Namisha Jain: Reimagining finance through a scientist’s lens

What was your pre-MFin background?

Curiosity has always been my compass. From school textbooks to financial markets, I’ve always loved learning and trusted my instincts, even when they led me off the beaten track.

I began with non-medical sciences at high school and earned an engineering degree in biotechnology, but a quiet spark for finance gradually grew into a calling. It led me to BlackRock, where I worked as an analyst in the Financial Markets Advisory department. I focused on structured products, focussing on residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) in the US. I also supported global central banks and insurance regulators across the US, UK and EMEA with risk assessments, valuations and various other financial services.

Outside spreadsheets, I’ve always believed in the power of people and shared ideas. I participated in an Indo-German exchange during high school, volunteered with Trade Aid in New Zealand and co-founded a global hackathon/ideathon called Rotathon at university. I also trained in Kathak, an Indian classical dance form and played the xylophone and guitar too. These experiences showed me the magic that happens when cultures, creativity and purpose collide.

In my spare time after work (what little I had), I’d escape into a book, show or, movie. That’s the quieter side of me. The other craves adrenaline. On my first trip to New Zealand, I went skydiving from 20,000 feet and tried skiing for the first time. I’m already dreaming of my next jump, maybe over the Swiss Alps, the Australian coast, or wherever the sky calls next.

Why was the Cambridge MFin an attractive programme for you?

One project quietly changed everything. After 2 years in finance, I realised that to grow strategically, experience wasn’t enough, I needed deeper and structured knowledge. That sparked my decision to pursue a master’s in finance.

Deciding on the degree was the easy part. What followed was a whirlwind: multiple GMAT attempts (we don’t talk about attempt number 3), late-night research rabbit holes, endless essay revisions and interview prep squeezed into evenings after long workdays. Add the rollercoaster of rejections and moments of doubt and it felt like a full-time job on top of my actual full-time job. However, somewhere in the chaos, I kept going because I knew what I was working toward.

Then came the email – the one that made it all worthwhile.

Cambridge had always been more than just a name on my list. After researching various programmes, it stood out, not only for its academic reputation but also for how it aligned with who I am and where I want to go. I vividly remember reading the Who We’re Looking For section on the MFin website and thinking, “Wait… did they somehow read my mind?” Every point echoed my reasons for pursuing a master’s, stepping beyond the narrow lens of RMBS valuation, building credibility in finance with an engineering background and learning alongside experienced, intellectually curious peers who challenge and inspire.

What truly draws me to Cambridge isn’t just what happens inside the classroom, it’s everything that happens around it: conversations over dinner that spill into late-night debates, the friendships forged through shared ambition and the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself. That beautiful blend of living and learning is exactly what excites me most.

What stood out about the academic learning experience for you?

Then there’s the magic of the MFin itself. Finance is a global language, but it’s spoken in a thousand different dialects and what better way to learn them than with peers from all corners of the world? The opportunity to collaborate with professionals from a wide range of industries, countries and financial systems will stretch my thinking in ways no textbook ever could. Exposure to diverse markets, regulatory landscapes and strategic mindsets will help me see financial challenges through a truly global lens, something that’s becoming more essential by the day.

One part of the Cambridge experience I’m especially looking forward to is the college system. As a member of St Edmund’s College, I love the idea of connecting with students from completely different fields. I know the community-driven atmosphere there will offer the perfect counterbalance to the fast pace of the MFin, giving me space to reflect, recharge and build lifelong friendships.

And yes, I’ll admit I’m also very excited about the formal dinners and college balls. There’s something wonderfully timeless about it all. I can’t wait to soak in every bit of the tradition, celebration and shared joy that makes Cambridge so unforgettable.

What are your future plans?

By the end of the MFin programme, I hope to be a more refined version of myself, sharper in my financial acumen, stronger in strategic thinking and more confident in navigating complexity.

Beyond the technical toolkit, I’m equally excited about the human side of the journey. If I leave with a global circle of brilliant friends, memories of spirited late-night debates and a few inside jokes only a Cambridge common room could produce, I’ll know I’ve truly made the most of it. For me, this isn’t just about advancing my career, it’s about growing into the kind of professional and person who’s not only capable but curious, collaborative and deeply connected to the world around her.

Looking further ahead, I hope to play a meaningful role in driving global innovation and impact through high-conviction, value-oriented investing across both developed and emerging markets. I’m drawn to the challenge of identifying opportunities that others might overlook and backing ideas that have the power to shape industries and communities for the better.

The MFin isn’t a stepping stone, it’s a springboard. A way to expand my horizons, deepen my understanding of the financial landscape and grow into the kind of leader who makes strategic decisions with lasting impact.