In conversation with Sophie Feng: MFin Pembroke Fund scholar

The Pembroke Fund Scholarship was launched in 2024 and was made possible thanks to a generous donation by an alumnus of Pembroke College. The donation will fund one full scholarship per year, for 3 years, and will cover the entire tuition fee and include a place at Pembroke College.

We caught up with the first MFin recipient of the scholarship, Sophie Feng, to find out more about her Cambridge experience so far, highlights from the MFin degree and her advice for candidates applying to the Pembroke Fund Scholarship.

2024 Pembroke Fund scholar: Sophie Feng

Can you tell us about your professional background and your journey to Cambridge?

My professional background began in London, where I completed my undergraduate degree. After graduating, I joined JPMorgan’s Global Finance and Business Management Division in London, where I worked for 3 years as part of their graduate scheme. While I learned a lot during my time there, I realised I wanted a change in pace and scenery after working in such a fast-paced city. More importantly, I wanted to deepen my understanding of finance, as I discovered there were still so many areas within the field that I had yet to explore.

Cambridge offered everything I was looking for: a retreat from the hustle and bustle of London, world-class teaching, and an environment that combines academia with hands-on experience. The MFin programme stood out to me as it provides a unique blend of theoretical learning and practical application – an invaluable combination for a career in finance.

We’re now mid-way through the Easter term, what has been the highlight of the MFin programme for you so far?

One of the standout highlights for me has been getting to know my incredible cohort. The diversity – both professionally and culturally – has been remarkable. Working on group projects with peers from different backgrounds has been an eye-opening experience, as it has allowed me to see and understand thought processes that are completely different from my own.

Another major highlight has been receiving world-class tuition from professors who are truly passionate about their subjects. Their enthusiasm for teaching and their willingness to collaborate with us on projects like the Equity Research Project (ERP) and Group Consulting Project (GCP) have provided invaluable insights into their areas of expertise.

Additionally, the City Speaker Series and networking opportunities have been phenomenal. Every week, industry leaders visit Cambridge to share their journeys and insights. For example, I’ve had the chance to meet professionals like Luigi Rizzo, Vice Chairman of Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley, and Dr Golnaz Borghei, Deals Manager at PwC’s Entrepreneurial and Venture Capital business. These interactions often continue informally over dinner at Cambridge colleges, offering unique opportunities to learn directly from established professionals in the field.

As our first Pembroke scholar on the MFin, what does this award mean to you and how will this support impact your time in Cambridge and beyond?

Receiving the Pembroke scholarship is an immense honour. Knowing how competitive the selection process is, I was truly humbled when I received the email notifying me of the award. I felt extremely grateful, especially considering the strength of all the other MFin candidates.

This scholarship has motivated me to give my best during the MFin programme and beyond. It has also reinforced the importance of consistent hard work. The path to such a reward can be challenging, as it requires sustained academic excellence, but it also offers gratifying rewards like this one.

This year’s cohort has the highest proportion of female students (52% in the 2024 class). As a passionate supporter of female empowerment and representation, why do you feel this is important? How does this benefit the finance industry?

The increasing representation of women in finance is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s inspiring to see more women entering and excelling in what has traditionally been a male-dominated profession. This shift not only promotes diversity of thought and perspective but also serves as a powerful example for future generations of women aspiring to break into the industry.

Beyond representation, normalising the presence of women in finance is essential. My hope is that, in the near future, gender balance will be the norm, and that we won’t need to focus on statistics anymore. A naturally balanced industry will benefit everyone, regardless of their gender.

The MFin has an incredibly diverse cohort (this year’s class has 31 nationalities represented). Can you tell us about the cohort and the value they bring to your MFin experience?

My cohort is made up of wonderful individuals from all over the world, representing countries like Indonesia, Japan, China, India, Azerbaijan, Germany, France, Portugal, Norway, Italy, Peru, the US, and Ghana and many more. This diversity adds incredible depth to the programme, as it provides insights into various cultures, work ethics, and communication styles.

The differences in work experience are equally fascinating. While some of my classmates have over eight years of professional experience, others have just 3. This range means that each person brings unique perspectives and expertise to group projects, enriching the overall learning experience.

The value of such a diverse group lies in the opportunity to learn from one another. Whether it’s through discussions or collaboration, there’s always someone in the cohort who has experience in a field or role that others aspire to explore in the future.

As a member of Pembroke College, can you tell us more about the College and your daily College life?

Life at Cambridge is unique because it consists of two distinct parts: academic life and college life. Academic life revolves around classes, assignments, and classmates at Cambridge Judge, while college life offers a separate space to unwind, socialise, and enjoy the Cambridge experience.

Pembroke College has been a wonderful home away from home. Meals in the dining hall, known as the Trough, are a daily highlight. Pembroke’s food is well-known for being delicious and varied, with options for everyone. Beyond meals, the Graduate Parlour is a great place to relax, catch up with friends, or study.

One of my favourite aspects of Pembroke life is attending formal dinners. These events, held in the Trough or the historic Old Library, are an opportunity to dress up and enjoy a three-course meal with fellow students.

Additionally, as a Christian, I’ve found Pembroke to be a supportive environment for practicing my faith. The Pembroke Chapel, the first college chapel in Cambridge, provides a spiritual and serene space for silent prayer and Evensong services. During Christmas, I attended Pembroke’s Christmas Carol service, a truly intimate event filled with candlelight, choir music, and organ performances. I’ve also taken up rowing as part of college life. While the 6 am wake-up calls are tough, being on the water early in the morning is incredibly refreshing and therapeutic. It’s a great way to start the day and a welcome break from the demands of the MFin programme.

Alongside your busy academic timetable and lectures, there are lots of career-related activities happening. How have you benefited from these over the last two terms?

The MFin programme is exceptional in its career-related offerings. From panel discussions and networking sessions to interview preparation workshops and 1:1 coaching, there’s a wealth of resources available to help students succeed. Over the past 2 terms, these activities have been invaluable in shaping my career plans.

The careers office has been instrumental in helping me identify a clear career path. They’ve also pointed me toward relevant networking sessions and coaching opportunities tailored to my aspirations. While the coaching sessions can be intense and highlight knowledge gaps, they’re incredibly useful for pinpointing areas for improvement and ensuring I’m well-prepared for future interviews and assessments.