Sanjeet Sanghera, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2019
Age: 32
Hometown: Vancouver, Canada
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of British Columbia (UBC), Applied Science in Electrical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): I have 9 years of work experience as an engineer in the energy sector, working primarily in planning and operations for a utility.
Why business school? Why now?
As a naive engineering graduate, I once thought the most complex challenges facing the energy sector were wholly technical. I’ve learned this is not the case. In fact, during my work, I found that I was often dealing with multidisciplinary problems that required an appreciation for finance, economics, strategy, and policy-making to navigate effectively.
Wanting to make a bigger impact, I decided it was time to upgrade my skills by pursuing formal education and chose the MBA because it is a well-recognized credential that covers all of these broad business skills. Additionally, business school is a great way to meet people from all over the world. Energy impacts everyone and I wanted to learn first-hand from people about what is and isn’t working around the world.
Why Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I prefer to learn through first-hand experiences instead of just classroom lectures. The Judge curriculum places an emphasis on experiential learning by fitting 3 term projects where teams collaborate with industry to solve real problems.
Additionally, very few MBA programs around the world offer an Energy and Environment specialization. Judge is one of the schools that does. The world-renown research facilities, entrepreneurial ecosystem and 12-month format were also factors in my decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019?
My years in engineering have given me the unique opportunity to scope and advance a large infrastructure project from conception through to implementation. From this experience, I’ve learned how to navigate risk and uncertainty, work with large multidisciplinary teams, and communicate with both executives and external stakeholders. Over this time, I’ve celebrated many successes but potentially more important, I’ve also learned from a few mistakes when trying to find innovative solutions.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have an identical twin brother who is also an electrical engineer and we graduated together from UBC.
Post-MBA career interests?
My heart is in the energy sector, and my goal is to help transition the world to clean, reliable, low-cost energy solutions. I feel there is significant potential for innovation and disruption in the energy sector. With the advancement of electric vehicles, distributed generation, new rate structures and demand response, we are at the cusp of dramatically altering the way customers interact with electricity.
There are many qualified engineers developing these technologies; but, the industry also needs skilled business professionals with a technical background to help usher in this new paradigm. I’m interested in pursuing roles to help advance a renewable energy future and view Consulting as a possible way to promote this change in the industry.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
It is important to talk with alumni who have been through the program and get their perspective on their experiences. They are a great proxy for what your cohort may look like.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I studied for my GMAT and applied to schools simultaneously, all while working a full-time job. Although I got through it, it was a trying experience. It is important to leave ample time to prepare your applications before the deadlines.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT. The support of my family made it all possible. It’s not easy to study at home during several sunny weekends in Vancouver without an understanding and supportive spouse.
What is your initial impression of Judge’s students/culture/community?
I am very impressed by the diversity of the Judge students. This year’s MBA cohort represents 50+ nationalities and various professional backgrounds. Even before the program started, people from all over the world came together in the Silicon Valley to attend a career trek that I and a few others organized.
During the trek and in my first few weeks, I’ve already had a chance to have great conversations about how different countries are dealing with the business challenges I’ve seen back home. Also, the professors know the backgrounds of all the students and call on them to add their insights as part of the lectures.
One thing you have learned about Judge that has surprised you?
I never expected that Cambridge would be so bike and walk friendly. Within walking distance from my residence there are countless pubs, several libraries, a grocery store, a medical clinic, two malls and a park. Not to mention the amazing architecture. It is a photographer’s paradise.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
My wife and I are expecting our first baby in November! This means that in addition to handling a packed course schedule, student interest groups, and social events, I’ll be on daddy-duty too. Nevertheless, my wife and I were very comforted by how family-friendly the whole university has been.
The Judge organized several networking events that included partners and kids and connected us with other expectant parents in the program. Further, there are nurseries, support networks and classes available to ensure students receive the help they need.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about the famous Cambridge May ball and the college formal halls. Cambridge is a ‘collegiate’ university. As such, each of the MBAs is assigned to 1 of the 31 colleges that each has their own unique history and personality. These colleges hold regular dinners, called formal halls.
It is an excellent opportunity to meet other students studying at Cambridge in different areas, whether it’s artificial intelligence or music history. The May ball is an elaborate, all-night party held by the various colleges.
