Introducing the 2024 Master of Finance scholars

Our Master of Finance (MFin) students come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, both in terms of financial sector and job function, bringing varied experiences and expertise to the classroom. We offer a range of scholarships available to incoming students, providing candidates the opportunity to advance their skills, grow their networks and progress their careers.

Here we meet 3 scholars from our current cohort:

Anabella

After completing her undergraduate degree at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, where she majored in accounting, Anabella (MFin 2024) joined Ernst & Young Indonesia. Working as an Assurance Auditor, she focused on the energy sector, developing expertise in the oil, gas and renewables industries.

When researching business schools, the MFin programme stood out to Anabella as it offered her the opportunity to deepen her technical knowledge in finance and investment strategies. She explains, “Having worked with energy clients, I gained first-hand exposure to their ambitions for a sustainable transition, as well as the significant challenges they face – particularly the difficulty of securing funding and the high cost of capital. To address these issues effectively, I realised the need to deepen my expertise, especially in areas like restructuring, M&A and investment management.”

The opportunity to engage with industry experts and a cohort of finance professionals were key factors in Anabella’s decision to join the programme, “I am particularly excited about the chance to gain insights from industry experts, especially through the City Speakers series. Additionally, the exposure to a diverse cohort of international students will broaden my perspectives, equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop effective financial strategies. I am looking forward to connecting with a diverse cohort of peers, sharing knowledge, enjoying social events, and forming lifelong friendships!” 

On what she is looking forward the most about her year in Cambridge, she adds “I am hoping to achieve a deep understanding into finance and investment strategies, especially related to the renewables sector. I want to build skills, learn from experts, and connect with like-minded peers. My goal is to use this experience to help drive sustainable growth and support the transition to cleaner energy solutions in my post-MFin career.”

Annabella was awarded an MFin Programme Scholarship and adds, “A huge thank you to the MFin team and Cambridge Judge Business School for this amazing opportunity! I’m so excited to join the community and can’t wait to dive in, learn, and hopefully make a positive impact along the way.”

Dan Murphy

It was during the final year of his undergraduate degree that Dan (MFin 2024) first became interested in pursuing a career in investment banking. After obtaining his bachelors degree in Commerce and Biomedical Science at Monash University, he joined Citibank’s investment banking team, working primarily in the Natural Resources, M&A and Infrastructure teams.

Having worked on a plethora of transactions, from hostile takeovers to regulated monopolistic infrastructure and SPACs, Dan decided that the time was right to undertake a post-graduate degree, “I had an exceptional experience in investment banking, primarily driven by the people I was surrounded by and the responsibility I was given. The MFin provides the opportunity to consolidate an immense 3 years of experience with some of the smartest students and professors on earth. For me, the MFin is a natural progression to step onto the global stage of one of the most competitive industries in the world.”

For Dan, there was another key aspect for choosing the MFin at Cambridge – the people. He explains, “Cambridge’s location, being outside of London, creates a unique environment to foster genuine friendships, beyond just professional networks.”

He continues, “My experience at a global investment bank, like Citi, taught me the importance of inclusivity and the power of diversity. The ability to meet people from over 31 nationalities all with different experiences is what I see contributing most to my career following the programme. That exposure is very rare and something I think I could only receive at Cambridge.”

Reflecting on his MFin scholarship, Dan concludes, “I feel a great sense of responsibility to get the most out of the programme and hopefully be in a position to afford others the same opportunity I have received.”

Michelle Animah Twumasi

Before joining the MFin programme, Michelle (MFin 2024) had built a successful career in Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance at KPMG, culminating in a double promotion in 2022.

After 4 years of successfully leading audits and risk assessments across various industries, Michelle was looking to switch careers and decided to pursue a master’s degree. She explains, “The MFin’s focus on blending financial expertise with capital markets and corporate strategy aligns perfectly with my goal of offering financial and investment advisory services and contributing to boosting economic growth in low-income economies. Moreover, the exceptional career support at the Business School is a great fit for my career transition.”

The diverse curriculum, academic reputation of Cambridge Judge and the networking opportunities were also key considerations for Michelle. She says, “I’m thrilled to join Cambridge’s global network and dive into its vibrant intellectual environment. Engaging with top peers and professors will expand my perspectives and refine my skills as a finance professional.”

One term into her MFin journey, Michelle is excited about the year ahead. “This year, I plan to master advanced financial concepts, gain a global view on asset management, investment strategies, capital markets and also refine my leadership skills. With Cambridge’s top faculty and network, I aim to deepen my expertise in financial advisory and capital markets, setting the stage for success in corporate finance.”

As the recipient of this year’s MFin Regional Scholarship, she adds “Being awarded the MFin Programme and Regional scholarships by the Business School is a profound honour and a testament to my hard work and dedication, particularly as someone from a developing country. These scholarships provide crucial financial support and inspire me to pursue my dream at Cambridge. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity and committed to applying the knowledge, skills, and connections I gain to make an impact in the financial sector, especially in underserved regions.”