“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
If you're applying to LSE, why not also apply to Oxford/ Cambridge? Idk much about Indian recruiting but can't imagine they wouldn't consider Oxbridge at least equivalent to top Indian targets
The thing with LSE is that it is the only UK institution which is considered a target in the UK which also provides financial aid to Internationals and has the lowest base tuition fees for Internationals. Oxford has around 30k GBP base with no Scheme for Internationals and scholarships are mind numbingly competitive vs LSE's 22k GBP and an Undergraduate Support Scheme based purely on financial need. Bocconi has a similar ISU aid system and St Gallen's base fees is already lower than many top Indian schools. For UG, I dont think paying the 30k for 3 years at Oxbridge is worth it at all when I can do my UG in LSE and MFe in Oxford for the brand name or MiM in LBS or other top MiMs.
For my dream MBB job, other than US, my main target is the UK and I just wanted to be sure enough that if I am making such a large investment for education and with visa policies getting stricter for the developing world populous to emigrate to the developed world and especially my dream being such a high reach where locals from STEM targets get rejected, having a backup in my homeland as well wouldn't be such a bad idea.
I do have one partner level family connection in London at a top T2 firm (think OW, ATK, LEK) but except that, probably nothing special so I need to be really sure and need to have strong backups as well.
Funny enough I worked on a transaction which had a big subsidiary in India so we had engaged Bain India for the commercial DD report. Most of the folks I worked with there were from IIM schools and two of them from from US T10 MBAs (ie. Booth / Wharton). Know it's not helpful for you given your EU focus in academics but just to you give you an idea of my experience.
Sometimes I think I have done a good job organizing my life, then I read a post talking about a multi stage life plan involving MBB recruitment from a 12th grader and shut that thought down real quick
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