Sebastián Padilla: advancing finance in infrastructure

Tell us about your background before the MFin

Before joining the Master of Finance (MFin) programme, I worked as an Investment Associate in the Resource Mobilization Team at IDB Invest in Washington, DC. In this role, I participated in the origination and syndication of corporate loans, project finance and structured finance transactions.

I began my professional career at CAF – Development Bank of Latin America in Quito, working in the Office of the Country Economist, where I conducted research on macroeconomic policy.

Tell us why you chose the MFin and what stood out for you

Beyond the University of Cambridge’s global reputation, Cambridge Judge Business School stands out as one of the few institutions offering a post-experience Master of Finance programme, bringing together professionals with meaningful industry backgrounds. I was specifically looking for a programme where practical experience was central to the learning process.

Being taught by professors with extensive real-world experience in finance was exceptional and the opportunity to engage in discussions about the practical realities of the sector proved invaluable.

What was your favourite memory from your time on the programme?

At Cambridge Judge, Jan Simon’s course on Financing Entrepreneurial Acquisitions was exceptional, not only because of the content, but also because of its unique structure. The course relied entirely on case discussions, with no electronic devices allowed. We worked simply with a case summary and a notebook, which made the conversations more focused and engaging.

At Darwin College, the Darbar will always remain in my memory as a place for conversations, learning and meeting people from everywhere. It was also where tennis matches were scheduled with friends during free hours.

How did the MFin impact you professionally?

Beyond the academic case studies, which were particularly valuable to me, the programme also provided important practical opportunities. During the spring and summer, I worked with equity infrastructure teams at leading institutions, an experience that was instrumental in helping me transition from a banking role to the buy-side/private equity in infrastructure investment, aligning my career with my long-term objectives.

Today, I apply much of what I learned during the MFin programme, together with my experience on the equity side, in my current role.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about applying to the MFin?

You do not need to have everything figured out before starting the MFin. What matters most is curiosity. If the topics and courses listed in the programme genuinely interest you, it is worth taking the step and exploring them further. The MFin opens doors to opportunities across different industries and geographies, not only in developed markets but also in emerging economies.

My advice to prospective applicants is to identify a niche field that truly interests you, network naturally with people in that space and never underestimate the importance of financial modelling, it can make a real difference when pursuing job opportunities.