Michal Pyka

London Business School

Home City and Country: Warsaw, Poland

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: McKinsey & Company, Associate

How has studying business in the United Kingdom enriched your learning experience? I graduated with a Law degree from LSE in 2020 and acquired most of my business knowledge through hands-on experience as a consultant at McKinsey over the past three years. The MBA has allowed me to build upon this practical foundation with robust theoretical frameworks across a diverse range of disciplines, including Finance, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Operations.

One of the most enriching aspects has been the opportunity to engage with the latest academic research and explore its practical applications with professors and, especially, classmates. The diversity of their backgrounds and experiences constantly still amazes me—no matter the topic, there’s always someone who has tackled a similar challenge or brings a unique cultural or professional perspective. These discussions bring business concepts to life and create a truly enriching learning environment.

What has been the toughest transition to living in the United Kingdom so far? What have you done to overcome this difficulty? Having lived in London for over three years during my undergraduate studies, the challenges of living in this vast city weren’t new, though they remain relevant. London’s size and fast pace can feel overwhelming, especially for those accustomed to smaller or quieter cities. Long commutes on the tube and bustling crowds can take some getting used to.

After an initial shock, however, I’ve come to embrace London’s energy and dynamism. The city’s fast pace now excites me, as I’m surrounded by driven, ambitious people pursuing their personal and professional dreams. London’s scale and diversity also offer endless opportunities for exploration—from discovering vibrant neighbourhoods and trying local restaurants to visiting cultural landmarks. There’s always something new to experience, which means it is quite difficult to be bored in London.

What school service has been the most helpful in transitioning to living in the United Kingdom? How has it helped you adapt? As an Academic Representative for my stream, I’ve worked closely with the LBS faculty and MBA Programme Team to enhance the academic experience for students. I am impressed by how proactive and responsive faculty members are to gathering and acting on student feedback.

For example, Professor Anna Pavlova, a leading Finance scholar, incorporated detailed walkthroughs of past exam problems into each of her classes to better prepare students for the final exam. We’ve also supported students who needed extra help—such as organizing review sessions for Statistics after realising that many of us had forgotten the true meaning of, say, standard deviation.

The faculty’s proactive approach, coupled with their flexibility in adapting to students’ needs, has made the transition smoother and created a supportive learning environment.

What has been the most interesting cultural nuance of people living in the United Kingdom? Why has this struck you? Two cultural nuances stood out to me when I first moved to the UK: the polite, indirect communication style and the central role that pubs play in social life.

Where I come from, people tend to communicate more directly, often “saying what they think.” In contrast, people in the UK value politeness, sometimes at the expense of getting the message across. This is particularly noticeable when giving or receiving feedback—it can take time to interpret the subtle meanings behind seemingly mild phrases. For instance, being told you’re doing “quite alright” is rarely a reason to celebrate.

I was also struck by the cultural importance of the pub as a social hub. Social bonds are often forged over a pint (or a few) of Guinness, a ritual that I’ve come to appreciate.

Are you seeking a Visa to work in the United Kingdom after graduation? If so, what obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome them? Yes, I plan to apply for a visa to work in the UK after graduation. Fortunately, students who complete a master’s degree in the UK, including an MBA, are eligible for a two-year Graduate visa, which allows them to work in the country. Beyond that, I hope my employer will support me in securing a full-time work visa.

What have you done to make it easier to make friends with people from outside your home country at business school? Since joining LBS, I’ve formed meaningful connections with classmates from around the world by engaging in shared passions and interests through student-run clubs.

I joined the Executive Committee of the Energy & Environment Club, which brings together over 150 students passionate about sustainability and addressing climate change through business. I also joined the Basketball team and founded the Climbing Club, which has been a great way to connect with others who enjoy the sport. Whether climbing or socializing, I’ve found that shared interests provide the strongest foundation for meaningful friendships, regardless of cultural background.

What piece of advice would you give to an international student looking to study in a UK graduate business program? My main piece of advice for incoming MBAs, international or local, is to be very mindful and deliberate about how they allocate their time, effort and attention. The sheer volume of opportunities—academics, career events, clubs, networking, social activities, and travel—can be overwhelming. Take the time to reflect deeply on why you’re pursuing an MBA and what you hope to gain from the experience. Use this insight to prioritize the opportunities that align with your goals and craft a unique MBA journey, rather than trying to do everything or follow others’ paths.

On a lighter note, I’d recommend investing in a sturdy rain jacket and a good pair of boots—you’ll need them to explore London, often accompanied by a light drizzle!

DON’T MISS: 2025 MBAS ABROAD: UNITED KINGDOM