MSc Finance and Risk Profiles

Marco Pepe
Previous education: LUISS Guido Carli (Roma), BSc in Economics and Business (major in Finance)

What made you choose MSc Finance & Risk at LSE?
I chose the MSc Finance & Risk at LSE because of its global reputation and strong track record in finance education. The programme attracts ambitious, talented individuals from around the world, which really appealed to me. I was also drawn to the flexibility MSc Finance & Risk offers - being able to shape my studies around areas like Corporate Finance and Markets was a big plus. On a more personal note, my father studied at LSE, so there was a special sense of connection that made the experience even more meaningful.

What were the highlights of the programme?
One highlight that really stood out for me was the Risk and Management core course. It struck a great balance between theory and real-world relevance, which made the learning both engaging and practical. I ended up writing my thesis in this area, focusing on algorithmic trading - something I was genuinely passionate about. It was a great opportunity to dive deep into a topic I cared about, and it made the experience especially rewarding.

How has the Master’s degree helped you in your career to date?
The MSc has had a huge impact on my career so far. The academic side was challenging in the best way - it pushed me to think critically and sharpen my analytical skills. At the same time, the programme offered plenty of support outside the classroom. The mentoring scheme and career resources were incredibly helpful during my job search, and the exposure to different perspectives and industries really broadened my thinking. It gave me both the confidence and the tools to take the next step in my career.

What advice do you have for prospective students?
I’d say dive into the full experience - academically, socially, and professionally. The LSE environment is truly unique, and the people you meet will be just as important as what you learn in class. Build those connections, explore areas that challenge you, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The friendships and networks you form here can last a lifetime, and they’re a big part of what makes the journey so special.

Chen Zhu
Previous education: BSc Finance, Durham University

I chose the MSc Finance & Risk at LSE because programmes with a focus on risk are quite rare. I was applying during the pandemic - a time when uncertainty and market volatility made me especially curious about how financial risks are understood and managed. One of the most memorable aspects of the programme was the “Management and Regulation of Risk” course, which struck a great balance between theory and practical application. Rather than working on predefined case studies, we were encouraged to choose our own topics and apply what we’d learned to analyse them independently. Presenting our work in groups and learning from others’ perspectives often sparked fresh ideas - many of which stayed with me and proved valuable in interviews and when writing my dissertation.

The programme also played a crucial role in my job search. From the very beginning, we received tailored career support, including CV workshops and mock interviews. Later in the year, I learned about my current role through an opportunity that had been shared with the LSE programme team by an alum, which really showed me the value of the programme’s network.

My advice for prospective students is: don’t let job hunting overwhelm you - this year goes by fast, so make the most of it. And when choosing courses, always go with what genuinely excites you.

Zimo Wang
Previous education: BSc Accounting and Finance, LSE

What made you choose MSc Finance & Risk at LSE?
I chose the MSc Finance and Risk programme at LSE for its academic excellence and practically focused modules, which align closely with industry demands. Having completed my undergraduate degree here, I was also drawn back by the intellectually stimulating yet supportive environment that fosters both academic development and professional growth.

What were the highlights of the programme?
A highlight of the programme was the interactive and intellectually engaging learning environment. Frequent opportunities to discuss ideas with faculty, who were not only experts but also encouraging mentors, helped broaden my thinking and inspired me to challenge myself academically. This spirit of academic exploration extended beyond the classroom, and I particularly valued the practitioner seminars delivered by Deutsche Bank, where we worked through real-world risk scenarios. It was a powerful experience that connected theory to practice and deepened my understanding of how analytical tools are used in professional decision-making.

How has the Master’s degree helped you in your job search/career to date?
This programme equipped me with the confidence and clarity to navigate technical interviews by strengthening my structured thinking and applied problem-solving skills. The group projects, in particular, offered practical experience that enabled me to demonstrate my capabilities and stand out during recruitment.

What advice do you have for prospective students?
Learn from your peers - they bring diverse academic and cultural perspectives that can challenge your thinking in unexpected and valuable ways. Some of my most impactful learning experiences came not from lectures, but from hours-long discussions at LSE LIFE, contrasting viewpoints in group projects, and observing how others approached the same problem from entirely different angles. Don’t underestimate the power of that intellectual exchange.

Maja Parezanin
Previous education: BSc in Economics and Finance, University of Belgrade and University of London directed by LSE (double-degree programme)

Why did you choose the MSc Finance & Risk at LSE?
I chose the MSc Finance & Risk at LSE for its rigorous curriculum, its strong quantitative focus, and its reputation for academic excellence. The programme’s unique blend of financial theory, risk management tools, and real-world case studies was exactly what I was looking for to deepen my understanding of the finance industry.

What was a highlight of the programme?
The most important highlight of the programme was the incredible group of colleagues and friends I met. Being surrounded by a diverse, driven, and supportive cohort created an inspiring environment that enhanced both my academic experience and personal growth. Another standout was the FM445 – Portfolio Management course, which deepened my interest in asset management through real-world case studies and engaging discussions.

How has the master's helped your career to date?
The programme has been very useful in shaping my career goals and developing the technical skills required in investment and risk-focused roles. It also gave me access to LSE’s extensive career support and alumni network, which helped me secure interviews and connect with industry professionals during my job search. The result was successful - I found a great job!

Advice for prospective students?
Make the most of every opportunity – both academic and social. Engage with your professors, attend networking events, and be proactive in career planning early on. The year goes by quickly, and the resources at LSE are incredibly valuable if you tap into them from the start. Also, make time to enjoy every day in London.

Alessandro Meduri

What made you choose MSc Finance & Risk at LSE?
Before joining the MSc Finance & Risk at LSE I studied Economics and Finance at Bocconi University in Milan. I chose this programme because of its strong reputation and the career opportunities it opens up. It felt like the right place to challenge myself and grow both academically and professionally.

What were the highlights of the programme?
One of the best memories from the year was the two-day trip to Brighton. It was a great mix of team activities and talks, and it really helped us bond as a group while learning in a more relaxed environment.

How has the Master’s degree helped you in your job search/career to date?
The Master’s gave me the tools and confidence I needed to face job interviews. I felt much more prepared to talk through technical topics and approach problems with a clear, structured mindset, which made a real difference during recruitment.

What advice do you have for prospective students?
If I had to give one piece of advice to future students, it would be to choose courses that truly interest you, rather than just the ones that look good on a CV. When you care about what you’re learning, everything else becomes easier and more enjoyable.

Also, make sure to connect with people on the course. Having friends to spend time with outside the classroom is such an important part of the overall experience. I really recommend taking part in all the activities organised by the department and the programme, especially early on. It’s a great way to build friendships and feel part of the community.