A piece of Peru in Cambridge
It was 07:00 in Lima, Peru and I was about to leave for the office when I opened the email that changed everything: I had been selected as a Chevening Scholar. Months of preparation, essays and mock interviews had led to that moment.
Two months later, I found myself on Trumpington Street on a crisp autumn morning, heading towards Cambridge Judge Business School for the first day of the Master of Finance (MFin). I felt excitement, gratitude and a healthy amount of nervousness. I was carrying a suitcase, of course, but also a piece of Peru and a lot of hopes for what the year would bring.
Arriving in Cambridge: intensity and diversity
Our MFin cohort includes professionals from more than 38 nationalities and a wide range of sectors. From the first networking session, I realised how much I would learn from my classmates.
Michaelmas term was intense. It focused on core courses that give you a strong foundation in areas such as corporate finance, financial reporting and quantitative methods. Returning to academic life after several years in the corporate world was challenging. I had to adjust to problem sets, group projects and exams once again.
What helped was embracing the rhythm of Cambridge, long days in the library, followed by college dinners, society events and late‑night conversations with classmates about markets, careers and life beyond the classroom. The experience was demanding, but it was also incredibly energising.
Finding my community: climate, energy and infrastructure
Beyond the classroom, I wanted to connect with people who shared my interest in sustainable infrastructure. I joined the Climate and Energy Transition Special Interest Group, which brings together students from different programmes and backgrounds.
However, I noticed that infrastructure finance did not have its own dedicated space within the Business School, despite its importance for development and climate goals. Together with 2 colleagues, I co‑founded the Infrastructure Society at Cambridge Judge.
Our objective was simple, to bring together students who are interested in infrastructure and to create opportunities to learn from practitioners. We hosted speakers from development banks and infrastructure funds. These sessions were invaluable for understanding how different institutions approach risk, returns and impact in infrastructure projects.
For me personally, co-leading the society was a highlight of the year. It has allowed me to contribute something to the Business School community while sharpening my own understanding of the sector.
From lectures to real‑world projects
In Lent and Easter terms, we chose electives that aligned with our interests. One of the highlights for me was the Private Equity course. It changed how I thought about structuring investments, managing incentives and creating value in portfolio companies.
As the year progresses, the focus shifts more towards application. The Group Consulting Project is a good example of this. The project is a chance for us to work on a real‑world challenge for a client. Given my interest in infrastructure and development, I self‑sourced a project with a leading Asian development bank.
It brings together my previous professional experience and my new academic learning and it feels like an important stepping stone towards the type of career I wanted to build after the MFin.
My reflection as a Chevening scholar
Cambridge has a reputation for being a place that changes you and after nearly a year here, I understand why. The academic intensity, the mix of perspectives in the classroom and the distinctive culture of the University have all stretched my thinking in unexpected ways.
I’m leaving the programme with sharper technical capabilities, but also with a clearer vision of the kind of contribution I want to make through my career in Peru, my home country.
Looking ahead: my plans after the MFin
People often say that your time at Cambridge will be one of the most transformative years of your life. In my case, that has proved true. I now feel more empowered and ambitious in my professional goals. I aim to build a career in infrastructure and development finance, working on projects that accelerate the energy transition and support sustainable progress across Latin America.
There are many parts of Cambridge life I know I’ll miss, the college halls, the inspiring speakers and the late-night conversations with friends from every corner of the world. But I’ll take with me deep friendships, a stronger sense of purpose and. the confidence that the skills and connections I have built here will support me for the rest of my career.
About the blog author: Alejandro Delgado
Alejandro Delgado is a finance professional with over a decade of experience in commercial and corporate banking. He holds an MBA from CENTRUM PUCP Business School and has worked with local and international banks, including Scotia bank and Bank of China in Peru. As a senior associate, he has structured and evaluated financing transactions in sectors such as energy, mining and utilities, with exposure to infrastructure projects in Peru and across Latin America.
His experience includes financial structuring, credit analysis and due diligence across various transactions, including bilateral and syndicated loans, some supported by development finance institutions. At Cambridge Judge Business School, Alejandro focuses on infrastructure finance, with the goal of building a career in multilateral development banks.
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