Course Spotlight - FM250: Finance

We sat down with Marykate, who took FM250: Finance in 2023, to find out about her experience of the course - from her highlights to her top tips for future students.

 

Why did you decide to attend LSE Summer School?

Personally, I was attracted by the opportunity to be exposed to a diverse cohort of students from around the world. Not only does such diversity enrich the learning experience, it also offers an excellent opportunity for networking and building connections with peers and professionals from various backgrounds. Having been in the same environment throughout my schooling years, I was eager to learn more about different cultural perspectives and ways of thinking.

Beyond academics, London itself is a vibrant and culturally rich city, offering endless opportunities for exploration and growth outside the classroom. From its museums and historical landmarks to its thriving arts and entertainment scene, there's always something new to discover in London. For someone who had not been to this highly coveted city, LSE’s location certainly played a big part in my decision making.

Why did you choose FM250?

As a business student, choosing FM250 came very naturally to me. A detailed look into finance, I appreciated the comprehensive coverage of financial markets and corporate finance, essentials for grasping the economic landscape within which businesses operate. Financial analysis skills which are crucial for informed decision-making, such as evaluating investment opportunities or assessing a company's financial health, are also honed in the process. More importantly, you learn transferable skill sets that are applicable in our everyday lives.

Finally, my interest in finance has always been aligned with my belief in personal financial empowerment. Understanding finance empowers us to make smarter financial decisions in our personal lives, whether it's budgeting effectively, investing wisely, or managing debt responsibly. More than just numbers and equations; it's about gaining the know-how to thrive in today's financial landscape.

Tell us about an average day as a student on FM250.

The day kicks off with a 3-hour seminar in a cosy classroom setting. Before diving into practice questions, there's a quick recap of the previous day's lecture, ensuring everyone's on the same page. The atmosphere is supportive and encouraging, perfect for voicing doubts or seeking clarifications. After class, the real fun begins - there's a window of opportunity to explore the vibrant city! Thanks to LSE's central location, we can easily visit a number of tourist spots within a maximum of 30 minutes.

The afternoon lecture is another enlightening 3-hour session, introducing fresh concepts through mass teaching. As always, questions are always welcomed. And with the summer sun setting at 9:00 p.m., the evening is still young post-class! It's the perfect time to indulge in a delightful dinner with friends and treat ourselves to some mouth-watering dessert. With the endless options, each day certainly ends on a deliciously satisfying note.

What was your favourite part of FM250?

I found the tutorials well-organised and helpful. The summaries at the beginning were great for recapping what we learned. The pace was just right – not too fast, so I didn't feel overwhelmed. I liked how open everyone was to discussing ideas; it made the sessions more engaging. The questions helped me understand the material better. And the tutor was fantastic – always patient and willing to help, so I never hesitated to ask questions, no matter how silly they seemed.

What advice would you give to students considering FM250?

Approach the course with an open mind. If you're new to finance, the learning curve might be steep, but don't worry! Lecturers and tutors are there to help. It's normal to feel overwhelmed at first with all the new concepts, but don't fret – everything will start to make sense as you get into the groove of the course. It's a unique experience, so make sure you embrace it fully and don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to learn and grow.

What are your short-term professional goals, and how does FM250 contribute to these goals?

In the near future, I aim to delve into the finance industry, potentially through an internship. FM250 has provided me with a solid foundation and direction for this endeavour. The diverse range of financial concepts explored in the course has offered me valuable insights into the intricate and diverse nature of the industry. Moreover, it has enabled me to identify areas of particular interest, thus allowing me to tailor my career path accordingly.

What would be your top tip for future Summer School students?

My top tip for Summer School students would be to dive in headfirst and make the most of every moment. Engage actively in classes, ask questions, and participate in discussions. But don't forget to take care of yourself – Summer School can be intense, so be sure to find a balance between studying and taking time to relax and recharge. Outside of the classroom, make the most of the cultural and social activities available to you. Embrace the adventure, create lasting memories, and use this opportunity to learn and grow in every way possible.

How would you explain FM250 to someone who has never heard of it?

FM250 offers a comprehensive overview of various financial concepts without delving too deeply into each topic, allowing students to grasp the fundamentals effectively. Covering a broad spectrum, from corporate finance to financial markets and investment portfolios, the course can feel overwhelming due to its breadth. However, even for those without prior financial background or experience, the transition from economic concepts and relatable everyday examples ensures that all students can understand and engage with the material.

What was your favourite part of studying at LSE?

One of the aspects I cherished most about LSE was its holistic and well-balanced experience. Despite the intense academic rigor, with nearly six hours of classes each day and a wealth of content condensed into three weeks, the university manages to strike a good balance with extracurricular activities. From engaging in external events like day trips and boat parties to thoughtfully organized welcome parties fostering interactions and networking, LSE ensures students have opportunities to meet new people, especially in the early stages. Moreover, the institution actively promotes sports and upskilling initiatives, catering to diverse interests beyond academics.

Most importantly, situated in a bustling city campus, LSE's convenient location allows for seamless exploration between classes, enriching the overall student experience to one like never before.

Did you feel supported by your lecturers?

The strong support from my lecturers could definitely be felt through their warm and approachable personality which created a positive and inclusive classroom environment. By encouraging questions and discussions, it gave rise to a conducive and nurturing classroom environment, a space where everyone's input is valued.

One aspect that stood out to me was their ability to make complex topics easily understandable. As they patiently broke down difficult concepts into simpler components, the material became much more accessible and enjoyable.