Joanna Philip: From Indian Air Force to the Cambridge MBA

What led you to take the Cambridge MBA?

In June 2023, after a 10-year short service commission with the Indian Air Force (IAF), I stepped out into the civilian world armed with leadership and operations experience but striving to understand how and where I fit in the corporate domain. While life in the military was filled with learning and adventure, the business world seemed almost exotic, and I recognised the need not just for exposure but also for an immersive educational experience. Thus began the journey that led me to the Cambridge MBA. 

The number and nature of projects as part of the Cambridge MBA reflect the industry-rooted nature of the programme. This was vital to me because of the hands-on, collaborative learning that it entails. The chance to be a Cambridge scholar was the icing on the cake. 

Describe the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

From my educational training as a psychologist, the transition to my career as a Fighter Controller in the Indian Air Force was a gigantic leap. Since my career was primarily centred around operations management, specifically air defence, it necessitated the study of a range of completely unfamiliar subjects, including radars, weapons, meteorology, air navigation, and international relations. 

The uncharted territory I was in pushed me to understand and excel in my branch. Every day brought with it new learning – from the men I led, my fellow officers and the systems I got to work with. In 2020, in less than 8 years of service, I was awarded the highest professional qualification as a Fighter Controller, an accomplishment that only a handful, even with twice my experience, have achieved. I still keep the symbol of this accomplishment, a tiny silver eagle badge, as a reminder that being out of your depth can push you to conquer unexplored seas. 

How do you feel about being awarded your scholarship?

The award of the Cambridge MBA scholarship for Military Veterans still feels surreal, but it was a crucial part of my decision to study at Cambridge Judge. 

It is amazing that the Business School recognises the role of quality business education for veterans transitioning out of military service and supports us on our journey. 

What do you want to get out of the MBA most of all in the next year?

After a decade in the military, I am poised to broaden my horizons and delve into the new tech and data-driven industrial world. 

So, I aim to be in “sponge mode” this year, soaking up all I can from the MBA curriculum, my cohort, my college and Cambridge’s rich ecosystem. 

Where do you see your MBA journey taking you in your future career?

I see the Cambridge MBA as an integral part of my journey toward a career in international business strategy and operations. 

Further down the line, I hope to leverage my skills, knowledge, network, and diverse experience to create and propel worldwide operations focused on social impact. 

What does Cambridge mean to you?

In July 2012, 2 roads diverged in my 22-year-old world. One led towards an MPhil in Developmental Psychology at the University of Cambridge, and the other towards service in the Indian Air Force. 

Yet, way leads on to way, and now more than a decade later, I am back on the road leading to the University of Cambridge. So, apart from all the logical reasons why Cambridge and Cambridge Judge are the best options for me, Cambridge feels personally serendipitous. 

Something that few people may know about you…

My middle name, my non-compatibility with racquet games, and the fact that my 2-year-old spins circles around her military parents.