Marini Izzah, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2021
Age: 28
Hometown: Indonesia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung
Major: Electrical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, Strategy management consulting
Why business school? Why now?
During my career as a management consultant, I have been working with various industries mainly in Southeast Asia and China. After five years, I wanted to further shape my leadership skill, broaden my horizon, explore new opportunities. Business school is the perfect place to gain a deeper knowledge of various functions and industries and see how my skill sets can fit into those. It is also a great place to build a strong community with a diverse background.
Why Cambridge Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I always know that I want to do an MBA, and there are a couple of key reasons that made me choose Cambridge Judge:
- The experiential learning approach through multiple projects solving real problems from the client (Cambridge Venture Project, Global Consulting Project);
- The truly collaborative culture among its students, alumni, and faculty members;
- The relatively small cohort size that will enable me to build a stronger network;
- The Cambridge community is a world-class university that offers a wide range of opportunities and thought leadership across various sectors.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
Coming from a consulting background in Southeast Asia and China, I have a deep knowledge of the emerging market across various industries. I can bring a different perspective to my cohort and enrich the discussion with how businesses are progressing in the east part of the world. Before coming to Cambridge, I already helped some of my fellow students in doing case interviews and CV preparation for consulting.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I am an ambidexter, I can use both of my hands actively with pretty good response. I usually use my right hand to write and left hand to play sport, but I can play badminton with both hands!
Post-MBA career interests?
I am still exploring various opportunities, but I really enjoy delivering impact in my career. I am currently considering roles in the private equity and venture capital space.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Connect and network with the alumni to understand their overall MBA experience such as the school culture and life as a business student. Talking with many of the alumni from Southeast Asia has helped me to decide that Cambridge Judge is the right MBA for me.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Attend an experience day or choose an on-campus interview in Cambridge to get a better view of the learning environment and the various opportunities available in its community.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
For me, it is the Verbal section of the GMAT as I find it difficult to control my timing and easily get stressed during the test. I actually learned to control my emotion through meditation and breathing exercises. I also utilized various resources to improve my Verbal score: online prep, books, classes.
What is your initial impression of Cambridge Judge’s students/culture/community?
Everyone is very kind and friendly. I get this impression ever since I interacted with the MBA Admission Team as I was discussing whether I should defer my application due to COVID-19. The MBA Admission Team has been really helpful in assisting me with my visa and scholarship requirements. After I arrived in Cambridge and meeting other faculty members and students, I can see that being kind and collaborative is a culture in Cambridge Judge.
One thing you have learned about Cambridge Judge that has surprised you?
The range of opportunities that it offers to the student. Cambridge Judge has an extensive network and support platform to help students in navigating their career goals, obtaining new skills, and finding the right network to grow.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
In the COVID-19 situation, everyone needs to be more cautious when interacting with others as we are still navigating with many uncertainties right now. I am afraid that I won’t be able to get to know many people due to the limitations in social activities. But so far, we have been able to conduct many online networking sessions and small group sessions following the government regulations.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know my fellow cohort, exploring historical buildings and architectural landscape in Cambridge (take a lot of pictures too!), and of course, getting involved in candlelit Formal Hall dinners once the College opens again and stabilizing with the social distancing requirement.
