Vivian Zhang (she/her)

Education: Bachelors, University of Electronic Science and Technology (UESTC), China; graduated in 2024

Subject: Finance and Computer Science

Sector(s) of interest: Fintech, Sales and Trading, Digital Consulting

My greatest challenge when I applied to business school: Researching schools.

About me: Growing up in China, I’ve always been passionate about technology and its applications in the financial world. With a strong foundation in computer science, I am now pursuing a Masters in Analytics and Management at London Business School to deepen my understanding of data-driven decision-making and business strategy.

Unlike many LBS students, this is my first international study experience, having previously been educated entirely in the Chinese education system. London Business School has opened a fantastic door for me, not only enhancing my social and communication skills but also shaping my business acumen.

I also stand out because of my STEM background. While most of my peers come from finance, economics, or accounting, I graduated with a degree in computer science. During my first internship at Bank of China, I saw an urgent need for digital transformation in traditional financial institutions. Large volumes of client and transaction data, stored in printed materials or scattered across different platforms, needed to be aggregated and turned into actionable insights. This experience revealed the potential of AI and analytics, inspiring me to learn programming and pursue a dual degree in computer science and finance.

I’ve explored my interest in fintech and ESG through various projects. I’ve worked on risk premium prediction using technical and sentiment indicators, developed multi-factor strategies for convertible bonds, and conducted ESG research, including predicting carbon emissions in China using improved SBM models and XGBoost.

Real-world practice is the best extension of my previous efforts. With that awareness, I took the initiative to deepen my understanding of financial markets through internships at prestigious financial institutions including private equity, industry research, venture capital and quant trading.

What excites me the most about LBS is the blend of rigorous academics and real-world application. For example, in one of my projects, I built an automated ETL pipeline to gather stock data and news articles for portfolio management—an experience that highlighted the intersection of data science and finance. At LBS, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with an incredibly diverse group of students, sharing perspectives from across the globe.

As for career, I’ve been passionate about fintech where I find a perfect balance between my analytical mindset and my business interest. Whether it’s working as a Quantitative Research Analyst or collaborating with diverse teams to develop product improvement proposals, I enjoy breaking down complex challenges and working with others to find innovative solutions.

London Business School’s strong alumni network and global community have been invaluable in helping me build meaningful connections, and I’m excited to see where this journey will take me.

I’m more than willing to connect with any prospective students in the future, especially on topics related to international study experiences, being a STEM student at LBS, career advice, or any other area of interest.

Three topics I can be approached about: Application experience; adjusting to a new culture; being a STEM graduate at LBS.

Email: xzhang.mam2025@london.edu