The MFin interview series
This article is part of a series of articles discussing the MFin interview process. Read more in the series:
My Cambridge MFin interview prep: how I got ready
Inside my Cambridge MFin interview: questions, format and surprises
Handling pivots and upskilling
Many candidates are using the MFin to pivot or significantly upskill, and the interview is the moment to make that transition look deliberate and well-thought-out.
Ashis explained why he wanted to move from a primarily policy-oriented role into areas such as digital currencies and data driven finance. He saw areas in which he wanted to update his own skill set, especially in emerging areas and how the electives would equip him with the tools to develop.
Fabrizio framed his story around the idea that he has constantly shaped his career by seeking new challenges. Each step helping him discover his passions, his strengths and where he wants to be in the future.
Ashrika decided to address why she was taking on a second master’s degree and another intense year of study. For her it wasn’t just a pivot but a deliberate step to deepen her financial expertise and sharpen her quantitative skill set. She explained that the MFin was an accelerator for the next phase of her career. Jemima’s pivot was less about changing industries and more about changing the type of work she does within finance.
“I made it clear that the MFin is the bridge between my experience in audit and the strategic, impact driven roles I aspire to, particularly those requiring stronger analytical and strategic decision-making skills.” Says Jemima.
I made it clear that the MFin is the bridge between my experience in audit and the strategic, impact driven roles I aspire to, particularly those requiring stronger analytical and strategic decision-making skills.
Honesty over “fake it till you make it”
All 4 students stress that the most persuasive stories are the ones that are honest and grounded, not theatrical.
Jemima stresses authenticity and clarity about telling your story, that you should develop a clear, coherent personal narrative which will naturally guide the conversation with the interviewer. She also said on to tell us that candidates should be prepared to articulate their career journey and the rationale for pursuing a master’s at this point.
Fabrizio builds on Jemima’s point of view and states that preparing a clear, compelling speech about your journey and goals is key. He goes on to say that the goal is to demonstrate not only why Cambridge is right for you, but also why you would be a valuable addition to the Cambridge community.
Ashrika emphasises this point by stating that candidates do not need to impress with exaggerations and that thoughtfulness stands out more than performance. She went on to say that candidates should listen carefully and respond naturally, as it is a dialogue and not a rapid-fire test.
Ashis mentions that you should be truthful to yourself in both your application and your responses at the interview. He also goes on to say that candidates should be confident but openly acknowledge areas where they lack certainty: “The ‘fake it till you make it’ approach does not work for the MFin interview – interviewers can easily see through exaggeration.”
The ‘fake it till you make it’ approach does not work for the MFin interview – interviewers can easily see through exaggeration.
Preparation is key: do your research and know yourself
Jemima’s key tips are focusing on mastering your CV, being ready to discuss every role, your key achievements and to know everything so well that you do not stumble on facts. She also goes on to tell us that candidates should engage with alumni and conduct mock interviews. The practice sessions helped her improve her delivery as well as ensure responses felt natural and composed.
Ashrika has three key areas of advice for candidates: be honest, know your CV and application and prepare well, but stay present. She indicates that being thoughtful, consistent and comfortable on expanding on application documents really helps. Her final point was to be present in the moment at your interview, listening and responding naturally but also making sure you prepare beforehand with mocks and technical revision.
Ashis explained that conducting a detailed review of all your application documents really helps. Preparations on developments related to his interests and past experiences allowed him to be truthful as well as confident.
Fabrizio says that connecting your past, present and future with the full experience is a great way to prepare but also to connect yourself with Cambridge. He also goes on to tell us that candidates should do their research and connect with former students to get a real insight into Cambridge life: “Although the MFin is a technical programme, there is so much more to Cambridge than academics. College life, sports competitions, and the chance to bond with people from vastly different cultures can genuinely open up your world. Be ready to show the interviewer that you understand and value all these dimensions, and that you are excited about what Cambridge offers beyond the classroom.”
Although the MFin is a technical programme, there is so much more to Cambridge than academics. College life, sports competitions, and the chance to bond with people from vastly different cultures can genuinely open up your world. Be ready to show the interviewer that you understand and value all these dimensions, and that you are excited about what Cambridge offers beyond the classroom.
In essence, a strong Cambridge MFin story is clear, honest and forward-looking. It connects your past experiences to your future ambitions, explains why the MFin is the right bridge between the two, reflecting the values and resilience that you will bring to the cohort. If you invest time in understanding your own journey, practise articulating it and approach the interview with sincerity rather than performance, you will already be well on your way to telling a compelling MFin story.
More in the series
Logging on to your Cambridge Master of Finance interview can feel intimidating, even for those used to high‑pressure hiring processes in banks or consultancies. Yet when you listen to current MFin students, a different picture emerges: the interview is a serious, thoughtful conversation about your journey in finance, not a rapid‑fire technical grilling. In this article, 4 students, Ashis Mittal, Jemima Keren Gyamfi, Ashrika Gupta and Fabrizio Acosta Boselli, reflect on what actually happens in the room and what the interviewer is really looking for.
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.