Mandeep Saini is Head of Software Development at GÉANT, a collaboration on network and related infrastructure and services for research and education. She is based in Cambridge, UK.
What is your professional and educational background?
I am a software engineer by trade working on impactful projects in the education and research space. I joined my current organisation as a research student and have progressed through the ranks to my current position as Head of Software Development. Over the 13 years I’ve been with my organisation, I’ve been instrumental in many critical software and federated identity management solutions.
I studied a Bachelors degree in Technology at Kurukshetra University, India, and a Masters in Distributed Systems and Networks at the University of Kent, UK.
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
While I have a strong technical background, I readily admit I have lots to learn about business. I’m taking an Executive MBA to sharpen my business skills across a range of areas and deepen my understanding of today’s global business practices. I’m also keen to learn from the experiences and perspectives of my fellow participants, who are leaders in their respective industries.
The ability to learn fundamental business and leadership skills over the weekend and apply them in my day-to-day work as soon as I return to the office is also an important factor of the programme for me.
What attracted you to Cambridge Judge Business School?
The Cambridge Executive MBA is renowned for attracting diverse cohorts, which was incredibly important to me when choosing a business school. I was fortunate to land a job in the perfect organisation for me straight out of university, so my exposure to different industry sectors is limited. Interaction with the cohort will help me fill this gap.
I was also attracted by the opportunity to return to Cambridge to take an elective of my choice every year, which allows me to keep abreast of the latest research and thinking, and continue my professional development throughout my career.