Just a week before we start our exciting year, 18 of us gathered in the Big Apple for the Cambridge MBA New York trek.
I had three objectives before joining this trek: the first was to learn about the job market in the US; the second was to network with alumni in New York; and the third objective was to start getting to know classmates. After one and a half days, I think I achieved them and gained more than expected!
8th September, 17.00
Eight alumni welcomed us at the Cambridge office in Manhattan. They had various backgrounds from finance to tech, advertising to entrepreneurship, and they gave us good advice both on careers and the life at Cambridge. Here are some takeaways:
- Be open to new experiences and ready to leave your comfort zone.
- Learn their from your classmates skills.
- Ask professors to help you build your network.
9th September
We visited three companies:
10.30. Millward Brown Vermeer, a global marketing consultancy. Two consultants talked about their projects with six companies including AB InBev, Paypal, and Estee Lauder. To someone like me, who only had a rough idea about consulting, it was an eye-opening session. I especially liked how they helped a painting company, Dulux, determine its brand purpose, “to sell tints of optimism,” and start a social contribution programme in poor towns.
12.30. Samsung, and were welcomed by CJBS alumni Damon Sununtnasuk. He briefed us about Samsung and its wide range of businesses. We learned that they not only sell smartphones and electric appliances but also chemicals – they even have insurance and construction companies! He also spoke about his role at Samsung. Afterward, they let us explore their newly-opened showroom located in the hottest spot in town, the Meat Packing district. Their “4D” VR experience (a VR headset and a motion seat) and 360-degree camera were some of the most fun experiences we had.
14.30. JP Morgan. Alumni Matt Jenkins greeted us and, along with his two colleagues, talked about the finance industry, the company’s culture, and how fintech and digital currency are changing their industry.
All of the people I met during this trek were very welcoming, and they were ready to answer any questions I had. It was a good way to kickstart my MBA, and I appreciated the work of all of the participants and organisers.