Championing women in finance: Cambridge MFin scholar experiences

Every year, Cambridge Judge awards 2 Women in Finance Scholarships to MFin candidates demonstrating a passion for empowering and supporting women in the industry. Alongside an award of £15,000 they provide an opportunity for recipients to further promote women in the field, inspiring others to pursue a career in financial leadership.

That’s crucial in an industry where women are still underrepresented at the higher level – according to the 2024 Gender Balance Index by the OMFIF, women still represent only 26% of C-suite roles and 16% of top leadership positions in the UK.

We spoke to this year’s recipients, Wangyang Ye and Sharda Goolcharan, to find out more about their journey to Cambridge Judge, the value of a diverse cohort, and the ongoing challenges and opportunities for women pursuing a career in the sector.

What’s your background, and what were you doing prior to joining the programme?

I’m from Hangzhou in China, an innovative city known as the home of global giants including Alibaba. Before joining the MFin programme, I worked in audit at a Big Four firm – but I soon realised that true influence in finance extends beyond technical expertise. It requires strategic vision and leadership.

The Cambridge MFin provided the ideal platform to find a more strategic role, giving me the skills and network to achieve my long-term goal of becoming a CFO.

This year, the MFin boasts its highest number of female students to date. How does diversity on the programme benefit the overall experience?

As a woman, I’ve found this environment incredibly empowering. Diversity – whether in gender, nationality or professional background – enriches discussions and fosters innovation. Women bring unique perspectives that challenge traditional norms and drive creative solutions. This diversity is not just a statistic. It’s a cornerstone of the programme’s success.

What initiatives are there to support women in finance at Cambridge Judge?

This year, I’m co-leading the Finance SIG (special interest group), which includes organising initiatives to connect with female finance leaders and inspire young women to consider careers in the industry. Our activities include mentorship programmes and educational outreach, aimed at empowering the next generation of female finance professionals.

Additionally, the Wo+Men’s Leadership Centre (which advocates for gender equity across the globe and sits within Cambridge Judge Business School) provides invaluable support. Through the Centre, I’ve been able to attend several high-impact networking events, engage with senior women in finance and contribute to discussions on how to create a more inclusive financial industry. These experiences have not only broadened my network, but also provided tangible opportunities to scale my initiative.

Other initiatives at Cambridge Judge include the Women and Gender Equality SIG which hosts conferences, alongside numerous networking events. These provide a platform to engage with role models, exchange experiences and develop strategies to advance gender diversity in the industry.

What are the key challenges and opportunities around women in financial leadership?

Women in finance often face systemic barriers, including unconscious bias and a lack of representation in leadership roles. However, these challenges also present opportunities.

As women, we have the chance to redefine leadership by demonstrating resilience, empathy, and innovative thinking. While the journey may require extra effort, the rewards – both personal and professional – are immense.

What advice do you have for women pursuing a career in the industry?

Speak up. Advocate for yourself. Don’t set artificial limits on what you can achieve. Women often hesitate to pursue leadership opportunities due to self-doubt or perceived barriers, but confidence and persistence are key.

Build a strong network, seek mentors, and continuously develop both technical and leadership skills. Most importantly, recognise that your voice and perspective add value – use them.

What tips do you have for future MFin applicants and those applying for the Women in Finance Scholarship?

For the scholarship: ground your essay in measurable impact. Instead of vague statements about supporting women, propose concrete, scalable solutions and back them with action.

Demonstrating past efforts and a clear execution plan strengthens your application.

For the MFin: be authentic. Showcase your experiences, motivations and aspirations in a way that paints a full picture of who you are. Cambridge values individuality, so highlight what makes you unique.

What’s your background, and what drew you to the MFin at Cambridge Judge?

I’m from Trinidad and Tobago, where I grew up surrounded by the warmth of the Caribbean sun, the love of my family, and the belief that the world is full of possibilities. After completing my BSc in Economics and Finance at Queen Mary University of London, I returned to Trinidad, where I worked across various roles in investment management and economic development.

What attracted me to the Cambridge MFin was the opportunity to join a diverse and highly experienced cohort, alongside the University’s strong research focus and reputation for addressing real-world economic and financial challenges. After spending 5 years in the corporate world, I knew a typical masters programme might not be the best fit for me. The post-experience structure of the MFin was exactly what I was looking for.

The Global Consulting Project (GCP) also stood out for me when I was applying, offering the chance to work on a real-world challenge with experienced professionals.

What’s your experience been like on the programme to date, and how important is having a diverse cohort?

It’s been nothing short of exceptional. I’m constantly inspired by the amazing women in the cohort – each one is so empowering and unapologetically themselves.

The confidence and brilliance that everyone brings to the table creates an environment where we all push each other to grow. It’s incredible to see how everyone acts as a catalyst for empowerment and is always ready to help, share advice and support each other.

What has it been like working as a woman in the finance industry, and what are the ongoing challenges in your opinion?

Working in finance has been an exciting journey of growth, challenges and invaluable lessons. I’ve had incredible opportunities to develop, but I’ve also had to work harder to have my voice heard compared to my male peers. Rather than seeing this as a setback, I embraced it as a catalyst for growth – it pushed me to refine my leadership, strengthen my communication and stand confidently by my ideas. Breaking through that barrier showed me the power of resilience and authenticity in driving real impact.

Gender inequality remains an ongoing challenge, but the growing focus on diversity and inclusion is paving the way for more opportunities for women. The rising demand for diverse perspectives, particularly in decision-making roles, presents an exciting opportunity for women to make a meaningful impact in the industry.

More generally, what have been your favourite things about the MFin so far?

On the first day of the MFin programme, I found myself wondering if I would make any friends. Classic imposter syndrome, right? Fast-forward a few months, and I can barely keep up with all of the friends I’ve made. It’s been a whirlwind! The richness of the cohort – spanning cultures, industries and ways of thinking – has been one of the most invigorating aspects for me.

Beyond their impressive professional achievements, my peers are genuinely warm, insightful and inspiring. Every conversation brings a mix of insights, perspectives and experiences, making me think bigger, push further and deepen my understanding, not just in finance, but holistically.

Learning alongside professionals from various backgrounds creates a dynamic environment where I can exchange ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and build a strong network that will support me throughout my career.

How have initiatives such as the City Speaker Series further benefitted your experience?

Attending the City Speaker dinners – which involves attending a lecture by an expert speaker, and then joining them for dinner at one of the colleges – has been a real highlight. Engaging with industry pioneers, hearing first-hand insights and understanding how finance is evolving in real-time at multiple networking events has broadened my perspective and sharpened my strategic thinking.

It’s one thing to read about market trends, but it’s another to hear directly from those shaping them, and it’s just one of the many amazing opportunities the programme has provided me with.

Our Women in Finance scholars share their experiences of being a member of a college at the wider University of Cambridge

Being part of Hughes Hall has been transformative. The college brings together individuals from disciplines as varied as medicine, law and astrophysics, leading to thought-provoking discussions over formal dinners. I’ve debated ethical AI with a tech entrepreneur and explored education equity with a non-profit leader. This interdisciplinary exposure has reinforced my belief that financial leadership should not exist in isolation but must engage with broader societal challenges.

Wangyang Ye, MFin 2024

I'm at St Catharine’s College, and for me it’s one of the things that really makes the MFin experience unique. It offers a whole new community of people and social events, and one of my favourite parts is formal hall – dressed in our gowns, sitting at a beautifully set table with great food and the best company. It’s honestly a magical part of the whole Cambridge experience.

Sharda Goolcharan, MFin 2024