London Business School’s Class Of 2018

Ximena Galvez

London Business School

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I am always eager to go the extra mile both at work and with friends.

Hometown: Lima, Peru

Fun Fact About Yourself: I make an amazing carrot cake.

Undergraduate School and Major: Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Science in Economics, Management and Global Analysis concentrations

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Pacific Investment Management Company – Senior Associate

Logan Circle Partners, Fortress Investment Group – Vice President

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

Working in the intense world of finance as a woman has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I remember attending investor meetings where I was the only woman, only person under 30 years old, and only minority in the room. To me, these were all opportunities to demonstrate my drive and ability to excel in such competitive environments. I am especially proud of being my company’s fastest promotion ever to Vice President while earning my CFA designation by age 25.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants?

1. Plan ahead and have a schedule:
   1. GMAT: Taking the GMAT is the first milestone, so plan to take it before the summer starts in case you need to retake it before Round 1 deadlines. Practice is crucial, so take as many practice exams as you can. There are several websites where you can take these, and I also recommend downloading the official GMAC’s software, where you get 2 exams for free, and where you can buy two more (and hundreds of practice questions). The GMAC tests are the most similar to the actual test, while Manhattan GMAT’s are harder.
   2. Recommendation Letters: Your colleagues and bosses are probably very busy, so it’s good practice to let them know about the letters of recommendation two months before the deadline. I suggest providing them with feedback on your short and long-term goals, as well as why you are pursuing an MBA and why you want a specific program. That way they will be better armed to write a recommendation that is in line with your application.
2. Do your research: In addition to going on the schools’ websites, meet current and former students as they will provide the best insight on the different programs. They can also share unique experiences that can help you prepare for your interviews and eventually decide which school is best for you.
3. Visit the schools: If you are applying on round 1, you should plan to visit schools while they are in session (before the summer break) so you can include this experience in your application. If you can’t, definitely schedule a guided tour to get a feel of the school and the people.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? What drives me most about London Business School is its vibrant community and the diversity of its student body. I have met dozens of London Business School students and alumni and continue to be shocked by their kindness, intelligence and positive energy. I also look forward to participating in London Business School’s GBE program around the world, where students are challenged to adapt and implement class learnings in live business situations. I am also excited to move to London, a fascinating and unique city where I will gain access to hundreds of international companies that recruit at London Business School, broadening my U.S.-focused experience.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? After London Business School, I plan to pursue a portfolio management role to gain hands-on experience in asset allocation and portfolio construction. My long-term goal is to contribute to the development of the investment management industry in Peru, by expanding the service offering available at home.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I would love to hear them say that I was able to contribute to their MBA experience not only in the classroom, but more importantly outside of classes. I am a very outgoing person and hope I can make great friends at London Business School that will last for a lifetime.