Harsimar (Sam) Jhittay, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: Birmingham, England
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Nottingham – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Medical Degree)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, clinical medicine and management consultancy
Why business school? Why now?
Having already had a varied start to my career, I wanted to further broaden my horizons. Business school is the perfect location to gain a deeper understanding of the industries I have worked in, discover new business areas and develop my general business and leadership skills
Why Cambridge Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
There are so many great business schools out there but there were 5 things that really set Judge apart:
- The practical nature of the learning
- The incredibly diverse year group in terms of nationality and industry background
- The ability to get to know all my classmates personally by the end of the course
- The blend of a young, forward thinking business school within an 800-year-old institution
- The ‘Cambridge’ experience – living in colleges, formal dinners etc.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I believe my experience within medicine and business will put me in a position to view challenges from a different perspective than my classmates.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I inadvertently walked through a Bollywood movie set whilst walking back from the shops as they were filming a dance sequence in London. If you ever notice someone carrying a new toaster through a crowd of backing dancers, you now know who it is!
Post-MBA career interests?
I have really enjoyed having impact in my career so far–be that in patient care or in international business. I wish to continue the theme of impact and be inspired by the upcoming opportunities over the coming year and beyond.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attend an open day and on-site interview days–you get a really clear feel for the school, the learning environment and the range of opportunities available.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Connect with more current students and school alumni–they give you an honest idea of what life is like at business school and you can ask them any questions you don’t feel comfortable asking in public forums.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT. It’s a completely different exam experience to any I had before. I found getting used to the format/timing structure was a key first step.
What is your initial impression of Cambridge Judge’s students/culture/community?
The diversity of the class is the first thing that strikes you, followed by the warm welcoming nature of everyone. Before the MBA year had even started there were WhatsApp groups, Slack channels and Facebook groups already discussing everything from classes to living arrangements and trips people are taking!
One thing you have learned about Cambridge Judge that has surprised you?
Although the business school is relatively young it certainly packs a punch on the international stage!
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am wary of spreading myself too thinly–there are so many opportunities to get involved in at both the business school and the wider university.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know my fellow students and learning about their personal and professional journeys to this point.
