Portrait photograph of: Gabriel Schmidhäusler

Gabriel Schmidhäusler

Country Of Origin: Germany

Degree: MSc Finance, 2025


Business Analyst, Helbling Business Advisors AG


Why did you choose to study at LUMS?

Looking to gain experience abroad, I chose LUMS for the curriculum of its MSc Finance programme, particularly the CFA-integrated dissertation model. I was also drawn to the on-campus accommodation and the location – close to the Lake District – as I value being near nature.

What was the best thing about your course?

The course stood out for the quality of its lecturers, who were highly engaged and approachable. It also benefited from a well-designed structure, starting with broad subject areas before allowing students to specialise through optional modules later in the programme.

Did you do a project, placement or study abroad? What did this involve and what did you gain?

As part of my master’s degree, I was able to spend a semester abroad at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. Among other things, this experience helped me to expand my professional network, which has proved valuable for my current career, as I now work in the country.

Which parts of your Lancaster experience were the best preparation for your job?

As part of the university’s student fund initiative, I was able to take an active role as a team leader, working on topics that are now central to my day-to-day work. The mix of students – ranging from first-year undergraduates to master’s students – made the Fund an educational and enjoyable initiative that allowed us to apply the theory we learned in class alongside our studies.

What impact has your Lancaster experience had on your career?

The combination of a demanding workload and a highly international environment brought both challenges and opportunities early on – learning to navigate both proved excellent preparation for the professional world.