Thinking about studying Business and Management in one of the world’s most dynamic cities? Wondering how London can shape your academic and professional journey?
In this student blog, BSc Management Science student Sofia Kalaykova shares her perspective on what makes London the ultimate destination for business and management students. From real-world learning experiences at the UCL School of Management to networking at industry events like the AI Summit, and being surrounded by global companies and startups, this blog explores how studying in London offers unmatched career opportunities, cultural diversity, and personal growth.
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Why London is the ultimate hub for business and management students
Incomparable career opportunities
As a second-year Management Science student at the UCL School of Management, I’ve really felt the benefits of studying in London. A business and management (B&M) degree in London offers you the privilege of being able to go down a variety of career paths – from finance to consulting and everything in between.
Inspired by the city: London’s business landscape
I decided to study Management Science because I was interested in going into the world of Finance; it was a decision influenced by my surroundings, having lived in London my whole life.
I’d go around London and see the tall office buildings of top multinational companies, and financial institutions and hear about various tech startups getting off the ground: it was inspiring seeing what was out there, and I wanted to be a part of it.
Management Science in the world’s greatest city
Management, Data Science, and Business skills at the UCL School of Management
Management Science BSc felt like the perfect blend of management, data science and applicable business skills. From the application process, it was clear that the focus of this course was preparing students to enter a world of tech and innovation, offering a broad range of transferable skills whilst ensuring sufficient depth to feel confident in their knowledge.
Real-world experiences with industry: Scenario Weeks
In addition to various individual projects, we also had Scenario Weeks every half-term, which offered unique learning opportunities with real-world case studies, consulting projects and industry collaborations, led by professors who really wanted us to succeed.
There were times when companies such as Tata (TCS) and DHL came to present us with projects which they later assessed and provided feedback on; I still remember the pressure to deliver as well as the pride my team and I shared at the end of the week, knowing we had come together and reached a valuable end deliverable.
Industry connections and projects in London
Setting you up for success through practical course experiences
All of the experiences and projects I gained during this course set me up for internship opportunities better than I ever thought they would. I was never at a loss for examples of complex projects and soft skills to discuss during my interviews, regardless of whether they were for consulting or data analysis.
Networking in the capital and career opportunities for London business students
Recently, I was also able to attend the AI Summit in London - a 2-day event where I gained insights from startups and industry professionals into the innovations and limitations of AI, which really drove my excitement for the new tech landscape. This is only one of the various career and networking events you’ll have the opportunity to attend studying B&M in London; you can’t replicate this melting pot of knowledge and innovation anywhere else.
Surrounded by successful startups and corporations in London
All things considered, studying business and management in London is seriously the best thing you can do to keep your motivation alive. London provides you with an incredibly unique environment of startups and corporations functioning around each other, where you can gain exposure to a variety of industries at a variety of levels.
You’re really spoilt for choice; regardless of what niche you’re interested in, you’ll find it here.
London is an international hub for meeting people from around the world
The diverse and international learning environment in London isn’t limited to professional events, however. Even as a London native, coming to university here exposed me to so many cultures and people I never thought I’d meet. Natives from all over the world come to study in London, with their own cultures, lifestyles and perspectives which I’ve been lucky enough to experience firsthand through them as well.
Friends and future connections in London
Making the most of events and societies will set you up with a solid network of friends and future professional connections which you’ll cherish for the rest of your life., with student-friendly areas such as Camden, Shoreditch and South Bank (to name a few), you’ll always have new things to do.
I still find new areas of London I haven’t explored yet, and museums, theatres or cinemas I haven’t even heard of before. It’s such a great place to be.
An insider’s perspective: the benefits of studying business and management in London
London’s combination of career and social opportunities is unbeatable. Any interest you have, cuisine you want to try, music or cultural event you’d like to go to – you’ll find it here. You’re also bound to find new interests and try things you’ve never tried before; it’s a never-ending pursuit.
Hopefully, I gave you some insight into what it’s like studying B&M in London. I may be biased, but trust me, you’ll see why.
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UCL School of Management Student Recruitment: Additional information
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We’d be happy to discuss your fit and aptitude for our range of programmes - including the ways in which the School can help you to develop the skills necessary to fulfil your career potential and set yourself up for a thriving career as a future business leader. Interested in exploring other pieces from Ruoyu? Check out his profile on the UCL School of Management website. Alternatively, read more student and alumni blogs or check out our alumni activities.
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The UCL School of Management Industry Advantage
Taking advantage of our global network and strategic campus location in London’s financial and business district, the UCL School of Management recently launched three new speaker series.
Our speakers come from a range of industries and backgrounds to showcase their experiences and skills. Explore what you can gain from our Speaker Series below:
Business Leaders Speaker Series