When I left consulting for an MBA, some people thought I was crazy.
“You’re giving up billable hours for old-school coursework?”
“Is a one-year program even worth it?”
On paper, they had a point. My ex-colleagues were billing 80-hour weeks with strong returns. I was spending ~60 hours a week in lectures, group projects, and the occasional late-night case write-up.
But here’s what the paper didn’t show: I used this year to build things.
Not slides. Not hypos. Real, tangible projects.
I designed agentic AI workflows in LangFlow
I built an interactive career path tool with vibe coding
I learned financial modeling and created real P&L projections for startups
A 1 year MBA is intense. You will fight to balance study, networking, and sleep (and yes, a bit of travel). But if I had to play it again from Day 1, here’s exactly how I’d do it, especially if you’re a builder with a love for tech
1. First 6 months – Go wide (and maybe a little wild)
Attend as many university-wide meetups as you can. Join societies and, if possible, organize events. It’s the fastest way to get close to speakers.
Start with: Oxbridge AI Challenge & Oxbridge AI X, CUTEC – Cambridge University Technology and Enterprise Club,AI Engine: Hackathon, King’s E-Lab
2. Michaelmas + Lent – Build your tech + venture toolkit
Level up your skills: agentic AI workshops, vibe coding, Accelerate Programme for Scientific Discovery (Computer Science Dept)
If you can, take New Venture Finance (Robert (Bob) Wardrop) and Foundations of New Venture Creation (Simon Stockley), the best crash course in team formation, equity splits, and startup valuation from a VC lens.
3. Easter + Summer – Test and pitch
Once you have an idea or co-founder, pitch it. Join incubators, work with mentors, iterate fast.
Great places to start: Founders at the University of Cambridge, ACCELERATE CAMBRIDGE, King’s E-Lab, Oxbridge AI Challenge & Oxbridge AI X
4. Post-MBA – Fundraise and launch
Join an accelerator, sell your vision, and get closer to market.
In London: Entrepreneurs First, Antler, Founders Factory, Techstars
Final thought: In a one-year MBA, speed is your ally. Build fast, network with intent and don’t let the academic calendar set your pace, set your own.
Hope it’s helpful to land in a fruition year for all of you.
