Victoria Clark, London Business School’s MBA Class of 2026
Age: 28
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada; Chemical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 7 years – Oil & Gas Engineering at Shell and McDaniel & Associates; Low Carbon Project/Business Development at Enbridge
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My undergrad was in engineering, which taught me how to break down complex technical problems across many industries. As I have started transitioning into more commercial functions, however, I felt it was a good time to complement my technical background with more formal training in business. An MBA will add structure, breadth, and depth to my business knowledge which I hope will open new doors in my career.
Why did you choose LBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was looking for a world-class school where I could pursue a full-time MBA, allowing me to focus on bringing and taking the most from the experience. London was attractive professionally as a major business hub, and recreationally as well, having lots of culture itself while being a short flight/train ride to the rest of Europe. I also grew up as a British citizen living all over the world, but have never lived in the UK. Coming to LBS offered a chance to return to my roots while still being amongst a diverse and international class.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
Having worked at a large operator in both in the oil & gas industry and in low carbon initiatives such as carbon capture and storage, I’ve seen the challenges but also opportunities for our future energy mix and pathways to net zero. I’m excited to share my experiences from the sector with the class – some of whom might end up working in related jobs!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I learned how to ice skate while living in the Middle East, and was on the national figure skating team of Oman.
Post-MBA career interests:
Currently thinking about corporate strategy, investor relations, business development, or project management in the energy/sustainability space.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to current students or Student Ambassadors. I found them to be generous with their time and advice, and it was one of the best ways to get a feel for the people at LBS! They also helped dispel a lot of application process myths I had read online.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I applied in Round 2 because I didn’t take the GMAT until November – if I did it again, I would have pushed to take the GMAT earlier in the year so I could apply in Round 1. That would have given me more time to prepare for the move.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The admissions video – it felt like a lot was riding on being able to perform well for just a few short minutes. Making use of the practice feature before recording the video to get comfortable with the types of questions and timing was key.
What is your initial impression of the LBS students/culture/community?
Incredibly friendly! Everybody I’ve met has been welcoming, helpful, and inclusive.
What is one thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
How much focus there is on discovering your own values and developing soft skills. I knew there would be classes in academic subjects like finance and accounting, but it has been very valuable to have facilitated time to think about these other aspects that tie into leadership and careers as well.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing everything – there are more school, career, and social events than days in a week.
What is one thing you are most excited about in the first year of your London Business School experience?
School trips with new friends. The annual Snow Trek to Val Thorens promises a good time!
