When candidates start preparing for their interview
Timelines vary, all of our students prepared in their own way, some prepared before they received an interview invite and some prepared weeks in advance. The key theme from our students is preparation is key.
Ashrika Gupta started about 3 months before she heard back from Cambridge, building preparation into her schedule so she could be ready for the interview. She refreshed key topics from her role in capital markets and risk management and considered potential questions on her future summer project or dissertation.
Ashis Mittal, who was working full-time as a central banker, had around a month between invitation and interview, so most of his preparation took place at weekends. He focused on reviewing his CV and Statement of Purpose carefully, then updated himself on developments relevant to his experience.
Jemima Keren Gyamfi started roughly 2 weeks before her interview, but used that time very deliberately, combining targeted research on Cambridge Judge with CV review and practice sessions. She also connected with MFin alumni on LinkedIn who were able to give her some insight into the process.
Jose Fabrizio Acosta Boselli began weeks in advance, revisiting his application essays to ensure he could speak confidently about every point. He also revisited the brochure to understand the curriculum, the programme structure and what our admissions team are looking for in a candidate.
I began preparing weeks in advance by revisiting my application essays and making sure I could speak confidently about every point I had written.
Using resources and networks
All 4 students leaned heavily on resources and the wider community for support in their preparation.
Jemima drew on the MFin webpages, alumni testimonials and current student videos, paying particular attention to the Business School’s focus on responsible leadership and the collegiate experience.
Jose combined the MFin brochure with real student voices, speaking to current Cambridge students he had met through networking and exploring social media to get a feel for the community.
Ashis describes the official interview guidance on the Cambridge Judge website as a lifesaver, because it set out what to expect and helped him structure his preparation.
For Ashrika, an early call with the MFin team was pivotal; having her questions answered clearly, helped to increase her confidence and understanding of the MFin prior to the interview.
My initial conversation with Marwa (Hammam – MFin Executive Director) really helped – it gave me both clarity and confidence about the programme.
Knowing your CV and application inside out
Across all 4 accounts, one message is consistent: whatever you write in your CV and essays will drive the conversation at your interview.
Ashis felt the main aim of his interview was to test the accuracy and consistency of what he had submitted, so he reviewed every line of his CV and Statement of Purpose. This was so he was ready to answer any questions the interviewer had.
Ashrika describes her conversation as centred on her application and professional experience, from capital markets exposure to regulatory work and client relationships. She advises prospective candidates to be consistent and comfortable with expanding on their CV and application essays during their interview, as this will guide the conversation.
Jose, meanwhile, made sure he could explain why he had made each career choice, not just what he had done. It was about reflecting on how the programme would serve as a meaningful next step in his career.
Jemima’s interviewer did not delve deeply into individual transactions, because her CV already clarified her roles in audit and finance. Instead, the discussion focused on motivation, teamwork and how she balanced demanding work with extracurricular interests.
The interview was conversational and focused primarily on motivation, personal fit and behavioural insights rather than technical depth.
In practice, successful candidates prepare thoroughly, know their own stories and applications extremely well and then show up ready for a genuine conversation. If you focus on clarity, honesty and curiosity about Cambridge, you will already be aligning with what the MFin interview is designed to explore.
The ‘fake it till you make it’ approach does not work for the MFin interview – interviewers can easily see through exaggeration.
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