BSc Finance Alumni Profiles

Ambrose Chui (2020 graduate)
IB Diploma: Mathematics, Economics and History - Higher Level; Physics, English and Chinese - Standard Level (London)

I applied to BSc Finance because I was attracted by the practical content, compared to more theoretical programmes such as Economics, Mathematics or Statistics. The practicality of the course allows me to further build on my interest in corporate finance and markets.

The programme has been wonderful as we have access to very high levels of support, whether it is academic, non-academic or career-related, as compared to the other departments in LSE. We also have regular activities, which are always fun and exciting. The vast resources that the Department has also made my first year very rewarding.

The Department of Finance is the best department at LSE, both academically and non-academically. I have really enjoyed it so far and made a group of really good friends. As we are also a small cohort, we get dedicated help and support and there is a strong cohesion among us, across the different years.

David Handscomb  (2020 graduate)
A-levels: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics and Geography (Wiltshire)

One of my highlights from being on the programme was attending a conference at LSE where I got to listen to some of the leaders in the private equity and hedge fund sector. At this event I had lunch with one of the hedge funds who subsequently invited me out to New York for the day to learn more about their firm. It was a great experience and really demonstrated to me the links LSE has with the finance sector.

Rakan Husni-Bey (2019 graduate)

I was born in the US to a Lebanese mother and a Libyan father with Greek and Turkish roots. I studied in Lebanon where I completed the French baccalaureate “série scientifique” with specialty in Mathematics. Such diverse backgrounds are what prospective students should expect to find at LSE.

Anyone who is interested in: leaving his/her bubble and understanding how the world truly functions; how money is created; how it enters and circulates in the economy; how policy decisions are made and how investors decide what projects they devote their money to, should apply for this course.

I personally do not know a more innovative and dynamic programme at the LSE that the BSc in Finance. The care and personal attention provided by teachers and staff has contributed massively in constructing an ideal work environment for the students. The most important aspect of the student experience to look out for is time management. Balancing the LSE workload and a social life is not the easiest thing to do, which is why setting a schedule early on is important.

Sofya Kukhno (2020 graduate)
A-levels: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics, Geography (Cardiff)

I was very attracted by the combination of modules and high entry requirements for the BSc Finance. The programme intake is about 30-40 students per year which makes for productive learning, with small class sizes.

The Department is great in organising extra-curricular activities like karaoke or speech-training, and is very supportive. They also provide really good food at all Department events!

I would advise prospective students to study Further Mathematics and Statistics and to broaden your Finance outlook by watching the news and reading magazines to keep up with current affairs.

Sadri Maaloul (2019 graduate)

I followed the French system and took the Scientific French Baccalaureate with Advanced Mathematics.

The BSc Finance here at LSE is great as we are not simply studying finance. We are given the mathematical, economic and financial tools that push us to think and solve many financial problems.

The BSc Finance is a relatively small programme, meaning that the Department of Finance is able to offer teaching and careers guidance in smaller groups. Additionally, the high number of events organised by the Department for BSc Finance students has enabled us to know each other and to become a second family.

My plan after this degree would be to pursue a Master's before entering the professional world.

Felix Oblin (2019 graduate)

I’m from Vienna, Austria where I completed my secondary school with a normal Austrian high school diploma (“Matura”), I spent my compulsory civil service as a paramedic.

By joining BSc Finance at LSE, you join a family of smart, exciting students and teachers with an energetic spirit for how finance drives the world - a demanding, but very stimulating environment that will certainly give you some of the best years of your life.

The best feature of the programme so far have been the people I’ve met here. Everybody shares a drive to do something in this world and is somehow into Finance, but at the same time the group is extremely diverse, making it even more exciting. Almost weekly extracurricular activities within our Finance family help to form strong friendships, or to have inspiring debates with your professors over a glass of wine.

Among the many things that are very unique about the BSc Finance at LSE is the dialogue and feedback culture we have with our professors and programme managers. Regardless if it's an idea for an event, a problem with a class teacher, help for our student societies or even structural improvements of a course, there is always somebody that you can approach directly and talk about it - and actions do follow. 

Noah Schneiders (2020 graduate)

I went to a state school in Germany to do the Abitur where I studied 10 different subjects ranging from Musical Praxis to Geography, as well as Mathematics and Physics.

My interest in finance stems from my fascination with markets and firms. Initially, I assumed I would end up studying for an economics degree with a specialisation in finance until I came across the BSc Finance programme. I was particularly attracted to the third year modules as these cover material usually only taught at Master’s level.

From our first year, we have been exposed to some of the most prominent minds in academic finance. This really impressed me. I even had the possibility to go beyond the class material, taking my questions to office hours dedicated to BSc Finance students.

I would advise prospective students to make the most of the incredible environment that LSE and the Department of Finance offer (i.e. go to office hours, go to public lectures, take careers advice, meet as many other students and ideas as possible).

Ines Shiri (2019 graduate)

I was born and raised in Tunisia where I attended a French high school. I took the French Scientific Baccalauréat and majored in Mathematics.

After one year at SciencesPo, I realised that my interest in Mathematics and Economics is deeper than I ever anticipated. The BSc Finance programme attracted me because it helps build the economic and quantitative framework while offering exclusive courses in Finance. The programme structure was clear from the beginning which removes any difficulties linked to course choices.

Developing and pursuing specific undergraduate studies is not an easy undertaking. I myself struggled with this task, although not for lack of inspiration. You need to to know precisely which goals you wish to achieve and which priorities you intend to satisfy during your undergraduate curriculum to be fully satisfied with your choice.

After graduation I plan to stay in London and work in banking for several years and then do an MBA.

Daniel Thompson (2019 graduate)

A-levels: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and History (London)

The pastoral care, the small size of the Department, and career prospects are just a few reasons why I choose the BSc Finance programme; and since making my decision I couldn’t be any happier! The Department has definitely made sure everyone as an individual can use it to help succeed with their aspirations whatever that may be! 

There have been so many highlights on this programme; whether that may be the weekly Friday activities with the Department, the upcoming trip to Rome, the excellent pastoral care and teaching, or simply just relaxing in our very own common room.

I would advise prospective applicants to study Further Mathematics as it helps you prepare for the level of mathematics required for university. My future plans are to pursue a career in investment banking or consulting, however, I am thinking of taking a year or two out to travel first!

Cleon Wong (2020 graduate)

Despite BSc Finance being a new programme offered at LSE, I knew that the Department of Finance at LSE has been around for a long time. So I knew that the programme would be a credible, intellectually engaging and enriching one. If that is something that you're looking for in a course and have a strong interest in finance, this would be the ideal course for you.

The entire 'Finance family' is what sets us apart from the rest of the courses at LSE. The constant support that I get from the Department and my course mates have made my journey a richer and more enjoyable one.

Take the opportunity while you're part of the programme to really explore and find out what you are interested in. Remind yourself that university is a time and place for you to grow and pursue your passion and interests, even those apart from your academics!