Deema Alafaliq, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2019
Age: 30
Hometown: Saudi Arabia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Aston University, Bachelor of Science in Finance (Honours Degree)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years, Private Equity/Venture Capital Investments
Why business school? Why now?
Being part of the investment industry and working as investment expert has been my greatest passion from a young age. Career progression as a leader in the investment field is my main career motivation, I want to learn more, advance my knowledge and enhance my experience to be a well-versed investment expert.
After spending nearly 7 years in my profession, I believe that an MBA at this stage will enable me to increase my impact through further developing my skills as an effective leader. The program provides an extensive range of subjects covering numerous aspects of leadership, teamwork and risk taking providing a broader perspective of the corporate world.
Why Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The diverse class in Judge MBA programme of ~40 nationalities from multiple industries will be the right community for me to network in, further my communication skills, and learn from my classmates’ knowledge and experiences.
The length and the flexibility of the programme is another factor that influenced my decision. Judge MBA is a one-year program that offers the flexibility to tailor my learning journey to support my own career trajectory. The program allows you to select from 48 elective courses in different concentrations.
The University of Cambridge as whole offers the unique opportunity, especially among modern MB programmes, to become a part of a long and rich academic history. It offers the opportunity to be part of some the long-standing traditions such as eating in formal dining halls by candlelight in graduate gowns.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
My experience as an investment professional where I became one of the first female venture capitalists in Saudi. I worked with different start-ups across the globe. I have also been assigned to work as a promising portfolio manager in one the largest asset managers in the Middle East. I have been fortunate to attend several international conferences and exhibitions throughout my career where I met a number of influential individuals and decision makers.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
My passion towards the investment industry drove me to establish the first Saudi association for investment professionals. I co-found “Mostathmer Association,” to serve as an independent non-profit organization focused on supporting members of the investment industry.
The main objective is to build a professional network of experienced individuals in the region to encourage knowledge sharing, facilitate professional development and promote high ethical standards in the investment community.
We have organized 12+ events, including lectures by thought leaders such as the Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning and the Former Chairman of the United States Federal Reserve. We grew our network to ~500 members and successfully expanded across the Kingdom.
Post-MBA career interests?
As rewarding as my investment experiences have been so far, I want to increase my impact. Post-MBA, I plan to become a Senior Investment professional. However, in the long term I want give back to what has always been part of me – my family.
I aspire to establish the first specialized Investment vehicle for our family business organization. My studies at Judge, paired with my experience as an investment professional, will ensure that I build the right skill set that will enable me to accomplish my ultimate goal.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
—One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visit Cambridge for the in-person interview. It was and amazing experience.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Avoid applying in the last round.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The whole application process was really stressful! What helped me the most is focusing on applying to few programs only allowing me concentrate my efforts on each application.
What is your initial impression of Judge’s students/culture/community?
The diversity of the program, culture and community is shocking, I have never been in such a diverse and unified environment.
One thing you have learned about Judge that has surprised you?
That time management is essential, and striking the right balance between learning, career goals, socializing and family commitments is important to ensure a successful experience.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge, assignments and projects that we need to learn and complete in such a short time.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know my colleagues and learn from different experiences and various perspectives.
