Meet the Cambridge MBA class of 2024

We met some of our newest cohort and asked them about their hopes and dreams, their career goals and their learning aims, as they embark on this exciting adventure alongside their 244 new friends and classmates.  

Looking to enhance and pivot their careers with an MBA from the University of Cambridge include those from the tech sector, banking and finance and consulting, as well as founders, entrepreneurs and engineers. Alongside this we welcome our military veterans, those from the not-for-profit and impact sector, as well as those coming from the arts and fashion. 

Hot on the heels of the Paris Olympics we welcome 3 Olympic rowers, including gold medallist Tom Ford, from the British rowing Team GB and USA’s Claire Collins, who competed in the Women’s Eight, alongside our MBA alumna Olivia Coffey, in Paris this summer.  

Uniquely this year and in further support of a strong female MBA cohort, who this year make up 47% of the 2024 class, we have awarded 27 Forté Fellows awards. This includes 4 full Forté Foundation Fellowship scholarship awards, and a further 23 Forté Fellows have been awarded alongside bursaries and other funding awards for this cohort. These awards give our 27 Forté Fellows lifetime access to a wide range of benefits through the Forté Foundation-from events, and resources, to access to an extensive Forté global network.    

With an average of 6 years’ work experience across the board and an average age of 29, the MBA Class of 2024/25 brings a wealth of experience, a wide variety of perspectives and a broad cultural context to the MBA year ahead.

Eliott Fournet, founder and entrepreneur (France)

Eliott Fournet, from France, was a founder and entrepreneur before studying for his MBA, at software engineering consultancy, ELF technologies.  

As a software consultant, Eliott has been involved in the new electric vehicles charging solutions and would like his MBA to support his continued specialisation in this area.  

He explains, “I see the Cambridge MBA providing me with a world-class business education that will be transferable to any new challenge, which will widen my perspective beyond software.” 

He continues,  “In the next year, I will enjoy being inspired by and contributing to the burgeoning intellectual and scientific breakthroughs within Cambridge Judge, my college at King’s College and Cambridge as a whole. In the end, I want to complete my MBA with a renewed perspective on my own industry and a clear strategy regarding the best path forward to achieve my new entrepreneurial goals.

“I chose the Cambridge MBA as a steppingstone to provide me with the necessary business and entrepreneurial education to undertake new and more complex ventures, as well as being inspired by some of the world’s most advanced software research happening in Cambridge. 

“The collegiate system at Cambridge offers a unique opportunity to create strong and profound connections within a world-class research and innovation scene, and the Entrepreneurship Lab at King’s College illustrates this atmosphere of interdisciplinary collaboration. Joining this community was very valuable to me and perfectly aligns with my goals.” 

Adding to the Cambridge rowing scene, beyond academics, Eliott comes from a family of sportsmen and former Olympians and so he is “eager to experience the intercollegiate rowing rivalry and show my support to the Light Blues and to beat Oxford again!”

Joanna Philip, Indian Air Force (India)

From India and the recipient of the Military Personnel scholarship award, we meet Joanna Philip. After 10 years with the Indian Air Force, Joanna felt she was equipped with leadership and operations experience but striving “to understand how and where I fit in the corporate domain”. 

She explains,  “While life in the military was filled with learning and adventure, the business world seemed almost exotic, and I recognised the need for an immersive educational experience. Thus began the journey that led me to the Cambridge MBA.” 

She expands on what she is seeking as she transitions her career from the military sector,  “I see the Cambridge MBA as an integral part of my journey toward a career in international business strategy and operations. Further down the line, I hope to leverage my skills, knowledge, network, and diverse experience to create and propel worldwide operations, focused on social impact.” 

“After a decade in the military, I am poised to broaden my horizons and delve into the new tech and data-driven industrial world. I aim to be in ‘sponge mode’ this year, soaking up all I can from the Cambridge Judge MBA curriculum, my cohort, my college and Cambridge’s rich ecosystem.” 

She concludes,  “It is amazing that Cambridge Judge Business School recognises the role of quality business education for veterans transitioning out of military service and supports us on our journey.” 

Haydn Lewis, GE Healthcare (UK)

From the UK we meet Haydn Lewis, with a background in the finance sector working with GE Healthcare across Europe and the USA, and more recently in M&A with GE, based in London. 

“After spending 4 years in the M&A team, and my whole career within GE, I felt I was at a point in my career where I was ready for a new challenge. An MBA seemed the perfect next step to build out my network and hone some of the areas I need to work on to move into leadership positions.” 

He talks about what he is most looking forward to in the year ahead,  “I’m mostly looking forward to taking myself out of my comfort zone and experiencing the many opportunities the MBA and the broader Cambridge ecosystem offers. With a substantial time away from studying, I’m excited for the academic portion of the programme and to truly focus on deep learning, which I feel can be hampered while working full-time.” 

Looking to build on his experience in the energy sector, while working with GE, he is looking beyond his MBA year to, “Possibly joining a startup or company engaged in the financing of the transition to a greener world. The Cambridge ecosystem and in particular, Silicon Fen, has produced an impressive number of companies in the space, I can envisage joining one of those post-MBA.” 

Haydn will be representing the UK among a largely diverse and international cohort; this year 6% of the class are from the UK.  

“Some people have become disillusioned with the UK and our position on the global stage in recent times. However, Cambridge is one of the institutions we have that is still, and will continue to be, world-leading, and it’ll be an honour to represent it in my future endeavours.” 

Gita Howard, human rights lawyer (USA)

Representing the legal sector within the cohort, we meet Gita Howard from the US, following in her sister’s footsteps, 2020 MBA alumna, Mira Howard, Gita was a human rights lawyer before her MBA.  

“In my 3 years of working as an international human rights lawyer, I have realised the profound importance of advancing human rights within corporate organisations.  

“My vision of ethical business inspires me to advance my career at the intersection of human rights and business, and ultimately, to pursue social entrepreneurship. I believe that a formal business education will be highly beneficial for my goals.”

She continues, “The Cambridge MBA programme stands out as the ideal programme with its emphasis on entrepreneurship, sustainability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), diversity, and globalism, aligning perfectly with my aspirations and values.” 

Looking to the future Gita says,  “My ultimate career aspiration is to become a social entrepreneur leading a successful social enterprise. I am confident that the Cambridge MBA will help provide the necessary tools, skillset, and network for me to pursue this goal effectively. In the shorter term, I am excited to explore how this opportunity will open doors and opportunities for me at the forefront of responsible business.” 

Gita joins the 47% female cohort, receiving one of the Forté Fellows awards, alongside a Professional Scholarship award as part of the Cambridge MBA’s commitment to widening diversity of sector, and nationality within each cohort.

Nath Samaratunga, medical student and entrepreneur (USA)

Another American, with Sri Lankan heritage, Nath Samaratunga, was a medical student and an entrepreneur before choosing to do an MBA.  

Starting his MBA year, he says,  “This opportunity serves as a reflection of the support of my entire community, from my parents and sisters to my extended family, friends, and mentors. Even now, I am still pinching myself that this chance has been afforded to me. I am humble and honoured by this life-changing opportunity.” 

Nath was looking to support his career in policy making, still in the medical sector. 

“My path to the Cambridge MBA stemmed from a desire to maximise the wellbeing of others and fill the gaps in my skillset to fully reach my goals. As a future physician-policy maker, I strive to create policies that make healthcare accessible to all people.” 

He continues,  “By immersing myself in this environment, I am confident that I will bridge the gaps in my skillset but also be empowered to drive meaningful change in healthcare policy. This MBA represents a pivotal step in my journey, one that will equip me to better serve others and achieve my vision of a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all.” 

He concludes,  “There are 3 main qualities I hope to take away from my Cambridge MBA. First, I hope to gain a strong understanding of business and economic concepts that I can apply to policy. Second, I strive to foster communication skills of negotiation and public speaking to advocate and push policies forward. And finally, I hope to find community in the incredible, inspiring, change-makers that comprise the MBA class.”

James (Manh) Trinh, finance sector (Vietnam)

James (Manh) Trinh from Vietnam, with a background in the finance sector, explains how an MBA from the University of Cambridge became part of his career journey,  “The Cambridge MBA stands out to me with unique features, such as its practical curriculum, which includes 2 full-time, on-site consulting projects with real clients. It also offers a strong network and presence in Asia, where I intend to return, as well as a highly diverse cohort.” 

He continues,  “While working in finance, I have found that technical skills are a prerequisite to success. However, global networks and mentors will be key factors in opening new opportunities and achieving success, whether I continue in finance or pursue an entrepreneurial path. I am excited to join Cambridge and access the international alumni network from which I can learn and grow.” 

On being a new member of the Cambridge community, he concludes,  “Beyond professional aspirations, Cambridge wins my heart with its ancient beauty and over 800-year legacy. I am eager to experience the tradition of wearing a gown, enjoying candlelit dinners, and networking with classmates during Formal Dinners in centuries-old dining halls.” 

These are just some of the professionals looking to be challenged beyond their expectations as they embark on their MBA year at Cambridge Judge.