Pursuing an MBA at Cambridge Judge Business School has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. With a rich tradition of excellence and a dynamic academic environment, Cambridge Judge has provided me with opportunities and challenges that have shaped my professional journey in profound ways.
As I near the completion of my MBA, I’ve received numerous questions from prospective students and colleagues alike about the programme. To help answer these, I’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ based on my personal experiences at Cambridge Judge. I hope this provides valuable insights for those considering this remarkable programme.
1. What was the admissions process like?
The admissions process at Cambridge Judge is fairly standard, with multiple rounds throughout the year. I applied in the second-to-last round and was thrilled to join the class in March. The application questions were typical, and the interview lasted about 30 minutes. I also engaged with current students via LinkedIn and attended Q&A sessions, which I would highly recommend.
2. Based on your experience, what elements should people highlight in their application essays?
I don’t have specific advice on application essays, but I would suggest being honest and telling compelling stories. Emphasize your unique experiences, goals, and how the MBA will help you achieve them. Being genuine in your narrative is key to standing out.
3. How did you find the courses?
I enjoyed the courses immensely, although the first term was challenging since everyone takes the same set of core courses without any electives. Coming from a communications and marketing background, subjects like corporate finance were tough for me. However, my study group and other resources like teaching assistants were invaluable in helping me grasp difficult concepts. In Lent and Easter terms, I was excited to choose electives, allowing me to specialise in marketing, which is a unique feature of the Cambridge Judge MBA programme.
4. Could you elaborate on the course selection process? How are mandatory and elective courses structured?
The MBA programme is structured into three terms (Michaelmas, Lent, and Easter) and a summer term. In Michaelmas, you’ll take mandatory courses with your assigned stream. It’s crucial to build strong relationships with your study group and stream during this time. In Lent and Easter terms, you can choose electives, which allows you to meet more people outside of your stream and focus on your areas of interest. Additionally, there is usually a document of course feedback that circulates during course selection time, which can be helpful in choosing electives, though offerings can vary year to year.
5. Which courses or academic programmes are highly regarded?
All of the courses at Cambridge Judge are highly regarded, but if you’re interested in a standout experience, I recommend taking a class from Michael Kitson, the academic director for our year. His lectures are engaging and informative. Another professor I highly recommend is Jaideep Prabhu, who offers deep insights and conducts fascinating research.
6. Was the programme as intensive as people say, or was the social life more interesting?
Yes, the Cambridge MBA programme is intense. You often have to choose between academics, social life, and sleep – you can usually manage only two at a time. I prioritised academics, but the intensity peaks for everyone around exam and paper submission times. That said, you could focus more on the social side if that’s your preference.
7. Is there a grade non-disclosure policy?
I don’t have detailed information on the grade non-disclosure policy, but you can find specifics on the University’s website. Generally, it takes a while to get your grades back, and there’s not much emphasis on grades in the overall experience.
8. What are the primary areas of focus for students outside of academics?
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are a significant focus outside of academics. These groups allow you to network, organise events, and invite esteemed speakers, which can be incredibly enriching both personally and professionally. For example, a friend’s AI SIG was so successful that they organised a conference, which will likely have a lasting impact on their careers in AI.
9. Which clubs or societies were you involved with, and which do you find most influential or beneficial for students?
I was involved with several SIGs, including ESG, Women in Business, LGBTQ+, and Mental Health. Each SIG was valuable in its own way, whether for networking, learning, or support. The most influential or beneficial clubs will depend entirely on your personal goals and interests. I recommend exploring various clubs at the Freshers’ Fair and attending conferences to maximise your experience.
10. Could you share any insights into longstanding traditions, significant events, or particularly esteemed courses?
Before attending, I wasn’t familiar with many of the Cambridge traditions, but I’ve come to enjoy Formal Dinners and other evening social events, that often involve dressing up and sipping champagne. Regarding esteemed courses, I believe all of them carry prestige – after all, it’s Cambridge!
11. What were the benefits of concentrating in a specific area, such as marketing?
I found concentrating in marketing incredibly beneficial. It allowed me to dive deep into my area of interest and led directly to my summer internship at The Financial Times. The capstone project I completed as part of my MBA Concentration was pivotal in securing this opportunity.
12. Any advice on how to make the most of the programme?
My biggest piece of advice is to be open-minded, focus on emotional intelligence, and treat your peers with kindness and respect. Networking isn’t just about social events; it’s about building professional relationships. Contributing to group work, attending classes, and being a reliable team member are crucial. Remember, your classmates may be future colleagues or decision-makers. Also, start studying for finals earlier than you think you need to – exam preparation at Cambridge can be much more rigorous than what you might be used to.
13. Where are you now, and how did Cambridge impact that outcome?
I’m currently in the Summer Term of the programme, doing an internship with The Financial Times, in their performance marketing and audience engagement team. This opportunity directly resulted from my marketing capstone project at Cambridge, demonstrating the strong connections and opportunities the programme can provide.
14. How would you describe the placement landscape at Cambridge? What was the employment market like for your cohort?
As I’m still in the Summer Term and currently interning, I don’t have a full picture of the placement landscape yet. However, the network and support at Cambridge Judge have been incredibly valuable in opening doors and providing career opportunities.
15. Were graduates generally successful in switching industries or relocating?
I don’t have enough information to comment on this as I’m still completing the programme, but Cambridge’s global reputation and strong alumni network are definitely assets for those looking to make significant career shifts.
Reflecting on my time at Cambridge Judge Business School, I can say that the experience has been both challenging and rewarding. The MBA programme pushes you to grow, not only academically but also personally, as you navigate the complexities of the business world alongside a diverse cohort.
For anyone considering an MBA at Cambridge, my advice is to embrace the journey fully – immerse yourself in the academics, participate in SIGs, build lasting relationships, and be open to the opportunities that come your way. I hope this FAQ has provided you with some clarity and insight into what you can expect from this incredible programme.
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to share my experiences and help guide future Cambridge Judge students on their path.
