The PhD program in Marketing in London Business School prepares you for a career in academia
at top international institutions.
I graduated from here in 2009, and I got a job at Columbia Business School where I’m
an Associate Professor of Marketing.
My research interests are in general, empirical models in marketing, trying to understand
customers preferences and behaviour.
I find Marketing an exciting discipline because you can do research and teach in a variety
of different areas and topics.
In my research, I explore online marketing problems using principles of economics, econometrics
and efficient computing techniques.
Iris Steenkamp: In my main interest of research, are actually
social and economical development in emerging and developing countries.
Now, I'm mostly interested in financial decision making and in particular, their role of self
and identity in the context of financial decisions.
I apply empirical models of consumers’ and firms’ behaviour to the market data, but
I also used different methods.
In one of my papers, I complimented the analysis of market data by conducting an experiment
in the lab and online.
From a financial perspective, the most recent statistics for 2016 about the annual average
salary for entry-level PhD in marketing is about $150,000.
The PhD program at London Business School lasts four to five years.
Students receive full tuition waiver and also, nano-stipend for five years that allows them
to live comfortably even in expensive cities such as London.
Students also get covered for their expenses to attend international conferences and of
course, for the cost they incur when they do their research.
Students are not required to teach.
So, they can focus on their research and also, make the most of the intellectually stimulating
environment that is offered at London Business School and in the Marketing department.
In the first two years, we take classes and then, we just focus on our research.
And, compared two or three or four-year programs which are much more common in Europe, it just
means that we have more time to develop our skills and develop our project.
Given that I'm interested in field research in developing countries, my supervisor has
provided me with the opportunity to go to these countries.
I think one of the best learning experiences in the program happens in seminars and in
the summer camp, where LBS host guest speakers from around the world from prominent schools.
And actually, we as the PhD students get-get the unique opportunity to talk with the speakers
afterwards.
We discuss with them our research ideas and get feedback.
I focus a lot of my research on emerging markets, and I've taken many courses at the LSE and
at UCL in development economics.
The PhD program here at LBS is relatively small and which means that we get a lot of
attention from faculty and specifically from our advisors.
Having professors’ office right next to the PhD student office, we often discuss my
research outside the class.
So, having that easy access to and interactions with faculty members who are world renowned
experts in various theories and methodology was an essential part of learning.
I like the fact that the program is situated in London, which is a great multicultural
city as well as it has access to so many different industries.
For example, in two of my research projects, I obtained data from companies that are currently
operating in London.
And so, it's just so convenient to just take hop onto the tube go for a small ride and
pick up data and come back.
Beyond education and all the courses I took here, what LBS was crucial for me was the
way they helped.
The department help me getting a job I have right now.
They helped me both navigating the job market, getting to know to the right people - didn't
just apply to the right places, and that was crucial for me because I didn't even know
how to start.
Our students get placed at premier research institution all over the world.
Most recently, Stanford and Columbia universities in the United States, and HEC Paris, and Bocconi
University in Europe.
Would I choose LBS for my PhD?
I mean obviously, I did and I would do it again.
Why?
Because LBS has the resources, the research interest and environment to actually get the
skills you need as a PhD student.
So, while it was challenging, I got the support, and the help and the role model of many people
in this building that actually helped me be what I am right now.
We are looking forward to welcoming bright, motivated, driven, ambitious PhD students
into our family.
So, don't miss this life-changing opportunity and apply to a PhD program in Marketing at
London Business School.