LBS MFA (internship after grad application) any chance?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's an evaluation of your chances for the LBS MFA program:

Profile Evaluation:

1. Academic Papers on Capital Structure:

   • This demonstrates strong research skills and a deep understanding of finance, which is a positive aspect for your application.

2. GMAT Score: 730 (Q: 49 V: 42 IR: 8):

   • A GMAT score of 730 is excellent and aligns well with the competitive nature of LBS MFA admissions.

3. Cum Laude from Belgian University:

   • Graduating with honors from a reputable university adds significant value to your academic credentials.

4. No Work Experience but Upcoming Internship:

   • While LBS values work experience, your upcoming 6-month internship in the M&A team at an Indian bank will be beneficial. However, since you will be applying in December 2025 and the internship starts in February 2025, you will need to emphasize your future plans and how this internship will enhance your profile.

5. Extracurriculars:

   • Founding a student club for internationals to get internships in Belgium and registering it as a non-profit shows leadership and initiative, which are highly valued by LBS.

Considerations:

• Work Experience: LBS places significant emphasis on work experience. Although you will not have completed your internship by the time of application, you should highlight your upcoming role and how it aligns with your career goals.
• Leadership and Initiative: Your extracurricular activities demonstrate strong leadership skills, which is a key aspect LBS looks for in candidates.
• Application Timing: Applying in December without completed work experience might be a slight disadvantage. However, if you can effectively communicate your future internship and its relevance to your career goals, it can mitigate this concern.

Recommendations:

• Highlight Future Internship: Clearly articulate how the upcoming M&A internship will contribute to your career aspirations and why it is relevant to your application.
• Emphasize Leadership: Make sure to detail your role in founding the student club and its impact.
• Strong Essays and Recommendations: Ensure your application essays and recommendation letters are compelling and align with LBS's values and expectations.

Conclusion:

Your profile is strong academically and in terms of leadership. While the lack of completed work experience is a minor drawback, your upcoming internship and strong GMAT score should help balance this. You have a good chance, but make sure to present your future plans convincingly in your application.

Good luck with your application!

Sources: LBS MFA Interview Experience, Chances of getting into LSE Msc Finance/LBS MFA, MSF Class of 2018, MSc Finance Profile Evaluation (LSE Finance, LBS Financial Analysis, Oxford Financial Economics), European Masters Rankings