Lauren Sadler, Oxford MBA Class of 2020
Age: 31
Hometown: Brighton, UK
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Sussex, Music with Italian
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 8 years, Live Music Industry
Why business school? Why now?
As my career progresses, I’ve been tasked with bigger budgets, more responsibility, larger projects/festivals, and have only ever gained knowledge and experience through example from peers, trial and error. For some years now I’d been seeking out the opportunity to have some formal training with regard to the inner working of a business.
There are very few people working in the arts who have an MBA education, so the concept was totally new to me when I discovered the course at Saïd Business School. After reading further into it, I realised that an MBA was offering the exact training that I had been hoping for.
Why Oxford? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
It’s fair to say that working in the publicly funded arts sector does not lend itself to huge financial gains, so a huge pull for me was the really unique scholarship offered by the Linbury Trust, which supports arts professionals with long-term investment in the UK. I also found the breadth of course options really appealing as well as the diversity of the cohort.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
Saïd Business School’s 2019 MBA class had 93% international students and I’m really excited about sharing the huge variety of Oxford’s music, theatre and performance scene with those who might be unfamiliar with it. There’s a growing list of shows, gigs, and exhibitions in the autumn that I’m hoping to find buddies to go with.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
On my 30th birthday I came second in a particularly competitive karaoke competition by performing an enthusiastic Christina Aguilera number to a crowd of 300 people in Dublin. It was one of the best nights of my life.
Post-MBA career interests?
Ask me in 6 months time! I know I love working in music, with artists and with communities, but I’m keeping an open mind. We spend more time at work than we do with our loved ones, so the most important thing is to find a job that I’ll look forward to coming to every day.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Although it was a struggle to return to algebra after a 15-year hiatus, I really enjoyed relearning maths as part of the GMAT. I remember thinking that whether or not I was successful in securing a place at Oxford, I’d feel grateful for having obtained skills forgotten post-GCSE.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have spent more time speaking to people at the open day. I think I let impostor syndrome get the better of me and missed out on getting to know some really interesting people with experiences different to mine. I’m hoping to rectify this in September.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
This bit, right now, waiting to move to Oxford. Moving can be very stressful. I’m up at night wondering if I’ve hired the right size van, whether I’ll find somewhere to park when picking up my keys, whether I can fit my extensive (and entirely necessary) dress collection in my student flat. I’m using the Calm App at night which I find really helpful and would highly recommend to anyone struggling to put niggling thoughts out of their mind.
What is your initial impression of Oxford’s students/culture/community?
Incredibly impressive. I’ve been reading about the careers of some of those graduating in September, and those arriving in my cohort, and I’m really looking forward to hearing their stories first-hand, particularly those who have been using tech to tackle some complex issues within communities.
One thing you have learned about Oxford that has surprised you?
How friendly everyone has been. The admissions team, the interview panel, the 2019 cohort were all really relaxed and kind and have made me feel welcome every time I’ve visited in the lead up.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’ve heard that impostor syndrome is really common coming into Oxford, and I’m trying to quash it, but I do have moments when I think about the incredible achievements some of my soon-to-be peers have made and wonder if I’ll be able to contribute anything near as much as they will to the collective experience of the MBA.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The chance to spend a whole year on my own personal professional development. Before finding out about the MBA, I’d dreamed of a chance to do this, but never thought it would be possible. What a rare and exciting opportunity.
