We have just posted the transcript from our January 22 chat with London Business School admissions staff, students, and career services representatives. If you attended it and wanted to review it  again, or if you were unable to attend and want to see what LBS representatives had to say when peppered with questions. Here are a few excerpts:

Bally (Jan 22, 2007 12:25:48 PM)
Hi David, in the essay - Describe any experiences outside of your home country. What did you gain from these? - I don't have any international exposure, is international exposure mandatory?

DavidSimpsonLBS (Jan 22, 2007 12:30:16 PM)
Bally - no problem - international exposure is not compulsory, but you need to think of a way to answer that question - perhaps regarding aspirations.

Madhu (Jan 22, 2007 12:33:49 PM)
Diane, which has been the single most common trait among successful career changers to have passed through LBS career services ?

dianemorganlbs (Jan 22, 2007 12:36:54 PM)
Dear Madhu, many students chose London Business School to make a career switch so we have lots of experience in this area. Targeting companies and industries that you are passionate about and researching, talking to fellow classmates and contacts in the school community in those fields will allow you to prepare. Research, preparation and perseverance allow students to successfully career switch. Also, getting involved early in the clubs that are in your area of interest will allow you to see the best ways to take your current skills and transfer them to your new desire role.

StefanMargolis (Jan 22, 2007 12:44:11 PM)
Diane: I wanted to know if there are many people going into Private Equity after LBS? and is it obligatory to have pre experience in this industry? or is a top management consulting firm fine? how are the chances to get into PE after an LBS MBA?

dianemorganlbs (Jan 22, 2007 12:48:37 PM)
Dear StefanMargolis - the good news is that the percentage of people going into private equity doubled from 2005 to 2006, however, that number is still a very small percentage for the class, approximately 6% this past year. Experience from a top management consulting firm or IB is always valued. Often, PE firms will offer project work through contacts on campus (meaning they won't mass recruit) and students can gain experience during the summer. However, to land the fulltime position you need to have the relevant experience for that particular firm and it is very competitive. The Private Equity club has a great networking event on campus each year and the contacts that you make here, with your management consulting experience can put you in a good position for PE. If not immediately upon graduation, as a long-term career goal

The chat was lively and long, so the LBS chat transcript is content-rich. If you are interested in this leading MBA program, check out the transcript.