
3 reflections on our experience starting a family during my Cambridge MBA year:
Zoe Conitsiotis was brought into the world at the Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, early in the Easter Term. Her arrival in Spring marked an important milestone during my family’s time in Cambridge whilst I am undertaking the Cambridge MBA, and provides a natural point for reflection on our experience so far. Below are 3 key messages I would convey to anyone considering starting a family whilst undertaking the MBA programme.
- Cambridge provides a uniquely supportive environment for balancing studies with your personal interests
The unique opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities through Colleges and societies at Cambridge is well documented, but these networks also cater to those who are looking to start a family. Between my College, Gonville & Caius, and Cambridge Judge Business School ,I have been able to access a period of paternity leave to support my family during the early days of Zoe’s life. Additionally, informal support has also been available to us through networks of students who have gone through a similar journey and who have been able to pass on recommendations and encouragement to us.
- Choosing to start a family whilst on the MBA does come with trade-offs
With a full menu of optional workshops, guest speaker sessions and social events to choose from, it would be a challenge under normal circumstances to fit all this in around the core MBA coursework. With my wife entering the final stages of her pregnancy an additional level of prioritisation needed to be considered. This often meant choosing to help out around the house and at the end of a day in class, instead of attending a recruitment event or guest speaker session. This extra consideration helped me focus my efforts on the sessions which were of particular interest to me to ensure I was getting maximum value from my time away from home.
- The MBA is a unique opportunity to clarify current and future career priorities
A full time MBA such as the Cambridge MBA comes with a full year away from work which allows you to take a step back and clarify what aspects of your career are important to you. It was a surprise for me to realise that I was beginning to prioritise a different work life balance mix compared to the one I had adopted in the early stages of my career. The MBA Leadership Laboratory Elective, for example, has provided me with the framework for some introspection and to examine how my life experiences so far have influenced my own prioritisation and decision making. Through 1:1 sessions with the Careers team at Cambridge Judge I was also able to discuss my career ambitions in the context of my growing family, ultimately helping me understand what opportunities would best match our changing family.