Hear from our MSt in Social Innovation students and alumni
Jiahui Tan
Jiahui is a creative director from Singapore who works across multiple industries. He joined the programme to extend his knowledge of the social innovation sphere.
Julia McNamara
Julia is from Sydney, Australia, and she works for an international consultancy group. Her role involves collaborating with government departments and not-for-profit organisations on strategic and cultural issues.
Anne-Isabelle (Annie) Cameron
Annie now lives in Geneva, Switzerland, but is originally from Vancouver, Canada. Her work centres around enabling equitable access to health products and medicines for people in low and middle-income countries.
Ralph Borde
Ralph is a social entrepreneur from India whose work focuses on the care and education of orphaned and vulnerable children. The MSt is helping him to scale his work both nationally and internationally.
Khoi Cao-Lam
Khoi is a lawyer in Melbourne, Australia, and is also involved in a community health organisation. He is interested in exploring multi-sector collaboration as a framework to identify solutions to issues occurring in the public sector.
Aida Bekele
Aida was based in Berlin during the course of her studies, aimed to use the knowledge gained through the Master of Studies in Social Innovation to create a space where social innovation can be incubated and accelerated.
Jessica Rose
Jessica was the Director of Development at Cambridge Judge Business School. The programme helped her to gain a new perspective on how to utilise the corporate sector better to influence social change through philanthropy.
Why did you choose the MSt in Social Innovation?
Anna-Maria Ranftl
"This programme showed me how to build and maintain networks to collaborate with other private, social or public organisations on shared interests, as well as how to act inside an organisation to initiate change."
As a social worker I am used to striving for the biggest impact with often limited financial and time resources. Being part of a big NGO that offers addiction care services means working within existing organisational and societal structures, (eg. bureaucracies). You learn to navigate and mediate between beneficiary’s needs, organisation’s possibilities, and societal conditions like legislation and funding. In order to do so more efficiently it is necessary to gain a meta position which allows you to look for socio-political levers and to have an idea about social economics. And this is where I felt stuck. I was looking for a course where I can learn how organisations but also societies as a whole function, which theories they are based on but also how to find practical approaches for social issues. During the whole application process I was unsure if my background as a social worker was enough to choose a business programme even though I have experience with conceptual work and team leading. I am not interested in starting my own social venture (yet?) but I wanted to find a way to make social change inside an existing organisation, to use the available infrastructure and networks to preserve resources and use synergies. Further, I wanted to continue my education to have more possibilities in future job applications.
Obviously, I have learned so much more. It is not just the content of the programme and the appreciative atmosphere during the lectures but beyond that, the different experience of my colleagues coming from all over the world with such diverse backgrounds.
With the mix of online content, group work, residentials and assignments you gain a wide range of knowledge, tools and practical approaches regarding management and leadership skills as well as ideas to tackle many social or environmental issues. This course allows me to think about my organisation’s input and outcome from a different angle. When you are working to fulfil the beneficiaries’ needs on the one hand but with public financing on the other, you balance advocacy work and not biting the hand that feeds you. Therefore, it is essential to understand the political system and dynamics, the organisation’s position and scope in this, and my own room for manoeuvre. In my case, this programme showed me how to build and maintain networks to collaborate with other private, social or public organisations on shared interests, as well as how to act inside an organisation to initiate change.
Working and studying at the same time is quite exhausting but it holds a lot of potential. Many theories you read about can be applied to your current work situation. Every work issue can be put in a theoretical context. Many things shared by lecturers and also my colleagues can be imagined in different settings. You need good time management but can do many things at your own pace. Not to mention, you still get to be part of the Cambridge way of life during the residentials. All of this makes me proud and grateful to be part of this programme. It allows me to be even more passionate about fighting inequality and striving for a positive impact.
Beez Fedia
"The course stands out not just for its academic rigour but for its commitment to fostering a community of energised practitioners. For me, the MSt in Social Innovation is more than just an academic programme – it is an opportunity to transform a desire for social innovation into actionable, impactful realities."
I am the co-founder of Works For All (worksforall.org), an organisation that supports services to be more inclusive and meet the needs of different communities through research, analysis and design. We use tools like systems thinking, co-production and design thinking to help organisations to truly understand problems and design equitable and meaningful solutions.
Despite my work within the field of social innovation, I have often felt a need to deepen my theoretical understanding of social change.
From the outset, the MSt in Social Innovation appealed to this desire. It provides a solid grounding in history, frameworks and research whilst also providing insight into how to blend theory with practice.
The curriculum’s core modules of organising for social change, leadership in social innovation, social innovation in practice, and research methodologies builds a solid base that appeals to both my academic ambitions and practitioner sensibilities.
These topics provide a comprehensive framework that is immediately applicable to my work. However, what has been most transformative for me so far has been the opportunity to learn alongside both an inspiring cohort of students and faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields.
I am currently halfway through the first year of study and yet already, the first 2 modules, focusing on organising for social change and leadership in social contexts, has directly impacted my approach to social innovation at Works For All. I have applied theoretical insights and case studies from the course in our service delivery, project outputs and meetings and interactions with clients. The real-world application of the course content is exemplified in how an exercise set by Virginia Leavell on large language models has led to me exploring a new social change venture, This Chat Helps (thischathelps.com).
To judge this course on the content alone does not do it justice. The interactions with my peers – each a leader in their own right – have been as enlightening as the modules themselves. The course community of current and past students, fellows and faculty, is diverse, active and vibrant. It is a network of innovative thinkers and doers, providing the potential for future collaborations as well as long-lasting friendships.
Reflecting on my journey partway through this programme, I am energised by the knowledge and experience gained thus far and I am looking forward to the upcoming modules. The future topics on social innovation in practice and research methodologies, will further fortify the foundations of both Works For All and This Chat Helps.
For anyone considering a path in social innovation, whether you are at the inception of your career or a seasoned social innovator, the MSt in Social Innovation offers invaluable resources. The course stands out not just for its academic rigour but for its commitment to fostering a community of energised practitioners.
For me, the MSt in Social Innovation is more than just an academic programme – it is an opportunity to transform a desire for social innovation into actionable, impactful realities. It is a journey that I highly recommend, one that inspires and equips you with the confidence and ability to drive social change forward effectively.
Giorgi Gigauri
"This master’s programme covers a range of subjects that struck a chord with me, particularly the interdisciplinary blend of organisational studies, psychology, and sociology. The part-time format of the course was also ideal, offering logistical flexibility through online modules and spread-out residential sessions."
My foray into social innovation is intertwined with my experiences in humanitarian and development settings, where every decision made can have immediate and profound implications. As someone who has navigated the complexities of working within a large bureaucratic entity like the UN (specifically, IOM), particularly in leadership roles, I’ve encountered numerous challenges. Among these is maintaining the agility and efficiency of our mission – ensuring it remains fit for purpose. Embracing innovation has become a crucial part of my strategy for internal reform and programme design, which I see not just as integral to my job but also as a genuine opportunity for personal and professional growth.
This drive to enhance my understanding of how to foster a culture of social innovation within my teams led me to the Cambridge course. In Iraq, where I’m currently stationed, this programme aligned well with my current duties and future aspirations. I was quite eager to temporarily step back from the grind of my daily responsibilities to reassess my surroundings, delve into the latest academic literature, and return equipped with fresh theories, tools, and energy to drive innovative change from within. This master’s programme covers a range of subjects that struck a chord with me, particularly the interdisciplinary blend of organisational studies, psychology, and sociology. The part-time format of the course was also ideal, offering logistical flexibility through online modules and spread-out residential sessions. This structure allows me to progress at my own pace and choose assignment topics that are directly relevant to my ongoing work; while the coursework may be demanding, curiosity and motivation make it manageable.
What I’ve found particularly rewarding so far is the ability to marry theoretical knowledge with practical application. Gaining a higher-level conceptual understanding has provided me with new perspectives on the “wicked problems” I’m working on, such as internal displacement, social cohesion, and transitional justice. The case studies, leadership strategies, business models, etc., explored during the course offer practical tools for implementing these concepts in innovative ways. My assignments have been perfect opportunities to research, investigate, and trial various approaches from institutional reform to change management and social impact. Currently, I’m integrating this knowledge and know-how into my reform agenda, with hopes for further research (and eventual implementation) as I gear up to begin my dissertation.
Another enriching aspect of this academic journey has been the rich interactions with fellow student-practitioners, who bring a real wealth of experience, diversity, and skills to our discussions. Discussing complex issues, gaining their unique insights, and challenging my own preconceptions has been intellectually stimulating and fulfilling. Perhaps surprisingly, one of the most interesting parts of the course (so far) was engaging with materials that, at first glance, seemed least relevant to my job or primary academic interests. In some ways, it’s like learning a new language.
Selene Biffi
"I owe a debt of gratitude to Cambridge for nurturing my passion for social innovation and entrepreneurship, and equipping me with the tools to turn my vision into reality."
Reflecting back on my journey, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come since my days pursuing the MSt in Social Innovation at the Cambridge Judge Business School. As I sit down to pen this testimonial, I’m filled with gratitude for the transformative experience that began with my decision to apply for the program.
I applied for the Master’s degree with a burning desire to delve deeper into the realms of social innovation, a field I had been a practitioner in for almost 15 years at the time of applying. I had plenty of practical experience for sure, but I also strongly felt a need to restructure and reshape my thinking; the prospect of combining theoretical frameworks with innovation and social impact resonated deeply with me, and I was eager to further equip myself with the knowledge and skills needed to make a tangible difference in the world.
Upon graduating in 2022, armed with newfound insights and perspectives, I embarked on a journey that led me from my role with the UN in Afghanistan to the heart of social innovation. The transition wasn’t easy, but the teachings and guidance I received from the faculty and classmates alike served as a beacon of light during times of uncertainty.
In the midst of challenges and setbacks – the fall of Kabul in 2021 being one – I found encouragement in revisiting the slides and notes from my Master’s modules, drawing inspiration and guidance to navigate the complexities of my work. The rigorous academic training not only honed my analytical skills but also instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination to effect meaningful change no matter what.
Fast forward to the present day, I’m proud to have spearheaded several initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of thousands of women in Afghanistan. From establishing a call center providing free business advice over the phone to women entrepreneurs to launching a “tool library” facilitating access to equipment, each project is a testament of the knowledge and perspectives gained during the time at Cambridge.
In closing, I owe a debt of gratitude to Cambridge for nurturing my passion for social innovation and entrepreneurship, and equipping me with the tools to turn my vision into reality. The Master’s degree has not only shaped my professional trajectory but has also imbued me with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
As I continue to tread this path, I remain deeply indebted to the faculty, whose unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my vision for the changemaker I aspire to become.
Ralph Borde
"The MSt in Social Innovation at Cambridge, through the strong programme leadership, faculty and an amazing group of peers has enhanced my approach to creating social change making it deeper, more patient & skilful, and hopefully the most impactful it has ever been."
I applied for the MSt in Social Innovation at the University of Cambridge because I was at a pivotal inflection point in my social innovation journey. After founding an NGO and dedicating 18 years to developing a paradigm-changing model for the care and empowerment of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC), I reached a juncture where formalising and scaling this model on both national and international levels became imperative. To achieve this, I needed to deepen and broaden my understanding of social theories, grasp the underlying reasons for the social contexts we aimed to transform and comprehend various organisational structures and frameworks essential for operationalising this depth and scale of change.
My extensive research into programmes that could facilitate this goal led me to the MSt in Social Innovation at Cambridge. The programme appealed to me for four critical reasons.
- First, it was crafted by expert practitioners in social work who comprehended the complexity and iterative nature of creating social change. This practical insight was crucial for my work.
- Second, the programme’s emphasis on world-class research exposed me to robust social change models and the methodologies underpinning them, providing a solid theoretical foundation.
- Third, based at the Cambridge Judge Business School, the programme ensured that the learning was grounded in the practicalities of implementing real ventures and projects.
- Finally, the opportunity to be part of a diverse cohort of peers from around the world promised a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives that could challenge and enhance my thinking.
The course content has proven to be exceptionally relevant and beneficial to my work. The macro-level, theory-based perspective has enabled me to analyse the social problems we address from various theoretical viewpoints. This multidimensional analysis has unveiled facets of previously overlooked issues, thereby refining our theory of change and enhancing the solutions we offer to the children in our care and other stakeholders. The diverse perspectives of different stakeholders have been instrumental in this process.
One of the significant challenges in creating social change, compared to business, is the extended timeline and complexity, often exacerbated by funding constraints. The research insights from the course have been invaluable in helping me coach our team and investors on the patience required in our endeavours. The longitudinal data and research presented in the programme have provided evidence-based support for the necessity of sustained efforts and long-term commitments, which I can now demonstrate without relying solely on anecdotal evidence.
Moreover, the concept of extra-preneurship, which I have begun to explore, is a direct result of the frameworks introduced in the course. I am currently working on scaling our model by integrating multiple entities through a digital platform. This innovative approach is structured using the frameworks and theories studied, allowing for a more cohesive and impactful implementation of our model at a larger scale.
Lastly, my experiences of living in both the global north and south, coupled with my origins in the global south, have enriched my perspective and allow me to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse on OVC, bringing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in different contexts. The programme has helped me think through these insights more effectively, ensuring my own contributions can informed and impactful.
In summary, the MSt in Social Innovation at Cambridge, through the strong programme leadership, faculty and an amazing group of peers has enhanced my approach to creating social change making it deeper, more patient & skilful, and hopefully the most impactful it has ever been.
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