At Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS), we foster an environment of collaboration, diversity and inclusion. This ethos inspired two Class of 2024/25 MBA students – Jose Francisco Zubizarreta Rodriguez and Olivia Jenkins – to create a new initiative designed to strengthen ties within the CJBS community: the MBA – MPhil Mentoring Programme.
Launched in March 2025, the programme brought together over 35 participants from the MBA and MPhil cohorts with the aim of creating a platform where MBA students could share their experiences and insights to support the learning journeys of their MPhil colleagues.
The inaugural cohort of MBA mentors brought a wealth of experience, representing diverse backgrounds across more than 9 different industries and 11 countries. Mentors offered guidance on everything from career planning and interview preparation to expanding professional networks.
The mentoring sessions were met with great enthusiasm and appreciation from participants. One student described the experience as “very helpful and fluid,” particularly appreciating the opportunity to engage in “an open discussion and get to know each other through the conversation”. This emphasis on openness and approachability was echoed by others, who highlighted the informal yet purposeful format: “The chill setting over coffee made it feel very smooth and not too professional,” noted another mentee.
Students also valued the mentor-mentee matching process, praising how their specific interests and aspirations were reflected in their mentor’s background. “My interests were met and the experience was relevant,” one student commented, pointing out how the mentor’s tailored book recommendations and career insights offered tangible value. Moreover, the programme fostered a safe and honest environment, where “all of my concerns were addressed”, allowing for meaningful and transparent dialogue.
The positive feedback from both mentors and mentees has set a strong foundation for future iterations of the MBA-MPhil programme. Embodying the spirit of mutual support, participants have enjoyed building new connections and learning from one another’s experiences and insights. As we look ahead, we hope that future cohorts expand the initiative and continue building a connected and collaborative community across Cambridge Judge Business School.