The MFin interview series
This article is part of a series of articles discussing the MFin interview process. Read more in the series:
Tone and format: genuinely conversational
Many applicants expect a high-pressure technical grilling, delving into highly quantitative areas, however, that is not the case. All 4 students were struck by how human and relaxed the interview felt, even though the stakes were high.
Frabrizio had expected a formal, high-pressure assessment, but quickly realised it was more like an in-depth conversation about his life and ambitions than a traditional panel interview. This put him at ease which made the conversation more genuine.
Ashrika had a similar experience with the MFin Director. She explained that it felt like a serious but supportive conversation about her readiness and fit for the programme, leaving her feel like she was having a coffee chat with the Director.
Ashis mentions that the format was clearly structured, but the style remained supportive. There was a strong focus around his motivation and the unique aspects of his profile, rather than purely technical questions.
“This balanced preparation enabled me to approach the interview with genuine confidence and once it began, it felt like a professional yet open discussion rather than a high-pressure cross examination” says Jemima.
This balanced preparation enabled me to approach the interview with genuine confidence and once it began, it felt like a professional yet open discussion rather than a high-pressure cross examination.
Clarifying your story: past, present and future
A strong, honest narrative sits at the heart of a successful MFin interview. Rather than focusing only on technical skills, the conversation is designed to understand who you are, why you want the MFin now and how Cambridge fits into your longer-term plans.
Jemima presented her journey as a logical progression: professional experience in audit and finance built strong technical foundations then volunteering and charitable work strengthened her commitment to impact.
Fabrizio framed his career as a series of milestones shaped by curiosity and a willingness to tackle new challenges, positioning Cambridge as his most ambitious step so far. He emphasised that each step of his career was an opportunity for him to discover what he enjoys, what he excels at and where he wants to build his future.
Ashrika treated the MFin as an accelerator rather than a pivot, showing how it would deepen the quantitative grounding she needed for more strategic, globally oriented roles. Connecting her past with her future and with Cambridge in the middle, providing the ‘refinement and global lens’.
Ashis connected his central banking work with his interest in emerging areas such as sustainable finance, machine learning and central bank digital currencies, linking them to specific MFin electives.
Ashis says: “There were questions aimed at understanding my past experiences, particularly the unique aspects of my profile, and another key focus was assessing my motivation for pursuing the course. I emphasised the need to update my skill set in emerging areas such as sustainable finance, machine learning and CBDCs through the selection of relevant electives.”
There were questions aimed at understanding my past experiences, particularly the unique aspects of my profile and another key focus was assessing my motivation for pursuing the course. I emphasised the need to update my skill set in emerging areas such as sustainable finance, machine learning and CBDCs through the selection of relevant electives.
How technical it is: substance over trick questions
All 4 students prepared thoroughly on technical concepts, but each found that the interview was less about tricky calculations and more about demonstrating a robust understanding of their own work.
Ashrika came in fully prepared for detailed questions on markets and risk and that preparation gave her confidence, even though the interview remained conversational. She explained that although it was serious, it was a supportive conversation about readiness and fit for the programme.
Ashis saw a strong focus on his motivation for the course and the unique aspects of his profile, rather than purely technical questions. The interviewer really got to know the unique aspect of his profile, making for a more substance-based interview.
Jemima noticed that her interviewer did not need to test individual transactions in depth. Instead, they explored what she had learned from them. Her interview also prioritised motivation and fit, with questions about why Cambridge, why now and how she had demonstrated teamwork and resilience.
Fabrizio describes his interview as more like a genuine conversation than a formal assessment. He explained that the interviewer is ultimately more interested in your reasoning than in catching you out.
He explains: “The interviewer wanted to understand how Cambridge and the MFin programme fit into the accomplishment of my long-term objectives, not to test every corner of my technical knowledge”.
The interviewer wanted to understand how Cambridge and the MFin programme fit into the accomplishment of my long-term objectives, not to test every corner of my technical knowledge.
Behavioural fit: teamwork, resilience and contribution to the community
Cambridge is looking for people who will thrive in a demanding, collaborative environment, so behavioural questions feature strongly. It is about seeing how you personally fit into the ethos of Cambridge and being part of our community.
Ashis highlighted projects and responsibilities that demonstrated leadership and impact within the central bank. He focused on his past experiences, unique to his role which allowed the interviewer to assess how he handled responsibility and how he contributed to the larger institution.
Jemima was asked to reflect on how she works with others and manages her time across multiple commitments. She delved into telling the interviewer how she navigated different group dynamics in a collaborative setting and also addressed her extracurricular activities and how she manages her work/life balance.
Fabrizio shared the challenges he had faced in his career and how each one had shaped his choices. He highlighted that obstacles he had faced and how he overcome them, which reinforced his commitment to finance and continuous growth.
Ashrika drew on her experience moving from a small town in India into global finance to show resilience and long-term commitment.
“Coming from a small town, my journey had been built incrementally through academic discipline and professional exposure and I wanted the panel to see how that progression prepared me for a diverse, global cohort” says Ashrika.
Coming from a small town, my journey had been built incrementally through academic discipline and professional exposure and I wanted the panel to see how that progression prepared me for a diverse, global cohort.
A 2-way dialogue: using the interview to explore Cambridge
All 4 students stress that strong candidates treat the interview as a chance to learn about Cambridge as well as selling themselves.
Ashis talked to us about the interview being a valuable opportunity to learn more about Cambridge Judge Business School and the wider Cambridge community. He went on to say that candidates should not hesitate to ask questions to the interviewer.
Jemima supplemented her research on the website with alumni testimonials, student videos and discussions about the collegiate system. This gave her an understanding of the University of Cambridge as a whole and its community orientated environment, so her questions could go beyond what is written online.
Ashrika advised that speaking to the admissions team is a great first step in covering any initial doubts, so during the interview, she could focus on deeper questions about the cohort, academics and life at Cambridge.
Fabrizio explored the current student network to understand the community before going into his interview, so he could direct his questions around how he fits personally and with the Cambridge environment.
Fabrizio says: “Connecting with students through networking gave me a sense of what the community is like, so during the interview I could ask specific questions about how I might fit into that environment.”
Connecting with students through networking gave me a sense of what the community is like, so during the interview I could ask specific questions about how I might fit into that environment.
In practice, candidates who succeed are those who know their own stories and applications deeply, understand why they want the Cambridge MFin at this particular time in their career and come ready for a thoughtful 2-way conversation. If you focus on honesty, clarity and curiosity about Cambridge, you will be aligning closely with what the interview is designed to assess.
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Living the Cambridge MFin: inside Colleges and College life
As an Master of Finance student, you become a member of a Cambridge College, giving you access to a wider University community, social traditions, pastoral support, facilities and networks beyond Cambridge Judge. Discover how College membership adds a distinctive Cambridge dimension to your MFin year.
Preparing for your Cambridge Master of Finance interview can feel daunting, especially when you are juggling long working hours and professional exams. Yet when you speak to current MFin students, a reassuring picture emerges: make sure you are prepared, use all the resources you can, know yourself well and be authentic. We hear from 4 current students, Ashis Mittal, Jemima Keren Gyamfi, Ashrika Gupta and Jose Fabrizio Acosta Boselli on how they prepared.
This past year, I moved from Lima to Cambridge as a Chevening Scholar on the Master of Finance, stepping into a demanding academic environment, learning alongside an incredibly diverse cohort and deepening my interest in infrastructure finance.