Bob Hoogendoorn: From M&A to private equity

Bob’s journey

I am a Dutch national and attended the MFin in 2019/20. I hold a Masters in Business Administration (Cum Laude) and a Bachelor in Economics. During my prior degrees, I also completed extra on-campus courses at Harvard University, MGIMO University and the London School of Economics.

Before starting the MFin, I gained over 3 years’ experience in M&A and Management Consulting, ending with 2 years at the Corporate M&A department of PwC in Frankfurt, Germany. In that role, I advised PwC’s senior leadership on acquisitions across Europe, Middle East and Africa, and thereby working across the deal cycle.

During the MFin, I completed an internship in investment banking at Merrill Lynch in London and joined there post-MFin. I now work for McKinsey & Company in Private Equity and Principal Investors.

I chose the Cambridge MFin for 3 main reasons. Firstly, because of the exceptional academic rigour, offered by the Cambridge professors, who teach at the frontiers of finance. Secondly, because the MFin offers an MBA-like practical approach with the entire cohort having professional work experience, making the MFin highly valuable for a career in business. Finally, spending a year in Cambridge gives you a unique experience.

I found that living in Cambridge means you gain an environment of continued excellence and highly talented people who are motivated to achieve the best results. This energy extends beyond Cambridge Judge Business School, from College communities to the sport clubs and special interest groups.

I found Cambridge to be an incredibly unique place to live giving me the opportunity to set more ambitious goals and meet exceptional people – a benefit that extends way beyond academic excellence, providing a lifelong experience.

I recommend that anyone considering the Cambridge MFin reaches out to current students, alumni and the MFin Programme Office. Cambridge Judge Business School is a very welcoming community and people are happy to help and share their experiences. Finally, I recommend attending an Experience Day to get a feel of the environment and get insights from students. During the programme I helped during an Experience Day and enjoyed sharing my experiences with prospective students.