Nana Mohan Zhou: From financial consulting to private equity

What stood out about the academic learning experience for you?

My favourite courses included strategy, management praxis, macroeconomics, and private equity. These classes and their lecturers challenged my thinking and expanded my skills toolkit. 

Please tell us about the standout elements of the Cambridge experience or extra-curricular activities you had during your MBA.

The Cambridge experience was all consuming and incredible in so many ways because of an abundance of extracurricular activities. A typical day could start with rowing on the River Cam followed by classes at Cambridge Judge, then Special Interest Groups or career events, college formal dinners, and then drinks at one of the many college bars. 

How would you describe the cohort of people in your class? What value did they bring to your MBA?

The people were the best part of the MBA. They brought incredible experience, inspirational stories and ideas, and I believe everyone made lifelong friendships. 

What aspect of the MBA learning and experience would you say you find most useful now in your professional life?

The network that I have from the MBA is the most useful aspect of the MBA. I now have a large group of talented and successful people that I can phone for advice, ideas, and inspiration when needed. Cambridge brought together many extraordinary people and the MBA experience helped turn many of them into dear friends. 

Did the MBA open up new career paths for you?

Yes, I switched role, sector and location after the MBA. The Cambridge brand helped me get interviews with companies that I wanted to work for and the courses/classmates helped me prepare and succeed at interview. 

How has the MBA influenced your career journey in general?

It has helped greatly for my personal brand and improved my ability to navigate learning curves quickly. 

Read Nana's feature in the Best & Brightest MBA students on Poets & Quants