Paul Sourodip: Transition into the private sector

What led you to take the Cambridge MBA?

I reached a point in my career where I wanted to deepen my skills and transition into the private sector of a major global economy. Pursuing an MBA seemed the best path to achieving my goals, so I sought a programme that not only offered academic excellence but also aligned with my broader professional and personal aspirations. 

The Cambridge MBA stood out because of its world-class faculty and the opportunity to engage with a diverse and dynamic cohort. Additionally, the chance to be part of the University of Cambridge – a historic institution I have long admired – made my decision clear. The programme offers an ideal environment to sharpen my strategic thinking and leadership abilities while gaining the global exposure necessary to excel as a leader in the business world. 

Describe the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

The biggest accomplishment I have made in my career so far has been leading key aspects of the design and initial implementation of a USD 210 million project for the World Bank, aimed at supporting pregnant women and mothers of young children (aged 0-4) in Bangladesh. This initiative, focused on improving the lives of children and mothers living in poverty, was a transformative experience. 

I was responsible for procurement, financial management, and climate co-benefits by coordinating with global, regional, and country teams at the World Bank.  Successfully collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, UNICEF, and the European Union, to understand their perspectives on the project’s design and implementation has been the highlight of my career. The meaningful impact this project will have on vulnerable communities in my country is a source of great personal and professional pride. 

One significant challenge for this project was setting realistic loan disbursement conditions for the government. I led project design revisions to address these concerns. Drawing on global research, I proposed a more flexible structure that adjusted the targets and introduced a phased disbursement model. This approach balanced the need for government accountability with practical incentives to ensure steady progress, while maintaining the project’s objectives. 

How do you feel about being awarded your scholarship?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been awarded the Cambridge Judge scholarship. Attending the Cambridge MBA has been a long-standing aspiration of mine, and the scholarship has made it possible for me to be a part of this prestigious programme. 

Given the recent economic challenges my country has faced, including the devaluation of our currency, financing my MBA became increasingly difficult. The scholarship has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue this opportunity, and I am deeply grateful for the support as I study for my dream. 

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

In the next year, I am most looking forward to the opportunity to broaden my perspective by learning from an exceptionally talented group of individuals from all over the world. While the Cambridge MBA offers immense value through its rigorous academics and diverse extracurricular activities, the aspect that excites me the most is the chance to grow through interactions with my diverse classmates and the wider Cambridge community. 

I view this year as a defining chapter of my life – one that will not only expand my understanding of the world and the diverse career opportunities ahead but also shape me into the person I aspire to become. I want to look back and feel proud of the personal and professional growth I achieved during this transformative experience. 

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

I see my MBA journey as a catalyst for both a career and geographic transition. After working in an international finance organisation in the public and non-profit sector, I am eager to shift into the private sector, specifically within a major economy. 

The Cambridge MBA will not only equip me with the necessary skills to make this transition but will also provide the clarity I need to determine the exact role that aligns with my long-term aspirations. I look forward to using this experience to explore new opportunities and refine my career path. 

What does Cambridge mean to you?

Cambridge holds a special place in my heart. In 2018, I visited a friend here and was immediately captivated by the university and the city. There was something about the atmosphere that made me feel like this was a place I wanted to be a part of and call my own. 

While Cambridge is undeniably one of the greatest educational institutions in the world, it was not until I experienced it in person that I truly grasped the depth of its history and significance. Growing up, I admired fictional places like Hogwarts and Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, and for me, Cambridge embodies that same sense of magic and awe in real life. 

Something that few people may know about you…

One thing that few people may know about me is that I am a World and Australasian Champion in debating. The international debating community has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. 

The skills and insights I gained through debating- critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives – have been invaluable in both my academic and professional journey. I am deeply grateful for the impact this community has had on my personal growth and success.