91̽»¨

We sat down with Alice, a 2023 Summer School student, and her brother Eldar, who earned his MSc in Finance and Economics at LSE in 2009, to hear their stories. Despite attending two very different programmes, they share how their LSE journeys overlapped, as well as the lasting impact of their educations on our campus. 

 

Please introduce yourself.

Eldar: Hello, I am Eldar - in 2009, I graduated from LSE with an MSc in Finance and Economics. I now work in the finance sector, and my time at LSE was incredibly valuable for both my personal and professional growth. 

Alice: Hello! My name is Alice. Last summer, I graduated from a dual-degree BSc Economics and Finance programme offered by the International College of Economics and Finance (ICEF) at the National Research University – Higher School of Economics (Moscow, Russia) and the University of London. This programme is academically directed by LSE.

In 2023, I had the opportunity to attend LSE Summer School, studying ME204: Data Engineering for the Social World. It was a highly enriching experience, full of studies, social events, and networking. In the future, I will be undertaking a postgraduate programme - I have received two offers for master programmes at LSE and the University of Cambridge, and I am now deciding where to go!

 

Why did you decide to study at LSE?

Eldar: It is common knowledge that LSE is one of the best universities globally in the fields of economics and finance, which were of special interest to me. Having previously completed a BSc Economics degree via the University of London Distance Learning Programme, with academic direction from LSE, I was already very familiar with LSE’s high academic standards and excellent career perspectives enjoyed by its graduates. Consequently, choosing it as a university in which to continue my studies was an easy decision.

Alice: I had considered LSE for my master’s degree, inspired by the academic journey of my brother Eldar. Attending the Summer School was therefore a perfect chance to immerse myself into the university’s atmosphere, experience its academic rigor first-hand, and see how well I would fit into its community. I was able to obtain a scholarship to attend Summer School from my home institution, and I was excited at the prospect of spending a summer in London with like-minded people from diverse backgrounds.

 

How did studying at LSE broaden your perspective, both academically and culturally?

Eldar: Studying at LSE gives you confidence that all future career paths, whether academic or professional, are open to you. I think this confidence is important to have in a very competitive modern world. From a cultural perspective, interacting with bright and highly motivated people of diverse backgrounds – an experience inseparable from studying at LSE – definitely enriched both my professional and personal skills.

Alice: My academic experience at Summer School helped me to develop new perspectives and skills, and allowed me to push myself out of my comfort zone. I decided to take a course that was practically oriented and that I wouldn’t typically encounter elsewhere. I was studying something completely new to me, but within just three weeks, I became fully comfortable with this topic and practically applying what I had learnt, receiving one of the highest grades in class. Although I was pushed out of my comfort zone, I gained confidence in approaching complex problems under time constraints.

Even more so, the diversity of LSE created a unique environment for exchanging ideas and building cross-cultural connections both in and out of class. The social opportunities helped me to develop networking and personal skills, and gave me the chance to explore everything London had to offer!

 

What was the teaching style like, and how did it challenge or inspire you?

Eldar: The teaching style was somewhat new for me, as it relied significantly upon self-study – compared to frequent coursework and exams, which I had become used to while completing my BSc degree. This teaching style gave me the flexibility to concentrate on areas of knowledge that were of particular interest to me and spend less time on those that were not. In my view, this teaching style also helps you to develop the important skills of taking initiative and learning independently, which proved very valuable throughout my career in finance.

Alice: My course emphasised self-study, but lecturers were always on hand to assist with complex issues or questions. The pace of the course was intense, especially as I was learning something completely new, but being in an academic environment that valued independence and problem solving, as well as being surrounded by motivated classmates who were eager to progress, inspired me to push beyond my limits and grow exponentially.

 

How has LSE helped you get to where you are now?

Eldar: It is hardly surprising that having an LSE degree is like a quality stamp on any CV, which was helpful, especially at the beginning of my career. It was also helpful at later stages, as it helped me to connect with colleagues and clients who had often themselves completed an LSE degree in the past. Additionally, interaction with people of diverse backgrounds at LSE also eased my adaptation to multicultural environments which are prevalent in many firms nowadays.

Alice: My time at LSE was a transformative experience that inspired me to embrace challenges and explore advanced areas I had never considered before. This mindset broadened my horizons and motivated me – once I had returned to my home institution, I pursued a new module that led me to apply for an MSc in Data Science, and eventually to my current internship at Yandex, where I work as a cybersecurity analyst. Before LSE, I would have thought this role was out of reach, but my experience at Summer School inspired me to believe in myself and pursue ambitious goals. LSE showed me that with determination, hard work, and the courage to step out of my comfort zone, I could achieve far more than I had imagined.

 

Eldar, what advice would you give to a Summer School student who wants to study at LSE full-time?

When applying to Summer School, choose a course which could serve as evidence of your willingness and ability to study a relevant LSE programme on a full-time basis. At the same time, it is also important to network with fellow students and academic staff as much as possible, as these contacts can prove very useful in the future.

 

Alice, what were the benefits of attending Summer School?

LSE Summer School was a treasure trove of opportunities. One of its greatest gems was the chance to explore areas of knowledge I had always been curious about but hadn’t yet pursued. I was able to broaden my horizons and cultivate a well-rounded personality – qualities that help you stand out in the job market.

Beyond academics, the Summer School significantly enhanced my soft skills and expanded my global network. Meeting peers from diverse backgrounds every day taught me effective communication, teamwork, active listening, and self-presentation. The vibrant and inclusive environment made connecting with others easy.

 

From both of your points of view, how do the Summer School and full-time LSE experiences differ, and how are they similar?

LSE Summer School is like a snapshot of the fully fledged LSE experience, offering an intense yet rewarding academic environment. In just three weeks, you get a taste of what studying at LSE as a full-time student feels like. Courses are taught by leading LSE faculty and are equivalent in content to undergraduate or graduate-level modules, but the pace is much faster. This steep learning curve demands focus and consistent self-study, making it both challenging and exhilarating.

As a Summer School participant, you gain access to all LSE resources, and can stay in LSE accommodation like full-time students.

The key difference between our experiences of LSE lies in the goals. Summer School is ideal for acquiring targeted skills or exploring specific interests in a short timeframe. It can give your career a boost or ensure your skills stay relevant, especially in today’s rapidly changing world. Full-time study, on the other hand, offers deeper engagement over an extended period. Both experiences foster a strong sense of community that stays with you long after they end.

 

Explore everything on offer at LSE Summer School