My Journey from LSE Summer School to an Internship

How Networking and Global Connections at Summer School Changed My Career Trajectory

My name is Genelise, and I want to share how attending LSE Summer School, with its vast global networking opportunities, helped me to secure an internship in Washington DC, and further my career.

Initially what drew me to spending my summer studying in London was the worldly reputation of the London School of Economics. Since the late 1800s, the brightest minds have found their way to LSE’s doors and contributed to the greater legacy of the school. I was thrilled at the idea of playing a part in this university’s larger role in the world of academia. So, last summer I found my own way to LSE’s doors, and the benefits since have been infinite. As a student at LSE Summer School, my experience extended far beyond the classroom and forever changed my career trajectory. I developed a global network of contacts that has since proven invaluable to me. In many ways, my time at LSE Summer School was an investment in my future that continues to pay dividends.

LSE Summer School welcomes students from each academic department with a party on the first day, offering an opportunity for students to bond with their peers, share their first impressions, and connect with the diverse and impressive student body that characterizes LSE Summer School. Eager to make new connections, I attended the Welcome Party on my first day of classes at the Marshall Building, LSE's newest building. Inside, the room buzzed with excitement as students from all over the world mingled and shared refreshments. Making my way through the crowd, I joined a table where I recognized some familiar faces from my morning class: two girls from the US, another girl from Ecuador, and a 'local' from outside of London. This scene repeated itself throughout the summer, with every table a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. As I struck up a conversation with one of the American girls, I discovered that we were both studying Economics back home. She had recently completed an internship in Washington, DC, and was eager to share her experience. Recognizing an opportunity, I asked if we could grab coffee to learn more about her internship since I was planning to intern in DC that fall. She enthusiastically agreed, and that coffee conversation would prove to be one of the many valuable connections I made during my time at LSE Summer School.

Later that week, we arranged to meet up again, and I eagerly asked her about her time in DC and what it was like to intern in the capital. As we sat in a London café, I felt fortunate to have made such a valuable connection with someone who could offer me insights and recommendations for my upcoming move to DC. It was incredibly helpful to hear about her experience first-hand and get a sense of what to expect in my new city.

As my conversation with my new friend continued, she shared with me the details of her internship and the various responsibilities she had during her time in DC. As we talked, I realized that we shared an interest in technology, financial markets, and digital currency. Impressed with our conversation, she suggested that if I was interested in exploring these areas further, I should send her my resume, and she would be happy to pass it on to her former supervisor. I was excited by the prospect and followed up on her offer. A few days later, I received an email from a manager at her firm expressing interest in my application and offering to schedule an interview. I was thrilled by the opportunity and grateful for the connection that LSE Summer School had facilitated. Without my chance encounter at the Welcome Party and subsequent conversation over coffee, I may never have had this opportunity to explore my interests further, all while making valuable connections in the process.

This blog was written by one of our 2022 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.