Progress to Postgrad:Lucy
Posted on: 30 October 2025 by Richard Finch in Class of 2024
Lucy is a BA International Relations Class of 2024 graduate who continued her studies with an MSc Economic History at CIBC / London School of Economics and Political Science.
How did you hear about your course?
After deciding I wanted to go into banking after my international relations undergrad and attending fascinating insight days the summer after graduating, it unlocked this industry I had virtually no cognisance of prior. I felt as though I was late when I came to understand the steps into this sort of career path as some even decide this prior to university.
I came to understand through my research that The London School of Economics is one the most prestigious universities in the UK for banking and has the highest conversion rates into Analyst roles.
I applied to one of the only masters still open for applications - MSc Global Health Policy at LSE in August 2024, with guidance and references from my lecturers at Liverpool Dr David Dolowitz and Dr Baumann Hannes. I knew this masters was not my primary choice but my way to get in so last minute. Once accepted, I changed to the MSc Economic History course as it was the closest aligned course to finance which didn’t need any maths qualifications.
How did you get to where you are now?
Undoubtedly, it was my LSE masters which made me get other great opportunities. My motivations for finance truthfully stemmed from realising other graduate roles paid far less! I knew I had to do something about it, I knew an LSE degree would get me noticed for high paying roles.
Your favourite experience?
Having some of the most knowledgeable academics being my lecturers, which have written the literature which forms the basis of discussions across the UK and world. LSE has visits and talks the most prestigious people within finance, politics, business e.g. the president of Finland who is LSE alumni, even at mundane as the founders of perfect Ted, the chief economist at the Bank of England and multiple Nobel prize winners.
Knowing that I’m studying and learning from lecturers who likely taught other alumni of Rachel Reeves and Ed Miliband, both LSE economics MSc holders. Every single week it will be someone with notoriety coming into the point where it seems to not phase you anymore to naturally be surrounded by such influential figures. Also, being around other driven students who are focused to a tee, on what they what and the steps they need to check off to get there, who do not get persuaded by distractions.
The most challenging part of your journey?
The jump from Bachelor's to Masters in terms of workload, the plethora of assignments often given a week or two in advance which are typically 5,000 words per assignment for example. Second to that, a lot of the opportunities in finance, spring weeks and internships are often not eligible for masters students rather only 1st and 2nd years. This was the biggest barrier to overcome as there is no amount of hard work or determination which can change the bottom line of the fact you're not eligible.
What's your #1 piece of advice for future grads?
Take away the stigma of a master's as being seen as a ‘panic’ degree - Utilise this master’s period to your advantage, it can be one of the most strategic moves you can make in your early careers stage.
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Graduate+ is just for University of Liverpool finalists and graduates. It's a new way to stay connected, get career support, build the right skills and experiences, and hear about exclusive career opportunities in Liverpool, the UK, and beyond. Let us help you get the job that you deserve!
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Keywords: Graduate, Class of 2024, progress to postgraduate, Case Studies.