Rebecca Grady, LBS MBA Class of 2022
Age: 29
Hometown: Great Ayton, UK
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Oxford, MEng Engineering Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years, Engineering Consultancy
Why business school? Why now?
I embarked on a career in engineering to help shape a better world. An MBA is an opportunity to step back, reflect, and develop my leadership skills and network so that I am equipped to take on senior roles effectively in the future.
Why LBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
There are a number of opportunities that the LBS MBA offers that really appealed to me:
- To be part of such a diverse global community of students, alumni, faculty, and staff
- To benefit from a flexible course tailored to my own goals and aspirations
- To engage in a range of student-led clubs and initiatives and try something new
- To be surrounded by thought leaders and refresh my outlook
What really stood out to me about LBS was the people I met at events throughout the application process. Students and alumni were so open and enthusiastic about LBS and willing to help.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
Wow, that’s a difficult question – just now I am so impressed with my new classmates! I hope I can make a difference to the Class of 2022 by being myself: bringing energy to what I do, being open and communicative.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’ve recorded at Abbey Road Studios.
Post-MBA career interests?
Delivering benefit to society through engineering and infrastructure projects. I was lucky to have the opportunity to lead the technical advisor team designing a new research station in Antarctica prior to joining LBS and hope my post-MBA role will be equally exciting.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attend events and engage with students and alumni. It really is the best way to see what LBS is all about.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Nothing particular comes to mind; I was lucky to receive some great advice at recruitment events that guided me through the process.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
GMAT/GRE – knowing it was just one part of the application process and not the be-all and end-all.
What is your initial impression of LBS’s students/culture/community?
The culture of collaboration is amazing. Everyone is willing to go out of their way to help each other and there is so much energy behind creating new initiatives that will benefit the whole community.
One thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
There is a huge amount of support from the Careers Centre, from unlimited career coach appointments to new internship and job opportunities being advertised daily.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Making every commitment count. There are so many different things to be involved in, knowing when to say ‘no’ will be key!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know my fellow classmates, everyone brings something different to the class and I can’t wait to learn from everyone.
