A journey that began almost a year before setting foot in Oxford, my Oxford MBA year has been nothing short of a fairy tale peaked with life lessons and transformations!
12 months ago, as I stepped through the gates of Saïd Business School, a whirlwind of thoughts filled my mind. The prospect of charting a career path and forging new friendships, while immersing myself in Oxford’s rich history and culture was both exhilarating and daunting.
My MBA journey began by matriculating at the iconic Sheldonian Theatre, where I was formally inducted into the MBA program. Being a member of St. Anne’s College enabled me to foster invaluable friendships and access the vast intellectual resources of Oxford University. The opportunity to earn an MBA while being able to access the collegiate system of such a historic institution was truly a privilege.
The MBA curriculum was a stimulating blend of core academic theories and practical application. While core courses challenged my critical thinking abilities, classic Oxonian themed courses like 'Capitalism in Debate' and 'Global Rules of the Game' helped me develop a global mindset.
Having worked in finance throughout my professional career, the diverse backgrounds of my classmates, spanning medicine, entrepreneurship, social impact, and so on, provided a catalyst for intellectual growth. This rich tapestry of perspectives challenged my preconceptions and equipped me with a holistic understanding of business.
Extra-curricular programs were key enablers in gaining unparalleled industry exposure, through thought-provoking conversations and real-life case studies with professionals from large banks and investment firms at the Finance Lab, and working with founders to solve complex business problems and achieve their expansion goals at the Creative Destruction Lab.
Being elected co-chair of the Finance OBN was a pivotal moment for me, as this role shaped my MBA experience in more ways than I could imagine. From organizing the annual finance dinner for over 50 finance industry leaders and students, to spearheading the inaugural finance networking event for Oxford, London Business School, and Cambridge, I honed my leadership, organizational, and networking skills.
These experiences, coupled with facilitating speaker events and panel discussions, immersed me deeply in the UK's dynamic finance ecosystem. The stark gender imbalance evident at our finance-focused events ignited a passion within me to champion greater female representation in the industry. Witnessing this disparity first-hand fuelled my commitment to supporting and empowering female classmates, inspiring them to pursue fulfilling careers in finance. This commitment extended beyond just my cohort, and I got involved as a mentor through the Oxford Women Leadership Alliance, where I continue to mentor two undergraduate female students enthusiastic about finance.
As months passed, the course demanded adept time management, balancing academics, extracurriculars, and the competitive recruitment landscape. Yet, this challenging phase forged deeper bonds with classmates navigating similar pressures.
The cohort's diversity, coupled with an extraordinary spirit of camaraderie, created a supportive network that was instrumental in my recruitment endeavours. Despite the inevitable peaks and troughs, the core components of Oxford life - from formal dinners, college balls and punting, dining at the ‘Great Hall of Hogwarts’, to study sessions at the Radcliffe Camera - helped build strong bonds, and created a supportive environment where we uplifted each other.
The transition from winter to spring brought a welcome change of pace.
Events like the MBATs hosted by HEC Paris, where Oxford claimed the second place, fostered an intense school spirit. Class-organized treks across Europe, South Africa, and Asia, and the numerous cultural celebrations like Japan night, Chinese New Year, Navruz celebration and Diwali, offered a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insights into diverse cultures and perspectives.
The MBA journey was a transformative experience - from the excitement of securing a coveted place at Oxford to juggling multiple commitments, each moment brought along invaluable lessons to learn. The opportunity to give back to the community through mentoring and leadership roles, such as co-chairing the Finance OBN, was particularly rewarding. The friendships built over the year help create a tight-knit community that played a key role in nurturing my personal and professional development.
As I look back, my advice to future MBA students is to engage early, while adequately pacing themselves. The MBA is a marathon, not a sprint, so it is important to conserve your energy, embrace the process, and enjoy the path.
In the months leading up to the MBA Launch, I had the chance to connect with a sizeable proportion of my classmates, and even hosted informal finance sessions. These interactions helped ease my initial nerves, but reiterated the fact that the year ahead was not a race but an odyssey to be savoured. To make the most of the one-year MBA experience, focus on building meaningful connections early on, but do not overlook the need to take time to recharge.
Immerse yourself in the rigor of the course, explore new interests, and actively participate in the opportunities the program offers. You will eventually learn to strike the right balance between engagement and self-care, ensuring that you fully maximize your experience at Oxford and build a solid foundation for long-term success.
Having now completed my summer internship in a venture capital firm in London, I look forward to reconnecting with all my classmates at the Capstone week and meeting their families as we exchange stories of our transformative year. The Oxford MBA has helped me develop a lifelong commitment to learning, innovation, and positive impact. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities presented to me by Oxford and Saïd Business School and await the exciting chapters ahead!
