Programme

MSc Finance

7 minute read

Alumni blog: The Positivity Project

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni blog: The Positivity Project

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

27 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.

13 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

23 August 2021

Alumni

Last year I was disappointed to learn that, after a protracted process, I wasn’t on the final shortlist for a job I really had my heart set on. As far as I was concerned this role was a perfect fit for my skills and experience. I had done my research, had a lot of questions and ideas and could really picture myself in situ, doing what needed to be done to make a success of it.

Naturally I felt a bit low given the amount of time and energy I had invested in the application process, but as I picked myself back up I thought I would share some thoughts for other jobseekers about staying positive in these difficult times.

1. Get to know yourself

You should be defined by far more than your job title, so you need to spend some time discovering what motivates you, where you get your energy and those things you need to avoid. When I started work I was terribly shy and was delighted to learn that as a very junior analyst I wouldn’t get to speak to clients (bag carrier and coffee buyer was essentially my early job description) and for years I carried around the notion that I liked independence and solitude. It was only when I started doing consultancy work based at home that I realised I really missed constant human interaction and I was only really motivated and energised when in the middle of a cut and thrust debate with clients and colleagues. Having that knowledge has allowed me to change my practices so I get that level of interaction and am recharged by it. If you don’t know what fires you up, or conversely drags you down, then remaining positive is a game of chance rather than skill.

2. Turn off your newsfeed part 1

We all understand that bad news sells and we are inundated with it right now. Bank of England economist Andy Haldane summarised the issue when he said “My concern at present is that good news on the economy is being crowded out by fears about the future. Collective anxiety is as contagious, and could be as damaging to our well-being, as this terrible disease.” Even if before you were required to be literally up-to-the-minute on world events, why not try checking in on developments in the news only once or twice a day instead and taking the pot of media alarm off the simmer?

3. Turn off your newsfeed part 2

Most social media involves people trumpeting about their personal, family or business successes. Even LinkedIn, a supposedly serious networking platform is turning into a forum for just bragging and I’ve seen posts showing off expensive new cars and others berating anyone who dares to “hate on” someone’s success. It’s hard to stay positive when you perceive everyone else is doing well but keep in mind that some (maybe most?) of this is bluff and bluster, so be ruthless in who you follow and are connected to if you’re using the network for jobhunting and research. Alternatively, just commit to spend less time on social networks and when you do browse them, do so with a purpose and stay away from the narcissists.

4. Stay busy

You are used to being busy through daylight hours. Many of us have had time to adjust to working from home which broke the travel, work, travel rhythm of the day but still filled all of usual working hours. Hopefully it won’t come as a surprise but there are just as many hours in the day and you can you fill them equally well or better than you did at work. Exercise, do those routine maintenance jobs you keep putting off, spend time catching up with friends and colleagues (actually speak to them, don’t just fire off a 1 line email), do the school run, start that hobby you have an interest in but could never justify committing time to. DO NOT sit around and wait for the world to come to you. It won’t.

5. Be ruthless in your job search

Job hunting is tough. Job hunting in a global pandemic is downright depressing. There may be a temptation to just carpet bomb every job which has a keyword in it and hope something sticks but this would be a mistake. If you’re sitting on hundreds of automated rejections or non-responses (which my data shows around 47.5% of applications!) then it is going to be nigh on impossible to maintain your self-esteem. Research potentially interesting roles and determine if it is right for you and if you are right for the job. If so, then commit time to addressing the requirements for the position and thinking about how you solve their problem before applying.

Seek feedback from roles you don’t get but thought you were in the running for, as this can help you identify blindspots in your profile (we all have them, don’t kid yourself that you don’t).

Finally, if you’re being ruthless about which jobs you target then also be ruthless in who you deal with. If you make a number of applications to a company or through an agency and never get a response or they won’t give you any feedback, seriously consider automatically disregarding anything they might advertise in future as you are clearly either not ticking enough boxes or raising a red flag in their systems. You don’t have the time or mental energy for people and business who are closed off to you, so move on.

6. Be patient

This will take time. It will take more time than you imagine. Don’t expect the world to change overnight or a new job to drop into your lap tomorrow. It will eventually, and you may get lucky with the first application you make, but believing in the long game means you should avoid the disappointment of feeling like you’re not getting anywhere fast.

7. Don’t draw comparisons with others

This should be true of all things in life but we’re human and it’s part of our nature to size up how we’re doing against others. Beating yourself up over why x wasn’t made redundant when you were or how y managed to get back into a new job before you doesn’t gain you anything. They are different people with different lives who may just have been in the right place at the right time. Let them tell their story, you focus on yours and all will be well in the end.

Careers

Programme

Global Online MBA

5 minute read

Alumni profile: My international career journey

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni profile: My international career journey

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

27 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.

13 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

4 May 2021

Alumni

Carlotta Dal Lago (Executive MBA 2019) describes herself as “driven by curiosity, craving for learning and passion”. And this is evidently clear in her CV which sites many impressive higher education institutions including Harvard Business School, Cambridge University and LSE. She has travelled the world and lived in Latin America, Africa, Europe and the UK , and is currently Head of Business Development, Marketing and Communication for Anjarwalla & Kanna (ALN Kenya) one of the largest corporate law firms in East Africa and ALN, an alliance of law firms, present in 15 countries in Africa.

As well as this she is the founder of a Community Forest Association in Nairobi, The Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy (NACCFA), a business mentor for the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, and a mother of twins. We spoke to Carlotta about her life, career and how she manages to juggle all her many roles and responsibilities.

Tell us about your current role

I am currently Head of Business Development, Marketing and Communication for ALN Kenya and ALN. It is an extremely busy role as we seek to provide an integrated service for clients doing business across Africa. Working with 15 different law firms, as well as leading the team at ALN Kenya, my role is complex and rewarding, navigating geography and culture, a matrix organisation, and internal and external stakeholders’ dynamics.

It is an incredible experience. The culture of the company is very similar to companies I have worked for in the past, particularly Bain&Company. Self-driven and entrepreneurial with a long-term vision. Committed to the advancement of the continent and future generations by improving the rule of law and supporting the education of lawyers. We’re deeply rooted locally but with international networks and connections.

I enjoy having the space to think like an ‘Intrepreneur’ - being given the financial resources and autonomy to proactively introduce new ideas, develop new structures and processes. It is rewarding to watch the transformation of the culture of the team, to witness growth and to empower members of my team to take responsibility and ownership. And this in turn enables the company to grow and succeed.

I am also the founder and Chairperson of a community forest association, NACCFA, which is working to restore and maintain the main urban park in Nairobi, the Nairobi Arboretum, together with Kenya Forest Service (KFS). The aim is to manage the park without having to rely on government funds by generating strong partnerships with the private sector and communities. I am developing a new management format which involves many revenue generation activities. We have become the centre of excellence for urban greenification in Kenya, a project that KFS and UNEP will launch on 5 June on World Environmental Day.

“Home is always home and I often battle between staying and going, but passion for my professional ventures and the opportunity to learn more and do better have always pushed me to go and explore new chances and new countries.”

Tell us about your role as business mentor for the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women

Women’s economic abuse is more widespread than we think, and economic empowerment is an important topic to me since it is connected to a woman’s freedom to make the right choices and decisions.

The Cherie Blair Foundation helps women to release the entrepreneurial potential in low- and middle-income countries and empowers them to create better futures for themselves and their families. When women are economically empowered, everyone benefits.

I am currently mentoring an entrepreneur in Malaysia to help build her cheese business. She has everything she needs: intuition, determination, passion and she knows how to run her business. But sometimes it’s simply an encouraging word that helps to move things ahead.

You've had a very international career – what would be your advice to others wanting to do the same?

I do not think there is a recipe for that. I am driven by curiosity, craving for learning and passion for what I am doing. I started to travel at a very young age and to venture out of my comfort zone – I throw myself into new projects and I am not afraid to ask for help, or to try a new path when new ideas come to me. And so it was that I found myself in Argentina for a year working on a thesis on the ‘Mother of Plaza de Mayo and the fight to dictatorship’. Then to the UN in New York for one of the first internship programmes. Followed by a scholarship to LSE in London to continue social psychology with top professors and researchers in the field of social representation.

When you have experience and have shown yourself to be adaptable, professional opportunities will come with international companies, giving you global exposure to top talents and the most advanced ideas.

Home is always home and I often battle between staying and going, but passion for my professional ventures and the opportunity to learn more and do better have always pushed me to go and explore new chances and new countries.

With so much experience already, why did you decide to undertaken an Executive MBA?

Following more than 15 years of work and living away from home, as well as the birth of my twins, I needed to rationalise and find a common ground between my professional and personal experiences to help decide on my next steps. I wanted to develop my own style of leadership and management, along with new skills and competences.

The Executive MBA programme felt in line with my career aspirations. It was a really great experience. The time I spent with 40 other executives was extremely valuable. The diversity of people from different countries and industries, as well as the impressive curriculum, gave me tremendous inspiration and insight, and increased my confidence in my own judgement. Through the programme I was able to better understand my strengths, weakness and values. As they say, ‘leadership is a journey... not a destination.’ I now question things a lot more. I am more aware of the different assumptions people are making. I am aware of framing conversations and of different angles. I am more engaged and have the tools to understand the bigger picture.

Careers

Executive MBA

Programme

Executive MBA

5 minute read

Alumni blog: Time Management

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni blog: Time Management

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

27 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.

13 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

25 May 2021

Alumni

Since studying part-time over the past five years, the question that I get asked the most is, "How do you manage your time?" Truth be told, I have absolutely no idea and often find myself answering the question with another question... "What time?!"

I do have three suggestions to consider from the little that I've experienced as a part-time student. These are more of guidelines that I fall back to whenever I find myself wandering around the house not knowing what to do first... before proceeding to watch reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond!

1. One thing at a time

According to Dr. Guy Winch, author of Emotional First Aid, there's no such thing as multitasking. It's just switching back and forth quickly between tasks. While I disagree with this as a parent of two kids, I can only vouch for it as a part-time student. The brain has limited capacity to focus (especially mine) so I try to avoid multitasking unless I'm finalising a paper and my child is screaming for dinner (these two overlap 90% of the time).

I have tried multitasking in the past, but I often end up feeling dissatisfied with the outcome as instead of getting at least one of the tasks done, I end up with two half-baked results. From this experience, I find that prioritising and getting the easier task out of the way helps. Even across the spectrum of study-related activities, there are many differing levels of focus required.

Reading a journal or writing a paper, for example require almost 100% focus. Running a model on Excel, on the other hand, might require a bit less, thus there is a chance that you could still get it done in between scrambling eggs, for example. Ultimately, nothing beats full dedication to studying which brings us to our next tip, a quiet space.

2. Find your quiet space

Again, living with two children has its limitations especially if you're trying to find a 'quiet space'. This is because 1) the word 'quiet' doesn't exist in the household and 2) every 'space' is occupied with Lego. So you need to a bit more realistic in finding this so-called ‘quiet’ space. And ‘space’ in this context, refers to both time and location.

It’s all about prioritising your tasks, finding the right place and time, and giving yourself a break!

My time is dictated by the kids, thus my studying time is squeezed when they are inactive. Specifically, this is before they wake up and after they go to bed. Anything in between is almost impossible. But I have trained myself to work around this routine and have managed to also adjust my biological clock to be productive around those hours, especially in the morning.

Another time that I try to fit in studying is during the commute to work. This was before the pandemic, and when I was taking public transport. Although, this activity is limited to listening to audio recordings of lectures or podcasts - reading in the train gives me headache especially during rush hour!

3. Take a break

This is the most important bit. Some of us used to burn the midnight oil back in college. I can attest that at least for me, there's no oil left to burn. The most I could do is studying until up about midnight before I end up snoring on a journal paper.

Taking a break from is important for two reasons: 1) it allows you to take a step back to reflect and 2) nothing is ever more important than family time. So I do take a lot of breaks to spend time with my kids before I give up and wish I’m studying instead (this doesn’t usually take long).

As you can see, not all of the above are applicable to everyone. We each have unique situations with our own time management advantages and limitations. It’s a learning process so please don’t expect to nail it within the first semester. I’ve graduated twice and still couldn’t give a straight answer to questions on time management.

But the three points I’ve given still hold, nonetheless. It’s all about prioritising your tasks, finding the right place and time, and giving yourself a break!

Careers

Programme

Global Online MBA

3 minute read

Careers

IB African Business Careers Club wins prestigious debate at Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference

IB African Business Careers Club wins prestigious debate at Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference

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“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at 51�Թ��� Business School

51�Թ���’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Community Changemakers

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IB African Business Careers Club claimed top honours at the Cambridge Africa Together Conference, defeating Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE in a landmark debate on foreign investment in Africa.

51�Թ���’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

51�Թ���’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at 51�Թ��� Business School

51�Թ���’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Community Changemakers

Subscribe for research and events from the Business School

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Programme retains UK’s top position and ranks first globally for salary three years after graduation

Work with 51�Թ��� MSc students to solve real business challenges

Work with 51�Թ��� MSc students to solve real business challenges

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at 51�Թ��� Business School

51�Թ���’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Community Changemakers

Connecting fresh perspectives with real impact

Alumni-led collaboration that delivers value

Solving for real-world challenges

How to get involved?

Find out more about the MSc Consulting Project

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Submit a consulting project for summer 2026

Partner with our students: why businesses should apply for our consulting projects

Partner with our students: why businesses should apply for our consulting projects

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

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MSc Consulting Projects

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Alumni blog: From 51�Թ��� to the Workplace - My Career Journey So Far

Alumni blog: From 51�Թ��� to the Workplace - My Career Journey So Far

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

Exploring through internships

Discovering all my options

Where I am now

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Alumni blog: How to Get a Job in Big Pharma

Alumni blog: How to Get a Job in Big Pharma

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

1. Have a broad idea of the department you want to work in

2. Think about why you want to work in Pharma

3. Build your commercial awareness

4. Prepare to demonstrate your soft skills

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Alumni reflections: my experience as a woman in finance

Alumni reflections: my experience as a woman in finance

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

Why I chose 51�Թ��� Business School

My post-graduate achievements

What I valued the most

Why I chose a career in Finance

What it means to me to be a woman in finance

51�Թ���’s support for my career ambitions

My advice for women

51�Թ���’s support

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Alumni blog: The Positivity Project

Alumni blog: The Positivity Project

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

Share

Alumni profile: My international career journey

Alumni profile: My international career journey

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at 51�Թ�� Business School

51�Թ��’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

51�Թ��’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

51�Թ��’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at 51�Թ�� Business School

51�Թ��’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

Work with 51�Թ�� MSc students to solve real business challenges

Work with 51�Թ�� MSc students to solve real business challenges

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at 51�Թ�� Business School

51�Թ��’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

Alumni blog: From 51�Թ�� to the Workplace - My Career Journey So Far

Alumni blog: From 51�Թ�� to the Workplace - My Career Journey So Far

Why I chose 51�Թ�� Business School

51�Թ��’s support for my career ambitions

51�Թ��’s support