Performing music has always been, and will continue to, be my first love. Yet from a young age, my interests have been wide-ranging: architecture, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the business side of the music industry have all consistently drawn my curiosity.
Alongside my music career, I have dabbled with these interests in parallel. I worked with my family business in eco-friendly construction, interned at a music publishing company where I helped secure rights for Netflix films, and co-founded an NGO. Over the past two years, I have gone deeper into understanding the global music industry landscape in general and India in particular. These experiences made one thing clear: to meaningfully bridge creativity with impact, I needed to complement my creative and real-world exposure with strong business perspectives.
This realisation led me to apply to the Cambridge MBA, a transformative year that would allow me to dive deeper into the intersections of business, creativity, and entrepreneurship. I was fortunate to be awarded the Professional Impact Scholarship by Cambridge Judge Business School, which supports students from underrepresented professional backgrounds and reinforces the school’s commitment to democratising access to education.
Beyond the programme itself, I was excited by the prospect of living in the historic city of Cambridge, experiencing the collegiate system, immersing myself in the entrepreneurial energy of Silicon Fen, and learning alongside students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Cambridge has exceeded my expectations in every way. Walking down King’s Parade, I am often reminded of how fortunate I am to call this place home, if only for a year. Each day is intellectually stimulating, whether through lectures at Cambridge Judge or panels at the King’s E-Lab. There are so many opportunities that if you ever get bored, that’s on you. There’s so much happening every day that prioritisation becomes essential. I have taken classes in subjects I did not expect to interest me, which have given me a refreshing outlook towards my life and career. The Cambridge Venture Project (CVP) was a particular highlight of Michaelmas Term, where study groups collaborated with local start-ups to solve real business challenges.
Outside the classroom, rowing has been another highlight. There is something deeply meditative about moving in rhythm as the oars gently break the surface of the Cam. Formal dinners (especially at my college, King’s) never disappoint and are a great way to connect with peers. There are also formal and informal mixers at the many great college bars, along with plenty of charming cafes to explore. It’s also great to be able to travel into London occasionally to attend concerts of my favourite artists!
Most of all, it’s the people that make the business school so special. Each person brings their unique story to the cohort, and there is so much interpersonal learning that takes place.
As winter gives way to spring, the Lent and Easter terms offer the chance to further tailor the programme through electives and concentrations. I am particularly looking forward to working on my start-up idea and events organised by the CAMSE (Culture, Arts, Media, Sports & Education) Special Interest Group, including a trek to Warner Bros.
If I were to offer one piece of advice to Cambridge aspirants, it would be this: come with an open mind. Leave room for serendipity, embrace the depth of knowledge the University and city have to offer, and be willing to step outside your bubble to connect with people unlike yourself. For me, Cambridge has not just expanded my skill set. It has broadened my perspective, helping me imagine a future where creativity and business reinforce, rather than compete, with each other.