MSc Finance & Private Equity Alumni Profiles

Anoushka Samaddar
MSc Finance & Private Equity, LSE

The MSc Finance and PE programme at LSE has earned a strong reputation with employers which gives its graduates access to a wide array of career opportunities. The programme focuses on practical learning through relevant case studies, interactive seminars and collaborative assignments, preparing students to apply their knowledge competently in real-world scenarios.

The highlight of the programme for me was being surrounded by talented and driven peers from various backgrounds, which served as a constant source of motivation during my time at LSE. The friendships and association I formed have been valuable to my professional and personal growth. The programme definitely enabled me to kickstart my career in London on a solid footing.

After graduating, I joined Compass Lexecon as an Analyst in their International Arbitration team in London.

Shreyam Desai
MSc Finance & Private Equity, LSE

Choosing the MSc Finance and Private Equity programme was quite simple: there is no programme quite like this in the world.The programme starts off on a high note from the get-go when you meet your classmates. These are some of the smartest and most motivated students on the planet and you can tell that they have a passion for finance.

Unlike some programmes where there is a lag period between the publishing of new material and being taught this material, LSE professors are leaders in their field in research. As a result, you get access to new findings in the subject before anyone else, so the learning is more dynamic.

After graduation, I joined Nomura and then UBS for their India Coverage Investment Banking Practice. Currently, I co-drive Growth Investments for Lightspeed Venture Partners across India, SEA and ANZ.

Gabriele Tedeschi
MSc Finance & Private Equity, LSE

Embarking upon my academic journey at LSE was a pivotal chapter of my life that deeply influenced my professional trajectory. LSE's distinctive reputation and extensive network of alumni served as a springboard when I was looking for my first job opportunities.

The mix of solid theory and real-world case studies I worked on at LSE came in handy when I then transitioned from a consulting to a managerial role in corporate M&A at a tech company. In my job, I work with companies where we see M&A opportunities but also look for potential investors, leveraging the skills acquired during my studies.

A cherished aspect of my LSE experience is the enduring relationships I forged with my classmates. Many have evolved into valued colleagues and professional associates, a testament to the strong bonds of cooperation and mutual respect developed while working on numerous university projects and studying for rigorous exams. Our shared experiences in the hallways of LSE allowed us to learn from each other, celebrate each other's successes, and navigate challenges together.

It is indeed a pleasure to consider myself an alumnus of the LSE, an institution that has instilled in me the skills and confidence to navigate my career path and seize the opportunities that lay before me. Reflecting on my professional accomplishments, it is apparent that my time at LSE has not only been a catalyst for my career but also a gateway to lifelong friendships and professional relationships.

After graduation I worked at Citi, Bain & Co, McKinsey & Co, and I am now Head of M&A at Retex.

Wolfgang Eppenschwandtner
MSc Finance & Private Equity, LSE

My decision to pursue the MSc in Finance and Private Equity was mainly driven by the international character of the student body, the faculty’s high-quality teaching and research, and the extraordinary reputation of the programme. In hindsight, I can say that all my expectations were fully met!

Thanks to its well-rounded curriculum, the MSc in Finance and Private Equity programme understands how to link financial theories with associated practical applications.

I was especially fascinated by how the department facilitated connections among people. The variety of social events and the weekend trip to Brighton made it easy for students to get to know one another. Additionally, through various alumni events, current students could meet many of the programme’s successful alumni.

Upon graduation I interned with Barclay’s M&A team, then joined McKinsey full-time, and I am now at Five Arrows Principal Investments (FAPI), Rothschild’s PE investment arm.

Victoire Piens
MSc Finance & Private Equity, LSE

My decision to attend the MSc Finance & Private Equity programme was based on three main factors: its excellent quality, reputation and alumni network. When looking for employment, I realised how valuable it is to be part of the LSE’s finance community.

Three of the many highlights of the programme were the prestigious guest speakers (e.g. professionals from KKR & Co. and The Blackstone Group), the numerous networking opportunities as well as the well-rounded and diverse group of classmates. I was particularly impressed by the extensive amount of knowledge and skills I developed in these ten months.

I advise any prospective students to take full advantage of the alumni network, career services and all the activities organised by the Department of Finance (e.g. networking events, training day at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art). The programme is short, make the most of it!

Following graduation, I started my career at Goldman Sachs in London as an Investment Banking Analyst. Later, I moved to Private Equity, first at OMERS and then joined the investment team at A&M Capital.