Melissa’s first days at Cambridge Judge were a whirlwind of calm beginnings, unexpected adventures and meaningful connections. From SIM card struggles to punting on the River Cam, she quickly discovered that Cambridge is as much about people and moments as it is about study. Dive into her journey of discovery and belonging.
You are browsing archives for
Tag: Student life
My first day in Cambridge: New beginnings
Melissa’s first day in Cambridge was a mix of bittersweet farewells, awe-filled first impressions and cozy moments- from leaving Ghana after 30 years to exploring Wolfson College, the city’s bicycles and iconic landmarks, all under a quintessentially British rainy sky.
From Classroom to Impact: Consulting for Ecosia
As part of the Cambridge MBA Sustainable Business Concentration, Azra collaborated with Ecosia to explore a new B2B model supporting corporate sustainability goals. Their recommendations were highly praised and highlighted the programme’s focus on real-world, purpose-driven learning.
My first impressions of Cambridge
Ron (MBA 2025) has been in Cambridge for just a month yet it already feels like home. He finds the city charming and its people warm and welcoming. Life at Churchill College offers him space to breathe and a sense of tranquillity- from cycling through the streets to punting on the River Cam, each experience has revealed another layer of what makes Cambridge so special.
1 year MBA playbook: how to make it count
After leaving consulting for the Cambridge MBA, Yijing embraced the intensity of a one-year programme- balancing lectures, group projects and late-night case work with building real-world ventures. From exploring university-wide meetups and AI hackathons to mastering venture finance and pitching startup ideas, she used every term to expand her skills, network and ambitions.
Beyond the big wins: The quiet moments that shaped my MBA
As Anna concludes her MBA journey, she reflects on a month that has been nothing short of a whirlwind. From completing her classroom studies and surviving Cambridge’s May Bumps, to attending events like London Climate Action Week and launching her own startup, it’s been an action-packed year. Yet, amidst the chaos, Anna finds herself cherishing the quieter moments – like crafting bracelets for the boat club or enjoying late-night conversations in the pub. Her reflection highlights the importance of slowing down to foster growth, build friendships, and find clarity.
The Ice Breaker: How sports turned classmates into lifelong friends
When most people think of an MBA, they imagine case studies, career changes, and networking events. For us, it also involved skates, sticks, and the unmistakable chill of a Cambridge ice rink. As 32-somethings navigating family life and a return to student living, we didn’t expect one of our most valuable lessons to come in a locker room—but that’s exactly where it did.
Cambridge MBA changed my life – In more ways than I expected
Tony Li joined the Cambridge MBA in September 2022 after a successful entrepreneurial journey in the robotics industry. Applying in the third round, he was unsure whether he’d be accepted — but was not only admitted, he was awarded the Technology and Innovation Scholarship. Over the course of the year, Tony immersed himself in the Cambridge experience: leading the Cambridge China Business Society, co-hosting a global webinar on entrepreneurship, and even meeting his future wife, a fellow MBA classmate. Today, he’s back in Shanghai, co-founding a new venture with a Cambridge alumnus and helping build the University’s alumni network in China — a testament to how one year at Cambridge can shape a lifetime.
My MBA term key takeaways: Energy & environment
Wrapping up the Easter Term of the Cambridge MBA, my key takeaways have revolved around Energy. In May, we successfully hosted the 2025 CUEN (Cambridge University Energy Network) Conference. Serving as the operations lead for this event was a significant privilege and incredibly fulfilling. A big thanks to all the guest speakers who participated in […]
Mentoring support across the Business School – the Cambridge MBA and MPhil students
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 […]
Investment Management MBA Special Interest Group
We were thrilled to host the “Bridging Opportunities & Industry Resources: Investment Management June Network Event” at Cambridge Judge Business School, organised by myself and Kelly Lui, as leaders of the Cambridge Investment Management SIG. The event was also in collaboration with the Cambridge Chinese Students & Scholars Association (CSSA) Entrepreneurship Division, Cambridge Emerging Market […]
A powerful launchpad – my MBA at Cambridge
Pivoting from a career in capital markets to launching my own start up has been both bold and deeply fulfilling. The fast paced deal making and pressure tested decision-making I developed in finance have translated seamlessly into the entrepreneurial world. But it was through the MBA that I truly connected with a deeper purpose, exploring […]
MBA and motherhood
Where do I start? That’s the daily voice in my head with mom’s brain and most possibly how I start this too. Motherhood is messy and most of the time confusing. But pursuing my MBA at Cambridge while navigating pregnancy and new motherhood has taught me that we’re capable of far more than we imagine. […]
Cambridge India Business Dialogue 2025
On 31 May, the Cambridge India Business Dialogue 2025 will bring together policymakers, thought leaders, innovators and changemakers at the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School, to engage in profound discussions on India’s dynamic journey through technological, social and economic shifts as it continues to position itself as a global leader. Before I began my […]
Warner Music trek with the CAMSE – an MBA Special Interest Group
Recently, the CAMSE (Culture, Arts, Media, Sports, Education) SIG organised a trek to Warner Music Group’s offices in London. Warner Music is one of the “big three” record companies with a global presence and portfolio of labels under its umbrella, including Atlantic Records, Reprise Records, and Elektra Records. Artists signed to Warner under these labels include […]
And then there were three – my MBA family
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 […]
I have officially graduated!
I am deeply grateful and excited to share that I have officially graduated from the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Judge Business School, after completing the full time MBA programme. To have studied at the same university where Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and Srinivasa Ramanujan once walked the halls has been nothing short […]
Cambridge MBA: Quantitative finance as an MBA
I chose Cambridge for my MBA in part because it’s one of the world’s premier STEM universities and I sought an environment where I could pursue technical projects and entrepreneurship on top of the classic MBA curriculum. Towards the end of last year, I decided to explore quantitative finance by taking part in the Cambridge […]
Big screen beckons for MBA and Catz student
A recent film screening for MBA student Penn Harrison was held at St Catharine’s College (Catz), where he is member, ahead of its consideration by international film festivals. Penn Harrison wrote, directed and shot ‘Nick of Time’ before being admitted to the College and has since edited his footage and composed the music from his […]
AI and Entrepreneurship Forum: representing Cambridge Judge Business School
In March 2025, I had the honour of representing Cambridge Judge Business School as a panellist at the AI and Entrepreneurship Forum hosted by Said Business School, University of Oxford. The event attracted approximately 200 participants, including MBA and executive students from the UK’s top institutions: Said Business School, London Business School, the London School […]