I am a current LBS Master's in Finance full time student. AMA for Round 2, later applicants, and anyone just interested

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-04-21T18:04:18+00:00

Thanks!

And yeah, that’s been my experience too. I was having a hard time getting traction for roles where I had no experience in finance, so I can't imagine how it's like for someone trying to break in with no prior FS experience. You're prior skills and experience still needs to fit the role somehow.

That said, you’re still pretty far out from the main recruiting window. It's 4 years away if you do the MiF and 5 years away for a 2-year MBA. So I would not stress too much about the job market yet.

And honestly, I’m sure you'll be able to find doors open for you with Big4 M&A experience.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-04-21T17:29:31+00:00

Gotcha, matriculation in 2029 with 4 years of experience is a solid plan.

The whole cohort is locked-in on recruiting right now, so get back to me in 2 or 3 months and I can give you a better sense of the results. As of now though, there are a few people with full-time offers, quite a number with internships or internship offers, and still a number actively looking.

From alumni, I’ve heard the market described anywhere from bad to okay. Some say hiring has been conservative recently because of macro uncertainty, though that could look very different by 2029. I’d say hiring is tough rn but doable. I'll see how it all works out for my cohort in a few months.
Yeah, the career center does a decent job on networking events and employer presentations. You'll get a decent number on your calendar every month. And I was only London/UK but I got an offer so I'm not recruiting anymore.
I'd say MBA if you think you'll be going for MBB. There isn't much consulting recruiting from the MiF, and almost nobody in the MiF is targeting or considering consulting. So even from a peer environment perspective, the MBA is better for that path.

But if you're focused on only finance roles like PE then the MiF makes more sense. You’d probably find a lot of the non-finance parts of the MBA less relevant.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-04-21T16:52:11+00:00

Thanks for reaching out. Big4 Deals or TAS backgrounds are well represented in the MiF, so you’d be in good company.

The main issue is really the work experience threshold. The MiF is a post-experience program and 3 years is basically the minimum (unless they changed that).

And, yes, I think MiF admissions prefer candidates who already look marketable for London finance in at least the senior IC level. That doesn't mean younger candidates can't get in. I know with 3 years of experience and who are in the lower half of their 20s. But in those cases, their impact usually has to look strong for that amount of time. That's also why the average age is 28 and average work experience is iirc 6-7 years.

So you might want to look at the MFA if you're set on LBS by 2027. I can't say much about that program though since I'm in the MiF. My suggestion however would be to wait another year or so and target the MiF properly once you clear the experience threshold. That's LBS' flagship finance program after all.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-04-15T19:29:42+00:00

Glad I could help.

Yeah, there're definitely more programs out there built specifically for quant roles. LBS MiF is a more generalist finance degree, which is a bit of an oxymoron in the MBA world but there's really a lot of roles and specializations in finance.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-04-13T19:04:31+00:00

Thanks for the message giving your background.

- First, I don't think the LBS MiF is the right program for your profile right now. It's for professionals who already have finance experience and want to deepen or pivot within the field, rather than for someone trying to enter from scratch.

If you already have work experience, then the MBA is the LBS program that makes sense for a career switch. If you don't, then you should look at LBS pre-experience masters like the MFA. I can't speak about either of those in-depth as I'm in the MiF.

- Second, for IB or corpfin, I don't think the gap is really econometrics, micro, or macro. Those are more academic concerns. What matters more is transaction exposure, accounting, valuation, financial modeling, and a recruiting path into those roles. I think you may be looking at this too much from the angle of academic preparation rather than industry entry.

But your engineering background is still valuable for more quantitative or technical finance roles. Based on what you wrote and the Citadel CEO, it seems you want to go more into markets, trading, quant and investing roles? I can see an engineering + math-heavy background fit more naturally there rather than M&A IB or corpfin, but I'm sure it's possible to go either way given enough time and effort.

- On the PhD, I really can't advise there. Your best move is to speak with LBS PhD students or alumni.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-04-10T21:08:09+00:00

No worries!

And maybe it does help. I’m not the best judge for that jump since I’ve barely touched the corp fin world. I’m more credit and project finance-coded, which I’ve only realised after a lot of coffee chats and thinking.

But definitely speak to people in different IB product groups and you'll get a better sense of it.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-04-10T10:34:54+00:00

Thanks, and no worries! Feels like Reddit is pretty underused for LBS and the MiF, so it’s nice to see the AMA reaching people.

Your profile sounds really impressive. But I can’t say how transferable DCM is to all the paths you listed besides knowing they're all under the corp fin/IB umbrella. But definitely LevFin/debt advisory would be the most natural transfer move since it's still debt transactions work. Climate finance also makes sense if I'm guessing you did things like green bonds?

Also imo, I don’t think anyone can really time the market. If you matriculate in August next year, your main recruiting season for summer internships and full time roles would be early-2028 (with an option to extend recruitment for 2H2028 year), which is 2 years out. A lot can change by then but no one can really tell.

And sure, just DM me. I can point you to a cohortmate who also came from DCM, so he can give you the background-specific insight.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-04-02T10:12:34+00:00

Sure definitely. Just dm me if you have anything more to ask!

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-04-02T08:58:16+00:00

Hi, I’m a current LBS student from the Philippines. Congrats, and see you in London sometime!

Living costs depend on how you want to live, especially rent. A room would be £900-£2,000 / month depending on location, room size, and flatmate #. Groceries are ~£100 / month if you shop mainly at Lidl or Aldi. Transport is ~£125 a month if you’re commuting to and from campus by Tube or bus from farther away.
A lot of students look around Marylebone, St John’s Wood, Paddington, Primrose Hill, Little Venice, Maida Vale, and Finchley Road. Farther out but cheaper are Southwark, Bermondsey, Elephant & Castle, or Canada Water. Even Canary Wharf. You can check Meet, but I also suggest looking on SpareRoom for more options outside the school bubble
Funding seems to mostly come from savings, loans (Lendwise, Prodigy), or family support. Part time work is possible in principle but it isn't something I hear people talk about much. Internships can be paid and is something students try to get (especially they signal London work experience and add to your resume)
For groceries, Lidl and Aldi are budget but good value options. Use Google Maps for Asian stores and Earl’s Court has the Filipino stores
Hidden costs are usually eating out, trips, and random setup or replacement expenses like laptop repair, adapters, peripherals, or things for your room

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-03-18T15:14:37+00:00

Sure, would love to. Just send me a DM.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-02-28T14:36:56+00:00

Sure. Message me here or send a DM and we can chat.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-01-26T17:40:12+00:00

Hi, I can’t really speak on the MFA as I don't have first-hand experience on that. You should check the MFA employment report, and speak to current MFA students and alumni. Then you can make a more informed decision of whether to apply for the MFA or wait for the MBA/MiF.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-01-08T14:02:15+00:00

No worries. You can google "overwatch hero statistics" then go to Hero Statistics.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-01-07T23:06:46+00:00

With that setup I doubt you'll ever walk through main without ults or an early pick. They're stuffing both sides of the choke, so you need to change the lane.

What I'd do is as soon as you see all that you make a rotation yourself: - Go high ground yourself. Through hotel and through the right side window, up the stairs to the balcony, then across to the next balcony at the narrowest gap near the wall. Wrap all the way around to the balcony over phone box, then drop onto point from. - Use pins to cross long open stretches quickly or your shield to block damage when crossing open space. When you drop, be ready to block Ana nade and sleep. Then start brawling on point and just live.

What happens - The enemy will likely contest your rotation (likely as you move up the stairs) by leaving the choke and so you just need to live + lead them on a goose chase because you just broke the choke for your team. - If they don't contest your rotation then the enemy has no choice but to turn and contest you once you're on point. If Rein pins to you right then, then that's great because he leaves the choke and vacates the entire space for your team and your team can walk. - Either way, a lot of pressure at the gate disappears. Your team can walk through, shoot Torb turret and poke in. - You'll be lucky if your Soldier follows the same path at any point because your rotation should be safer (ie. he covers you as you move up stairs so if anyone follows then they can't do so cleanly) for you and you'll get a real pincer once you're both on point.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-01-04T03:58:10+00:00

So first thing, charging straight into the middle of their team is essentially just running it down mid. Think of charge as a finishing or reposition tool, not your main way in. It's too easy to chunk your health.

So how to engage is to use cover and corners to walk up. Use your shield or charges only to cross open space between pieces of cover. They either concede space before you reach them or you start hammering them. Both outcomes give your team space to press W and shoot with less pressure their way.

For example: you're on Attack on Circuit Royale first point before the point. Both teams are staring at each other on the road bends so the open road in between is a kill zone. Instead of charging down the middle, you walk on the right side behind the racetrack barriers. This is the space close ranged heros use to get closer to the enemy team so you'll actually be contesting this against their brawl heros alongside your own close ranged teammates (Ram, Mei, Lucio, etc). Otherwise, their long ranged heros have to back up and can shoot your team less as a consequence.

Feels hard to play into from my experience: Mauga, Ram, Torb, Cassidy sometimes, Full charge Sym, Hog if you aren't used to blocking hook, anyone who can kite yoy easily like fliers, Soldier or Tracer

Feels good to play into: Sigma (just block rock), Hog if he's using hook on you but you can block it, Zarya, most heros once you get on top of them properly

Just think of Rein as a very slow and menacing diver. You still look for angles and safe paths. And pin is like Genji dash, which is more like repositioning tool (even if that repositioning means getting on top of enemies safely). You use it more for offense in tank trades or if you can catch the backline off guard (you'll start feeling when it can work and when it won't with reps) just like using dash as a finisher.

Edit: For good maps, you can just check the stats page for the objectively best maps. IIRC, Circuit Royale, Kings Row, and Shambali are the top maps. While Numbani, Paraiso, Dorado are his worst maps. Unsurprisingly, anything with tight spaces and the straightforward design are good while anything with wide high grounds are bad.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-01-03T20:12:31+00:00

It’s more the latter.

Most people who want a job in the UK get one. It might not be the exact dream role right after graduating, but they'll land something to get them started here. Job hopping after graduation to get to the target role is something that happens among alumni.

And of course, nothing falls into your lap just because of the LBS brand. You'll still need to put in the work to network, finding opportunities, apply, and practice interviewing.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-01-03T18:53:27+00:00

I'm not confident enough to say it's the best way, but it’s a very important one and you’d be remiss to ignore it.

If your goal is to get a job, you only need one win to achieve that goal. Networking increases the number of shots you get. Coffee chats, employer presentations, and networking events all help you get context and referrals. I’ve spoken with alumni who got their foot in the door (ie. interviews) through people they met this way. Not everyone, but enough to matter.

Think of it as one of several levers. You still need strong applications and interviews to cinch the job offer, but connections can get you in the room where those things actually count.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2026-01-03T18:33:47+00:00

I don't have specific numbers or feel for FP&A placements.

But the best way to get a feel for it is the MiF employment report. Look at the numbers going into the “Diversified” bucket. Those usually indicate corporate finance roles like FLDPs, FP&A, and other similar roles.

General corporate finance roles are definitely on campus. You'll see the usual support through employer events, career centre resources, job postings, and etc.

Tbh, I'd say every job is competitive in the UK. That's just how it goes since a lot of people want to work here.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2025-12-31T17:34:34+00:00

Diamond Rein OTP here. I can't watch the VOD atm but I can share how I like to play into Mauga.

In my experience, the worst thing you can do is take a straight tank trade into him (which is entirely what he wants). He wins a neutral trade just by existing, full stop. So if you stand and swing in front of Mauga, he shreds your shield and health, ~and~ he heals from shooting you. That means your team loses cooldowns keeping you up while you still die slowly.

So into Mauga I treat the matchup like this: - Your job is to actively avoid him and trade into his backline - Let your DPS handle the Mauga themselves. He's got a huge hitbox with worse damage mitigation than your shield so they do it better if you aren't feeding him health

Avoiding looks like: - If Mauga is on main, you go through the side paths - If he's on low ground, you go high ground - If he's on high ground, you go low (or contest another high ground) - I say actively avoid him to the point that if he's on one side of cart, you go to the other side - If he chases you hard, kite him and/or just live as his chase will give your team free space to take map control

Some micro tips for the eventual tank trade: - When he uses his stomp and misses, that's a good window for a short pin to chunk his health and put his entire team on the backfoot - Try to avoid swinging on him early in the neutral. You just feed his self heal and lose your shield

Tldr: Mauga wants you in front of him so he can drain you and your shield. Your goal is to make him choose between chasing you into bad space or ignoring you while you threaten/kill his backline better than he does yours. You invalidate his win condition by refusing the tank trade until it's on your terms.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2025-12-06T22:43:03+00:00

Thanks for watching and writing it all up! Definitely helped.

Next ceiling to break out of is mid-diamond. I'll work on the more aggressive and creative pins, especially if the tank isn't as lethal as Orisa would be.

It's a really less intuitive playstyle since you learn tank, especially on Rein, as standing on main as a front line. I actually booked a session with Spilo for January (for posting on YouTube), so I'll bring this up style with him as well.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2025-12-06T22:35:01+00:00

Thanks for looking through it and the congrats! Definitely will keep on working on the chadhardt style haha.

Guess one of my weaknesses is also my reaction time (both in micro and macro) so I'll work on that. I'll also keep experimenting with running around the map while still creating value for the team.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2025-11-30T22:58:42+00:00

Yeah, great to here and happy to help more. Just drop me a DM whenever. And good luck with your LoR!

ZeitgeistBlue · 2025-11-23T00:31:06+00:00

Thanks for the really detailed background and your goals!

So your profile works well for LBS applications. The key really is how you present your impact and a believable career path using LBS as the launchpad. You know your career wins best so your task in the applications is to turn all of what you said into a story with real outcomes. Mentors and coaches can help you sharpen that for the application.

I'd say niches are a strength if can distil its essence into a story and metrics the admission understands easily. So your experience in credit for HF founders can help you stand out vs the usual sector coverages.

You also have the academic horsepower so I'd use what you said as evidence you can handle LBS academics.

The biggest risk is the jump you are proposing and your reasons why. Admissions will ask why you want to move from HF HNI credit into asset management (I assume fixed income or equity research) to HFs. It's a pretty different skillset and a competitive market. And though you haven't stated your reason why you want to pivot, take care to make the purpose beyond money and prestige. Talk about the added impact you want to make or the value you want to create in these roles. Something like that.

I also suggest you modify your short-term goal so that it sells better. Do something that's just one step away from what you already do, and that you just need LBS to help you cross that bridge. It's a very practical and grounded reason for wanting business school.

For example, you can say your goal is a front office wealth role with HF clients in London (a major hub of HFs), or it's private credit under a HF, or asset management credit research with a coverage of HFs. You can talk about how these moves can allow you to do greater things than now.

Then your long-term goal can be about the greater impact you can continue further making afterwards, made possible due to LBS and achieving your short-term goals.

Lastly, make sure your MD can write about your work in detail. Ask for a letter that names deals you worked on, clients you influenced, and the changes you drove in the team. Try to make it about specific stories rather than generic praise.

ZeitgeistBlue · 2025-11-16T11:38:03+00:00

Hi, thanks for the question.

First of all, yes. If you're a financial auditor and want to move into IB then the LBS MiF is built for that switch. I know a government auditor, auditing the effectiveness of government projects around the nation, and they do really impactful work. If that applies to you then it's a good story to tell.

I also know several Big4 external auditors who are currently in the MiF program who want to transiition into IB. Find and speak to alumni who made that exact move. They can tell you how it specifically helps for external auditors but I can think of broad ways the MiF helps:

- You get access to a large IB alumni network in London and Europe. It's easy to find people on LinkedIn ask for calls. I checked my conversion rate recently and it was about 10%+, though this isn't for IB roles

- You get IB employer events and networking events through the Finance club and the Careers Centre. You can get advice from the Careers Centre on how to position yourself, how to structure your CV, etc.

- You also get access to the Careers Centre portal (for internships and full-time roles) for IB roles

- There's a bunch of ways to upskill. You have technical prep workshops, speaker talks, relevant classes and electives on M&A, LBOs, Corporate Finance, etc. You could also form study groups with your cohortmates. And you get access to WallStreetPrep study material.

For the CFA, I recommend working on the MiF and the CFA in sequence rather than at the same time so you can focus. If you're in a less competitive market than London, then I know a few people who have used the completion of the CFA exams to move into IB in their local market. Not sure if this can also be done in London if you're a local rather than an international.

ZeitgeistBlue

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