Can you tell us about your professional background and your journey to Cambridge?
Ana: I moved to Boston, Massachusetts to pursue my bachelors degree in finance and entrepreneurship at Northeastern University, working in banking, wealth management and fintech in US before moving back to Georgia, where I am originally from. I have spent most of my professional career at a London Stock Exchange listed Private Equity company, most recently as a Senior Vice President. My proudest professional accomplishment is working on the largest transaction in Georgia’s history – the sale of a monopolistic water utility to a strategic investor.
Mahima: My journey, from the margins to the mainland of India, has been a juxtaposition of experiences. I grew up in a boarding school located amidst the sprawling tea gardens of Assam. From here, I went on to pursue a degree in economics and mathematics at Sri Ram College of Commerce in the national capital, Delhi. After my graduation, I worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Management Consulting under Valuations in Kolkata, and I also collaborated with a political incubator, empowering women to run for grassroots politics. After two years of work experience, I decided to pursue a global education, and the Master of Finance programme at Cambridge is where I now find myself.
What has been the highlight of the MFin programme for you so far?
Ana: The highlight of the MFin programme, without a doubt, is the diversity of the MFin cohort. It is an eye-opening experience to observe the varied ways of thought formation and idea generation. I’m really looking forward to seeing where everyone goes after the programme.
Mahima: The highlight of the programme, unquestionably, must be the people. In between the overarching goals, the coursework, and the ongoing commitments, it’s been important to make space for unforgettable memories created in simple moments. And therein lies my highlight of the programme: simple moments curated with the most powerful emotions. You might have one story to tell, you may have limited experience and confined learning, but in the MFin cohort, you become a part of 77 other stories. Ideas, learnings, and experiences spill over through the multicultural academic network.
And therein lies my highlight of the programme: simple moments curated with the most powerful emotions. You might have one story to tell, you may have limited experience and confined learning, but in the MFin cohort, you become a part of 77 other stories. Ideas, learnings, and experiences spill over through the multicultural academic network.
As this year’s Women in Finance scholars, what does this award mean to you and why it is important to recognise and encourage women working in the finance industry?
Ana: I think of success quite often. One of the ways I engage with my thoughts, centres around the definition of success. When I think to list the most successful people, women rarely make the list. It is important to recognise and encourage women working in the finance industry, so we think of ourselves at the forefront of what constitutes success and how we can be more inclusive in our definitions.
Mahima: Becoming a Women in Finance scholar has introduced me to a world of incredible women. The women on our course are not just brilliant; they are authentic and unapologetic. They ideate, they build, they create, all while staying true to their values and roots. And amidst it all, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement every time I see a woman’s name on the City Speaker Series list. However, until a female in the world of finance no longer feels like an anomaly, it’s important to recognise them and set precedence until we can build a tribe of women in finance.
This year’s MFin cohort has the highest proportion of female students (47% in the 2023 class), can you tell us about the cohort and the value they bring to your MFin experience?
Ana: I believe that the MFin classroom is more representative of real-life perspectives than any other global business school classroom. This equality provides an enhanced learning experience through diversity of perspectives, varied experiences and a collaborative environment. I sit next to an Actuarial Science professional from Mauritius, a Renewable Energy Advocate from Malaysia and a Financial Risk Analyst from Portugal – the Cambridge MFin is as inclusive and diverse as it gets!
Mahima: There has been a structural change in the way finance is provisioned, and the MFin class mirrors this transition by comprising varied professionals from all emerging niches of finance. Our classroom serves as a ready-made professional network, with colleagues who have diverse experience in algo-trading, cryptocurrency, private credit, sports or art investment, wealth management, and so on. One of the biggest draws is learning alongside them, upskilling and cross-skilling oneself to reflect these emerging trends. I have enjoyed this challenge, and without a doubt, the cohort has helped instil the drive and ambition that I possess today!
I believe that the MFin classroom is more representative of real-life perspectives than any other global business school classroom. This equality provides an enhanced learning experience through diversity of perspectives, varied experiences and a collaborative environment.
Have you been involved in any extra-curricular activities during your time on the MFin?
Ana: I am an MFin Class Ambassador and a member of the Cambridge Judge Business School Council. Both assignments are helping me shape my experience as a student on the MFin at the Cambridge Judge Business School.
Mahima: I am one of the three presidents of the Finance Special Interest Group. Through this platform, I have learnt so much about leadership over the past five months. Moving forward, my team and I are really excited about fostering interdisciplinary connections and conversations amongst people at all stages of their journey in finance.
Through the Finance Special Interest Group, I have learnt so much about leadership over the past five months.
What would your advice be to women thinking of applying to the Cambridge MFin?
Ana: Truly think about the value that being a female in 2024, and onwards, brings to classroom discussions and aspire to transpose that experience to boardroom discussions. Think about what it means to be female and how to define success.
Mahima: While having plans and back-up plans is important, remember to remain curious, open-hearted, and hopeful for what might come your way! Cambridge offers opportunities that may not align with your initial plans, but seize them, nonetheless. Lastly, just accomplishing all your plans is not true success. Think about what it means to you. For me, success is about loving yourself, enjoying what you do, and appreciating how you do it.
Truly think about the value that being a female in 2024, and onwards, brings to classroom discussions and aspire to transpose that experience to boardroom discussions.
Cambridge Master of Finance (MFin)
Engaging with the world’s best financial minds and skilled professionals, the Cambridge MFin opens doors to exciting new career possibilities.
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