Katherine Gobey, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2025
Age: 32
Hometown: Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK.
Undergraduate Institution and Major: BSc Theoretical Physics, Swansea. MRes Precision Engineering, Cranfield University. PhD Applied Physics Cranfield University.
Pre-MBA Work Experience: R&D Engineer, Cambridge based climate-tech start-up, Decarbonisation industry, 2 years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My background is in STEM and I have always had a passion for science and engineering. During my study towards my doctorate, in which I used plasma technology in a solar power application, I realised I wanted to use science and technology for good and to make a positive impact on the world. After graduating I worked as an R&D engineer at a small company that was developing a plasma based system for decarbonisation, I believed strongly in the technology and its potential but found frustration in the disconnect between the science and the strategy. It saddens me to think of all the amazing technologies that have been lost not because they were bad ideas, but because they were not managed correctly. In response to this I sought out opportunities to study leadership and business management and began looking at studying for an MBA specifically to learn how to manage a company at a higher level, to bridge the gap between engineers and management.
My aim is that by combining my hands-on engineering and scale-up experience, scientific knowledge, and the business management learnt during the MBA, I can help technologies to scale with a holistic approach incorporating both science and strategy.
Why did you choose Cambridge Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was already aware of Cambridge Judge before I applied, I have lived in Cambridge for 2 years and have often walked past the gates and aspired to one day be walking through them. I initially looked at studying towards a leadership programme but read more into the MBA and decided it would give me a much more in depth and comprehensive business education. Judge appealed to me due to its diverse cohort, especially their gender balance, and excellent networking opportunities and industry contacts. Cambridge as a location is also in the heart of innovation and new technologies, which is the sector I want to continue in after I graduate.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
My experience in science and engineering research will give me a unique perspective on the complexities and realities of concurrently scaling up a company and an innovative physical product, and the nuances of leadership in a technical team.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love vintage and antiques, especially 1940s fashion and music, and like to attend vintage events and jazz bars. I have some original 1940s dresses from my grandmother that I hold very dear and still wear on special occasions. I also love retro cars and classic vehicles, I own a 1980s Austin Maestro that was my daily driver until I recently got something more suited to the daily commute in winter!
Post-MBA career interests:
Science and technology are my passions and I want to stay in this field. I hope to work as a CTO in a technology scale up, or as a consultant working on a variety of projects, where I can help scale up technologies effectively by ensuring science is represented in decisions.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Not being afraid to proudly state your achievements is important. We are often taught to tone down how we communicate our successes, especially as women, but for me it was useful to take a step back and appreciate all I have achieved so far in my life. When writing examples of how I showed leadership or solved complex problems I realised I had much more depth of skills and experience than I initially thought. Putting these into words felt awkward at first, but listing my achievements helped boost my confidence in my application and showed the unique value I could bring to the programme and my further career.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would worry less about fitting the mould of what I thought the ideal MBA candidate is. I thought they would be looking for people who had already worked in business or strategy, or came from finance backgrounds, but diversity of candidates is important for a strong cohort where we can all learn from each other’s experiences. Desirable leadership qualities aren’t limited to certain sectors, they can be found everywhere. I should have been more confident in the value of my own individual contributions.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT/GRE quantitative requirement was surprisingly difficult for me! I thought with my background in STEM I would fly through, but the quantitative tests are not maths tests, they’re testing how you approach and solve problems. It was difficult for me to get out of the habit of solving problems and equations methodically and step by step, as I have always been taught to do, and instead look for smart ways around problems. I found plenty of great resources online to help me with this including a really helpful series on YouTube.
What is your initial impression of the Cambridge Judge students/culture/community?
The community seems very diverse which is wonderful. There is diversity not only in where people have come from in the world, but also where they have come from in their careers. I’m really excited to learn from my peers and share in their culture and experiences.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I have recently taken up ballet with the Cambridge University Ballet Club. I didn’t learn as a child so it’s a steep learning curve, but they have classes at all levels and it’s a fun and welcoming environment, and surprisingly tough exercise.
What is one thing you have learned about Cambridge Judge that has surprised you?
The building is the old Addenbrookes hospital, and I heard a rumour that the restaurant next door was the morgue! I love the building, it’s so colourful and joyous, I hope it provides me with some energy and inspiration whilst I study.
What is one thing you are most excited about?
I’m really excited to network with my peers and the extensive industry contacts Judge has. There is so much to learn from others, we all have our own unique stories and experiences, and sharing these helps us all grow and develop as people. The diversity of the cohort and the high quality of Judge’s network is sure to provide valuable insights into all aspects of business and life. Hopefully, I will make lifelong friends during my time here, and we can all celebrate our successes at future alumni reunions!
