Name: Lorenzo Arns
Programme and year: LSE-University of Toronto Double Degree MPA/MGA - Class of 2026
Nationality: Brazilian
Can you tell us about your background and why you chose to study the MPA/MGA Double Degree programme at SPP and the Munk School?
While in Brazil, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and worked in management consulting with a focus on strategy for some time. The main reason why I chose this specific programme is the possibility to acquire key public administration skills at LSE and complement them by building on my global affairs experience at the University of Toronto. Both institutions are absolutely world-class, providing me with the best educational experience I could ask for, and allowing me to interact with incredible professors and peers. This is also an opportunity for me to prepare for a career shift.
What have been some of your takeaways from your studies so far? How do you plan to use these in your future career?
My studies at the LSE so far have been full of transformative learnings. Following LSE's motto, the focus on understanding the causes of things, the root of contemporary issues, and dealing with them through rigorous scientific analysis is something I seek to internalize even more as time passes. Understanding how to manage evidence is essential, and it is something I intend to use in my future career.
What do you think are the main benefits of being an MPA/MGA double degree student at LSE SPP and Munk School?
The variety that this programme provides is incredible. The possibility of experiencing two different excellent academic environments (and fantastic cities) is certainly a benefit. The summer internship component is also a characteristic that sets this double degree apart from other courses, enabling students to get their foot in the door of the job market.
What are your favourite memories of student life at SPP so far?
Some of my favourite memories are from times when our assignments were challenging, and we decided to stay late at the LSE. I appreciate being able to share not only fun times with my friends at the SPP, but also times when we were there to support and help each other succeed. The lunch breaks on the several terraces at LSE were also great moments to interact with my friends, and alleviate a bit of the academic pressure.
What are you most looking forward to in your studies at Munk School?
I am excited to return to a topic that feels familiar (global affairs), with the opportunity to put a lot of my learnings into practice through the Capstone Project at UofT. I am also eager to get to know new people at Munk, which is something I always appreciate.
What are you most excited about doing/seeing in Toronto?
In the same way that I am interested in the football culture in London, I am looking forward to attending a Toronto Raptors or Toronto Maple Leafs game. I am always trying to go to cool concerts, so I think Toronto will be a great place for that as well.
Do you have any advice for our incoming double degree students?
Take the opportunity to engage with students from the 2-year MPA, MPA Data Science and MPP cohorts. Some of my best friends and most intelligent people I have ever met are staying at LSE for their second year, and I will miss them a lot.
I would also recommend participating in as many LSE events as possible. There are incredible guest lectures and workshops, along with the possibility of scheduling office hours with the faculty. These opportunities can be extremely enriching and make all the difference in your experience.
What are your future plans and ambitions?
After I finish the MPA/MGA Double Degree, I would love to put all that I have learned into practice by working at an International Organisation. As a long-term goal, I want to be able to play my part in improving the public sector of my country, Brazil.
Do you have a favourite place in London?
There are two different areas that I consider my favourite places in London. First, I really enjoy walking through Spitalfields/Brick Lane/Shoreditch. The variety of cuisines, the always packed pubs and the music scene (with great record shops) are the reasons why this area gained my deep appreciation through time.
As an alternative, when I need some peace, going to Primrose Hill/Regent’s Park is the best thing. The view of the city and the pathways through the trees are all I need in these moments.
Where is your favourite place on or near LSE campus?
A place on campus that has won my heart is Wright’s Bar: cosy, fresh and reasonably-priced food right beside the Old Building for when I need a quick lunch between classes. Sometimes I can also take the sandwich I order there directly to my favourite place near campus: Lincoln’s Inn Fields. It is such a great spot to hang out when the rare sunshine comes through the clouds in London.
Can you describe your SPP experience in three words?
Transformative. Vibrant. Empowering.
Lorenzo is happy to connect on LinkedIn.