Meet our MPhil in Technology Policy alumni and see for yourself how well you’ll fit in.
Danny Al-Khafaji
UK
“For me the greatest value came from the makeup of the cohort itself. Exchanging ideas, perspectives and experiences with some of the brightest young minds has opened my mind and changed the way I look at the world.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2020
Country: UK
Company: Vice President of Research and Innovation, Future Science Group
“The MPhil in Technology Policy is a truly multidisciplinary programme that has provided me with the holistic understanding and intellectual toolkit necessary to make sense of the technological changes sweeping our globe. From understanding how to effectively manage innovation within a private sector organisation, to analysing public policy approaches to attracting investment in R&D, the MPhil opened my mind to the interconnectedness of our world, and the ways in which state and non-state actors can thrive within it. Beyond the intellectually stimulating content of the programme, for me the greatest value came from the makeup of the cohort itself. Exchanging ideas, perspectives and experiences with some of the brightest young minds has opened my mind and changed the way I look at the world.”
Biography
An avid reader of history and yearning to understand how to tackle challenges in a globalised world, prior to Cambridge Danny studied International Relations at King’s College London’s prestigious War Studies Department. While there he was struck by the impact of the technological revolution on the international political landscape and became fascinated with the question of how it could be harnessed in a way that protects our civil liberties and unlocks opportunity. The MPhil in Technology Policy allowed Danny to bridge the gap by connecting his understanding of the global political landscape with a strong foundation of knowledge in the intersection between economics, policy and technological innovation.
Danny is currently the Vice President of Research & Innovation at the Future Science Group in London.
Zara Cheema
UK
“It was great to be given a real-life assignment which involved client meetings, presenting a solution to the given problem and competitor research. Through this particular module, I was able to broaden my work experience to include technology consulting.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2020
Country: UK
Company: Website Analyst, The Estée Lauder Companies
“I had decided to enrol in the MPhil for Technology Policy as I had a background in information technology management and aimed to complement this with an understanding of policy. This MPhil also allows you to select electives from the Department of Engineering which allowed me to tailor the programme to fit my personal interests. I had the opportunity to evaluate the UK government’s decarbonisation strategy which is currently a pressing issue. This was an assignment under the electricity and environment elective. The programme further allowed me to discuss the technologies I was particularly interested in such as autonomous vehicles and non-fungible tokens from a policy perspective.
“The Final Group Project replaces the usual dissertation which allows you to work alongside a reputable firm or organisation and act as a consultant. I had the privilege of working with the compound management team at AstraZeneca on a consultancy project. It was great to be given a real-life assignment which involved client meetings, presenting a solution to the given problem and competitor research. Through this particular module, I was able to broaden my work experience to include technology consulting.”
Biography
Before coming to Cambridge, Zara studied Information Technology Management for Business at the University of Manchester. During her time there she was able to complete a placement year at Adobe as an E-commerce Analyst working with their consumer and business retention team.
Ambroise Fargere
France
“I have a passion for technology and the industrial and business adventure that comes with it. This is exactly what the MPhil in Technology Policy offers, with its blend of courses and electives that successfully exploits synergies between a business school and an engineering department.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2011
Country: France
Company: Project Manager, AREVA
Education: Lycée Louis-le-Grand (Paris), Ecole Polytechnique
“As a Final Group Project for the MPhil, my team and I went to Japan for the French Nuclear leader AREVA and I was subsequently hired for a six-month internship in the Economic Studies Team of their Corporate Strategy Department. I am now a full-time Project Manager in charge of the Strategy and Performance projects of the Worldwide Nuclear Fuel Engineering department.”
Biography
After a European Baccalauréat in science, Ambroise spent two years studying theoretical mathematics in preparatory courses (Lycée Louis-le-Grand, Paris) before being admitted into Ecole Polytechnique, where he received a master’s degree in engineering physics, specialising in economics for technological innovation.
Steven Clarke
UK
“The Final Group Project is a great eye-opener to anyone who might wish to consider economic development, policy, or consultancy work for their career. The project assignment presents many of the same challenges: management of client expectations, development of a methodology, collection of data, long hours, on-site visits and interviews with stakeholders, the drafting of a detailed report, and then the presentation and defence your findings.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2013
Country: UK
Company: Energy Specialist, The World Bank
Learning how to have an impact outside of the lab
“I enrolled in the MPhil in Technology Policy to complement my background in biotechnology with a better understanding of policy, economics and the management of technology, in order to pursue my career working in the application of science and technology towards economic development. I feel that the core modules of the programme provide the theoretical background in technology policy, and as the year progresses you are taught about the real-world policy context in which scientific policy issues are raised. This is particularly interesting when you are faced with a real-world issue for technology policy to analyse and discuss. The programme allowed for a great deal of flexibility in the choice of optional modules, which I used to further my knowledge of policy matters regarding energy, sustainable development or the socio-economic benefit of R&D, all of which have been of great value in my career working first in developed countries, and now in developing ones.
“The Final Group Project is a great eye-opener to anyone who might wish to consider economic development, policy, or consultancy work for their career. The project assignment presents many challenges one would expect: management of client expectations, development of a methodology, collection of data, long hours, on-site visits and interviews with stakeholders, and then presenting and defending your findings. I had the privilege of working with the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic on a project that would help set out the foundations for a real-life policy benefitting applied research in the country. As student projects go, the fact that our work was going to be meaningful and have an impact was something quite special.”
Biography
Steven is an Energy Specialist at the World Bank, where he joined through the 2019 Young Professionals Programme and works in the Energy & Extractives unit focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa.
After leaving Cambridge he worked in PwC’s public sector advisory practice where he worked for three years in the Democratic Republic of the Congo providing Technical Assistance in setting up solar mini-grids. He also worked for several years on science and energy policy assignments and studies for the EU institutions.
Before coming to Cambridge Steven worked at the European Investment Bank as a consultant working in the Joint Assistance to Support to Projects in European Regions (JASPERS) team of the Projects Directorate. He also received an MSc in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing & Business Management from the University of Warwick, and a BSc in Biology from the University of Bath.
Bartlomiej Kolakowski
Poland
“The Cambridge spirit is not a myth, and after some time spent there you begin to understand why this is one of the greatest places in the world to learn.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2008
Country: Poland
Company: Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa
The Cambridge experience
“The MPhil in Technology Policy allowed me to acquire a perfect combination of skills. My engineering background was supplemented with a very good understanding of the environment, in which technologies are used. The knowledge about innovations and bringing it to the market is extremely valuable for me in running a small technology start-up. I currently also work for a big telecommunications company, where I take advantage of TP skills such as negotiations and project management.
“The Cambridge spirit is not a myth, and after some time spent there you begin to understand why this is one of the greatest places in the world to learn. Cambridge is a magnet for inspiring people, and such are the professors at Cambridge Judge Business School. I much appreciated their openness and commitment to teaching.”
Extraordinary memories and unforgettable friendships
“Your co-students matter a lot during such practical programmes as the MPhil in Technology Policy. My cohort was very diverse, both geographically and in terms of their background; hence we got a unique opportunity to learn from each other. This was truly a year full of extraordinary memories and a time to make unforgettable friendships.”
Biography
Born and raised in Warsaw, Poland, Bartlomiej graduated from the University of Surrey in the UK with a First Class Honours degree in Telecommunications Systems. Later, he obtained a Master’s, also in Telecommunications, from the Warsaw University of Technology. Prior to studying in Cambridge he had worked for two years for Polish mobile operator Polkomtel. Bartlomiej is currently employed in Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa, another telco in Poland, and is involved in a couple of technology startups.
Rebekah Larsen
USA
“The Final Group Project taught me about the realities of consultancy, but it was also a wonderful three months of exploring a topic both intellectually and pragmatically.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2014
Country: USA
“The Final Group Project taught me about the realities of consultancy, but it was also a wonderful 3 months of exploring a topic both intellectually and pragmatically. Working for the European Commission, we were able to travel to Brussels, interact with experts of manifold topics, and see policy-making on the ground. It was certainly a fitting capstone to a fast-paced, exciting year in Cambridge.”
Biography
Rebekah has a Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology & Society from the University of Pennsylvania. Following completion of the MPhil in Technology Policy, Rebekah is now studying for a PhD in Sociology at the University of Cambridge.
Jorge Jaramillo
Ecuador
“My time in Cambridge was an amazing combination of challenging and open-minding experiences. In one short sentence, a fantastic glimpse of the future.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2015
Country: Ecuador
Company: Partner & General Manager, Handytec
“The MPhil in Technology Policy conveys an exciting learning experience for those passionate about innovation, technology, and even social development. Furthermore, the broad range of backgrounds within our cohort offers different perspectives to discuss and tailor possible solutions for current and upcoming problems as well.
“Overall, I would say that my time in Cambridge was an amazing combination of challenging and open-minded experiences. In one short sentence, a fantastic glimpse of the future.
Biography
Jorge holds a BS in Electronic and Computer Engineering and a masters degree in Information Technology Management, both from Tecnológico de Monterrey – Mexico. He gained management consulting experience while working for one of the Big Four. Currently, he is the Managing Partner of Ecuadorian Big Data Analytics firm handytec.
Ebubechukwu E Oti
Nigeria
“A wonderful part of the programme was the trip to Brussels and Luxembourg to visit the European Commission and other EU institutions, where we attended a passionate parliamentary debate on the future of Europe.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2017
Country: Nigeria
Company: Technology Consultant, Deloitte
“Commencing the programme in September 2017, I was stunned by how different everything was from what I was used to – food was not spicy and the hottest days were colder than the coldest days back home. I took on the challenge of adapting and embraced the opportunity to try new food, cycle on the left side of the road (back home it would have been on the right side) and teach people to pronounce my name correctly. I got to experience winter for the first time, and when the weather got warmer, I got to punt and explore Cambridge.
“All through the programme, I was inspired by my interactions with students and lecturers across Cambridge. One beautiful thing about the programme was the opportunity to take electives at the Business School and the Department of Engineering. The electives together with the core modules gave me a rigorous training in business, policy and management. Moreover, I received helpful feedback on coursework which enabled me to improve the quality of my papers. Another wonderful part of the programme was the trip to Brussels and Luxembourg to visit the European Commission and other EU institutions such as the Parliament, Court of Justice and Investment Bank. Among our many activities, we got to attend a passionate parliamentary debate on the future of Europe. Capping the entire programme was the Final Group Project, which was an excellent platform for developing consulting skills. My group worked with the Bank of England (BoE) on a very interesting project. The BoE was very supportive and the project enabled me to sharpen my research, teamwork, client management and time management skills.
“Overall, I believe the MPhil in Technology Policy is a great programme and would recommend it for anyone interested in technology policy issues ranging from data protection to clean energy.”
Biography
Before coming to Cambridge, Ebubechukwu studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Covenant University in Nigeria. On graduating from Covenant University in 2015, he worked at Huawei Technologies as an intern under the aegis of the National Youth Service Corps.
Ebubechukwu is currently working as a Technology Consultant at Deloitte in London.
Sara Grobbelaar
South Africa
“I believe that through the MPhil in Technology Policy I have made an excellent investment in terms of developing key skills to advise government, universities and industry at the highest level.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2010
Country: South Africa
Company: Independent Consultant; Senior Lecturer, University of Pretoria; Researcher, University of Stellenbosch
“Spending some time as a student in Cambridge no doubt was one of the most wonderful times of my life this far. Every morning I woke up and thought to myself that I cannot believe that I am so lucky to get this opportunity and that I will make the most of my chance to be here.
“I grew up in Pretoria, South Africa and after school studied electronic engineering, eventually earning a PhD in Engineering at the University of Pretoria. After a number of years as a management consultant at Monitor Group, and after that Frost & Sullivan, it was a relatively easy decision to apply to Cambridge for the MPhil in Technology Policy.
“Through my research and work, I have become very interested in developing thinking around how one can establish and support the development of technology-based industries. I believe that through the MPhil in Technology Policy I have made an excellent investment in terms of developing key skills to advise government, universities and industry at the highest level. It was through this course that I could establish an in-depth understanding of areas such as industry analysis, negotiation, political economy of technology policy and entrepreneurial science, which contributes to a core skillset for the development of science, technology and innovation policy.
“Since graduating I have been presented with wonderful opportunities to use skills gained on the programme. I have completed multiple engagements as an independent consultant, I work as a senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria and I also accepted a position as a researcher at the University of Stellenbosch on a UK Aid funded project. On this project we are developing capacity for 24 sub-Saharan African universities to improve institutional support in order to ensure university research has an impact on the community and economy. My work takes me to very interesting corners of the African continent and it is wonderful to be part of the development and strengthening of institutional capacity in universities in the next frontier of growth.”
Karen Leung
“The teaching team consists of members from very diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. They generously and passionately share with us their knowledge, experience, and professional network. The classes were always highly interactive, full of thought-provoking and inspirational discussions.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2020
“I was a regional counsel in a global tech platform before doing the MPhil in Technology Policy. Amid every regulatory battlefield, I reckoned that it is not only about the rules and regulations. More often, approaching new challenges in digital economy requires a deep understanding of policy, trade and community expectation.
“I have benefited greatly from the programme. The teaching team consists of members from very diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. They generously and passionately share with us their knowledge, experience, and professional network. The classes were always highly interactive, full of thought-provoking and inspirational discussions. We practised and learnt how to unpack difficult questions that cut across multiple sectors, social issues and regulatory framework, and rethink how policies shall progress.
“Notably, in the programme, I was hugely inspired by members of the teaching team, guest speakers and fellow classmates who truly care about the technological influence on the society. We delved deep into controversial and complex topics such as workers’ right in gig economy, fair competition and consumer rights, online safety, social innovation and corporate society responsibilities.
“I must also mention a very thoughtful gift which Cambridge Judge Business School gave us on the last teaching day — a special lecture to encourage us to aim high, make an impact, and be a leader with vision and compassion. This is a gift for life!”
Bryan Kio
Singapore
“The assignments complemented our learning through engaging essay topics stemming from our interest to the subject matter, while the quick personalised feedback from the marked assignments provided us with improvement opportunities for the next task on hand.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2020
Country: Singapore
“I am Bryan Kio, an alumni and in the class of 2020/21. It was the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, but I took the chance and travelled a total of 14 hours from Singapore to Cambridge to be part of the cohort, and I never regretted that decision. Despite some minor disruptions and some classes moving online, I was truly engaged throughout my time there and made many friends all over the world. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme not only provides us with the breadth, it allows us to actively participate and engage with the professors and peers which provides the depth.
“The assignments also complemented our learning through engaging essay topics stemming from our interest to the subject matter, while the quick personalised feedback from the marked assignments provided us with improvement opportunities for the next task on hand.
“I would also like to emphasise that the friends and peers alike across the world, allow a diversity of thought and perspectives to be shared fruitfully, and this enhanced the level of engagement during my time. Being part of a diverse cohort, we have many opportunities to work together, and one of these is the Final Group Project and I worked with my friends from three different nationalities on an ESG project with Rolls-Royce. Overall, the experience in the MPhil in Technology Policy at Cambridge Judge Business School, was a memorable, engaging and rich experience.”
Shanice Choo
Singapore
“The connections I’ve forged here at Cambridge and the real-world applicability of content has allowed me to direct the transformative impact of technology towards the delivery of more thoughtfully designed policies.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2018
Country: Singapore
Company: Legal Innovation & Ventures, Clifford Chance
“I have always sought a union of my 2 primary interests – a desire to understand, and account for, the development trajectories of emerging economies, as well as an interest to harness the transformative power of technology to influence the former. This programme has enabled me to marry these interests, as well as supplement them with the technical skills needed to effectively integrate technology, management, economics and policy. The connections I’ve forged here at Cambridge and the real-world applicability of content has allowed me to direct the transformative impact of technology towards the delivery of more thoughtfully designed policies, both in the public and private sector. ”
Biography
Shanice is currently on the Clifford Chance Legal Innovation Team in Singapore, helping spearhead the disruption of the way legal services are delivered, in partnership with the Economic Development Board of Singapore and Future Law Innovation Programme. She is also a researcher at the Emerging Technologies Policy Forum, a non-profit policy think tank aimed at promoting technically informed discourse on emerging technologies policy and law.
Prior to Cambridge, she graduated from King’s College London with First Class Honours, and was awarded the King’s Enterprise Award for helping form strategic Sino-British partnerships in the field of Venture Capital. Finally, Shanice is also a member of Google London’s Women Techmakers program, a global initiative which gathers and empowers women in technology.
Diane Yang
China
“I found the perfect programme for me in Cambridge, which is such a stunning and unique place. I had the flexibility to take courses in policy-making and strategic enterprise management and innovation to better understand the interaction between them.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2013
Country: China
Company: Beijing Municipal Commission of Science and Technology
Perfectly fills the gap between policy-making and enterprise innovation
“Before starting this programme I worked as a project officer at the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, where I was in charge of China-ASEAN cooperation. I was involved in drafting the ‘China-ASEAN Science and Technology Partnership Program’, and mainly responsible for the China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center, which helps enterprises from both areas to collaborate and innovate together. During that time, I hungered for knowledge of policy-making, business innovation, and also the link between them.
“Then I found the perfect programme for me, in Cambridge, which is such a stunning and unique place. I had the flexibility to take courses in policy-making and strategic enterprise management and innovation to better understand the interaction between them. Also, there were several group projects over the course of the programme which gave me the opportunity to establish a good network with lovely classmates from all over the world.
“My best memories are of my time in Cambridge.”
Biography
Diane has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Engineering Mechanics from Beijing University of Technology. Before starting the MPhil at Cambridge she did policy-related work in government sectors, helping enterprises and universities to improve their science and technology innovation competence through international cooperation. After completing the MPhil she went back to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Science and Technology to continue in the position of international technology transfer.
Xinhong Qin
China
“I really appreciate the help I received from our lecturers and programme administrator during that one year’s highly intensive programme. Thanks to their guidance and help in all aspects, I could focus on my studies, and fully utilise every resource from Cambridge.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2011
Country: China
Company: Siemens China
“With a background in electrical and electronic engineering, I came to Cambridge to enhance my knowledge skills in management, policy analysis and decision-making. The Technology Policy programme provided me with a chance to choose diverse courses from a wide range of topics in energy, manufacturing, IT, public policy, business strategy, etc.
“More importantly, at Cambridge I met a group of people who had similar backgrounds and interests to me; people who had been studying or working in nature, science or engineering for many years and were now aiming to explore a wider field in strategic or political areas in order to influence and change the world with technology but more than just technology.”
Biography
Prior to Cambridge, Xinhong received his joint bachelor’s degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China) and University of Birmingham (UK) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with 1st Class Honours. After graduating from Cambridge, he completed an internship in Accenture China, focusing on the Chinese energy market. He then joined Siemens China with responsibility for the business development of its industry sector.
Toshikazu Hayashi
Japan
“The Consulting Project was a great opportunity for me to work with classmates from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, as well as to get involved in real-world problem-solving in the industry.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2010
Country: Japan
Company: Chief Analyst, Nissay Asset Management
Bridging theory and practice
“Before joining Cambridge, I have already earned a master’s degree in economics and had about 4 years of professional experience as a government officer in the science and technology division, but I felt something was missing between theory and its practice. So it was natural for me that I decided to enter Cambridge’s Technology Policy programme, and now I am convinced that I made the right decision. The flexibility of the programme structure made it possible for me to maximise my learning outcomes, and since it focused on practical application in the areas relating to technology, sustainability, economy and policy, I was able to reconstruct the academic knowledge and experience gained in my professional career.”
Opportunity to be involved in real-world problem solving
“The climax of the Technology Policy programme was the consulting project, scheduled at the end of academic year. It was a great opportunity for me to work with classmates from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, as well as to get involved in real-world problem-solving in the industry. This was entirely new to me, and such a unique experience expanded my horizon and developed my career after the graduation.”
Biography
Toshikazu is Chief Analyst at Nissay Asset Management (Japan), where he is in charge of environmental, social and governance (ESG) related research and ESG integration for investment management process. Prior to joining Nissay Asset Management, he worked for the Japan Research Institute as ESG analyst. Before coming to Cambridge, he was a government officer at the Japanese science and technology ministry. He also holds an MSc in Economics with distinction from the University of Edinburgh, and finished his bachelors degree from Kyoto University, Japan. He has co-authored several books, including Roadmap to Governance Revolution (Toyo Keizai Shinposha; 2017) and Stewardship & Corporate Governance (Toyo Keizai Shinposha; 2015), and co-translated Why Women Make Better Leaders? (Nihon Keizai Shinbun Shuppansha; 2016).
Ravi Shankar Dangeti
India
“The structure of the programme is such that you interact with business and academic leaders, visit parliaments and participate in cohort get-togethers, which make the whole experience very memorable.”
Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2009
Country: India
Company: Global Transaction Services Analyst, CitiGroup
An invaluable opportunity
“I came to Cambridge with an urge to enhance my knowledge in the areas of designing policies, integrating IS with development processes and building the role of technology to improve the lives of people. The MPhil in Technology Policy with its mix of subjects, scope for research, support from excellent faculty, opportunities to network and outstanding cohort has helped me gain better perspectives on technology. Further, the structure of the programme is such that you interact with business and academic leaders, visit parliaments and participate in cohort get-togethers, which make the whole experience very memorable. The MPhil in Technology Policy has been an invaluable opportunity for me to shape my further career.”
Biography
Prior to Cambridge, Ravi did a BTech in Computer Science from IIIT Hyderabad, India. He then worked with Tata group as a IT Consultant. He also worked with World Bank as an architect, building software applications for rural microfinance institutions. Later, he moved to the UK as an Erasmus Mundus scholar and completed a dual Master’s – MSc Bio Informatics from the University of Edinburgh, UK and MS in Software Engineering from the University of Trento, Italy. He currently works as a Global Transaction Services Analyst at CitiGroup in London.