Lile Mdivani: Broadening horizons beyond credit risk

What led you to choose the Cambridge MBA?

Cambridge has always been my dream school. When I was deciding where to pursue my bachelor’s degree, it seemed almost impossible to imagine myself studying here. But as I grew older, I knew I would not give up on that dream.

At the same time, I knew that an MBA was an essential step in my professional growth, so I began exploring universities. Cambridge stood out to me because of its history and unique values, which were exactly what I was looking for. I also knew that I would have the opportunity to learn not only from the programme itself, but from an exceptionally international and diverse cohort.

What has been your biggest career accomplishment so far?

My biggest career accomplishment so far has been learning how everyday tasks and what may seem like small decisions can have a significant impact on people’s lives, businesses, regions and the wider economy of my country.

Working in corporate credit risk has shown me that decisions that may appear purely financial or technical can have consequences far beyond the numbers. Understanding that responsibility has fundamentally shaped the way I approach my career.

How do you feel about receiving your scholarship?

I felt immense gratitude towards the scholarship committee, but also a great sense of responsibility. Receiving a scholarship from Cambridge means not only being recognised by your future university, but also having people believe that, with the right resources and opportunities, you can transform your career and make a positive impact on society. I feel that I should honour this opportunity and wear it with pride.

What do you hope to gain from the MBA over the next year?

I hope to learn not only through my own decisions and experiences, but also through those of my peers. Cambridge has many things to be proud of, but its diverse cohort is certainly one of them.

It has only been a week, but I am already amazed by the backgrounds of my classmates and how far they have come in their lives and careers. I look forward to learning from their experiences just as much as from the academic side of the MBA.

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

Whatever decision I make about my future career, I know that the Cambridge MBA will take me there equipped with the right knowledge and, more importantly, the right skills.

I hope to leave Cambridge with a broader perspective, greater confidence and the ability to take on new challenges and opportunities, wherever my career may lead me.

What does Cambridge mean to you?

Cambridge means honouring an education. To me, education is not simply about acquiring knowledge; it is about understanding how to use it and what you choose to do with it.

Being here feels like an opportunity to honour everything I have learned so far, while continuing to learn from the people, experiences and opportunities that Cambridge has to offer.

Something few people know about you…

Few people know this directly from me, but every achievement I have had and every milestone I have reached has been made possible with the help of my parents. They are the people who truly deserve to be celebrated for everything I do.

For me, coming to Cambridge is therefore not only a personal achievement, but also a reflection of everything they have done for me and the opportunities they have given me.