How to prepare for the MFin and what to expect

Before you arrive, you’ll be sent access to a pre-arrival website set up by the MFin programme team, says Emma. “This includes information on course dates, inductions, FAQs on moving to Cambridge and more,” she explains.

“I would strongly recommend reading through all of these materials to help prepare you for your first few weeks with us. If in doubt, you can always email us with any questions or concerns that aren’t covered on the site.”

You’ll also get the opportunity to brush up on technical skills. “We partner with Summatic – an online quantitative learning platform – who provide pre-arrival preparatory materials for us to ensure all students are ready for the more technical courses which run in the first term,” says Emma.

“These materials focus on mathematics and statistical skills directly relating to finance and to what will be used on the programme. Even if your quantitative skills are strong, I would still recommend going through these, as there may be elements you haven’t covered since university or even longer,” she continues. “Scores from this are also used as a guide to ensure all students’ levels are catered for when the MFin begins.”

In addition to the learning platform, Cambridge Judge also offers a Finance Fundamentals Bootcamp towards the end of the summer. “While this is recorded, I would highly recommend attending live if you can,” advises Emma. “This is a really great way to boost your skills and knowledge, ask questions on any more difficult areas and get the chance to e-meet fellow students – think of it as a crash course in financial fundamentals.”

Once you embark on the MFin, you’ll have time to settle in and get to know your cohort as part of a 2-week induction.

“You’ll be able to network with your new classmates, get to know students on other programmes and meet some of the faculty members who’ll be teaching in the year ahead,” says Emma. “The first few days can feel quite busy, but we make sure to allow plenty of free time so you are able to take care of any personal or College commitments.”

Highlights to expect include meeting the Dean, a mixer event for MFin, MBA and Executive MBA students and an end of induction party. “The mixer is a great introduction to the CBSC (Cambridge Business School Club) and provides the chance to sign up to be on the club committee,” says Emma. “The end of induction party gives you the chance to let loose and relax with your new classmates!”

The first few days can feel quite busy, but we make sure to allow plenty of free time so you are able to take care of any personal or College commitments.

Emma Nevell Rodrigues, MFin Head of Programme for Student Learning and Engagement

As you settle in, you’ll have the option to get involved with life at your allocated College, enabling you to get to know students from the wider University of Cambridge.

“Your College will also ensure an extra layer of support,” explains Emma. “You’ll have a College tutor allocated to you, who you’ll be able to meet with to discuss your progress while at Cambridge. They will be able to advise in case you are experiencing any problems, be they academic or personal. Your College will also help you with anything else you need outside of the programme – from accommodation to activities.”

“There will also be a College nurse on site in case you ever feel unwell,” she adds. “Alongside your tutor, they can liaise with us to make sure you are receiving any assistance you need while studying with us.”

College membership also gives you the opportunity to get involved with clubs and societies, broadening your experience beyond Cambridge Judge and gaining a deeper understanding of what makes the Cambridge experience such a unique one.

It’s not only within your College you’ll find clubs and societies to join, though. Emma explains the wider University offers plenty more ways to get involved.

“Cambridge is a huge university with a plethora of societies to get involved with. Whatever you are interested in or have ever wanted to try, there will definitely be something for you.”

SIGs (special interest groups) at Cambridge Judge meanwhile allow you to explore a particular area, she explains. “These range from AI to entrepreneurship, fashion to tourism and beyond. They give you the chance to meet like-minded individuals and develop your skills and interests in other areas beyond the programme.”

“Past students have gone on to found companies and organisations with others they met at Cambridge, so these can also be a great way to boost your career prospects and networking opportunities, while enhancing your time on the programme.”

Just as fundamental to the Master of Finance experience is the careers support you’ll get, which starts before you even arrive, explains Emma.

“Cambridge Judge has a dedicated careers team, who will get in touch with you before you even arrive,” she says. “During the programme, you’ll get one-on-one assistance with your CV and general career trajectory, alongside useful practice interviews. The careers team also hold workshops and job fairs, and host regular guest speakers and networking events so you can meet industry insiders, further opening doors,” she continues.

“I would strongly recommend engaging with the careers team throughout the MFin. The more they know about you, the better they will be able to help you fulfil your goals in joining the programme,” she says.

“This is an invaluable resource that is a key part of the MFin experience for many students: helping you move further toward your career ambitions and leave the programme with a better sense of where you want to be afterwards.”