Tripti Gawankar, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2021
Age: 29 Years
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bachelor of Commerce (Specialising in Accounting & Finance), University of Mumbai
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, Financial Services (Credit Ratings – Bespoke Fixed Income Products in EMEA & APAC)
Why business school? Why now?
Being a financial analyst was my day job, but I double hatted as a project lead on various problem solving and automation initiatives. I was more passionate about working on projects and mentoring people and decided I wanted to pivot out of finance into a field that puts human-centered solutions at the core. As I mainly worked with bespoke fixed income products in the European Region previously, I wanted to move there. That’s why I decided to do an MBA and specifically a European MBA
Why, Cambridge Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
One of the biggest draws of the Cambridge MBA was the Collegiate system which means that apart from the School, you’re a member of one of the colleges at the University which helps you create a broader and more diverse network through social interactions as you live with people studying a wide array of things from biology to AI. Cambridge lies at the heart of the Silicon Fen (the UK’s Silicon Valley), and I wanted to gain some exposure to this ecosystem as well – not because I am particularly interested in tech, but it’s always good to be conversant in the latest technology and be on top of everything that’s going on in the tech space.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I believe I am a high EQ problem solver – whenever I take a project or problem on, I always look at it from a user or a human perspective and not just from a spreadsheet perspective, and I believe as the world is getting more and more automated, ironically this skill will be needed the most to ensure our solutions don’t make us feel less connected and less human.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
In 10 years, I’d love to become a professional writer – a columnist for sure!
Post-MBA career interests?
I’d love to work for a design thinking consulting firm ideally or work for an FMCG company using human-centered design as an internal consultant.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
This one is going to be extraordinarily unconventional, but I loved introspecting and writing the essays. It was like I was introduced to myself – this is where I discovered I’d love to take up writing professionally at some point in the future.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I couldn’t make it to the Cambridge MBA interview in person due to some work commitments, but I’d definitely want to turn back time and somehow make it to the Interview day – not because it changes the outcome of the application, but because I have heard so many magical stories of my cohort’s experiences that I do regret missing my own in-person interview experience.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I was very anxious about asking for references because the people we ask for references from are generally very busy and it feels like you’re putting them in a position where they have to spend their most scarce commodity (time) on you. I was very reluctant to ask, but when I did, I was surprised at their responses because my referees were so forthcoming, supportive, and warm and they encouraged and motivated me to power through the rest of my application as well.
What is your initial impression of Cambridge Judge’s students/culture/community?
Given that Cambridge has a considerable reputation that precedes itself, I anticipated the community to be haughty and extremely busy, but everyone here is so warm and approachable. No matter whom you reach out to, you will always find people willing to help, and if they can’t help you, they will connect you with someone who can.
One thing you have learned about Cambridge Judge that has surprised you?
The School’s response to the pandemic has been phenomenal. They have communicated everything clearly and promptly. They’ve been extremely understanding and provided generous support whenever we needed it. Most importantly the way they have handled the programme so far, I never thought I’d be able to have such a flawless experience in the middle of a raging pandemic.
The thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’ve always prided myself on being able to handle multiple priorities, but there’s so much to do at the School and at the broader University level that I am a bit worried about prioritisation and time management. I am slowly wrapping my head around it, but the FOMO is powerful here.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
One thing that excites me the most is meeting so many different people with unique backgrounds who are working or have worked in fields so different than my universe. I am looking forward to not just our professional conversation but also just sitting down with some of them, at the end of a long day, and grabbing a pint and listening to their stories.
