Cínthia Passos Maia, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2023
Age: 29
Hometown: São Paulo – Brazil
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of São Paulo – BSc Accounting
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3,5 years – Automotive/Financial Services; 3 years – Valuation Consulting; 12 weeks – Pre MBA-Internship in Strategy Consulting
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Since I did my exchange at the University of Melbourne back as an undergrad, I knew I would do a postgrad abroad, but it was only until I met TalentoTotal (a non-profit organization focused on leveraging black and indigenous potential leaders by mentoring them into Global MBAs) that it was clear that an MBA was the perfect fit for me.
Being an accountant and having more than five years of a broad set of professional experiences, from finance and accounting to marketing and strategy, I thought it was time to get formal education to leverage these experiences and acquire the skills and network to excel in global leadership positions.
There was not a better time to make it true, I had the experience, the support and no huge financial commitments.
Why did you choose Cambridge Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Cambridge Judge for its excellence, diversity and culture.
The excellence of the program was a key factor for me. Cambridge Judge is among the best 20 MBA programs in the world, which attracts prominent companies to recruit from CJBS; apart from a global alumni community.
On diversity, Cambridge has one of the most diverse MBA classes in the world in terms of nationality. My class has representatives from 46 countries. Even in the early weeks, I had already learnt a lot from my colleagues. What most excites me is knowing I will always have different and global perspectives on business.
Last, something quite unique about The Cambridge MBA is that it is rooted in collaboration. Not only from the consulting projects we will develop throughout the year but also from the zeal in building a class and a program that values teamwork.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Judge MBA Class of 2023?
Because I have had a broad set of professional and extra-professional experiences, I have built a broad set of transferable skills that would be valuable for the Class, such as financial modelling, leadership and business strategy.
I am also involved in the diversity and inclusion initiatives back in Brazil, and I am passionate to talk about my findings in the field.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Back in 2017, I backpacked alone in Mexico for 45 days; it was a transformative experience. I got to know people from different story paths, got a lift with a truck driver for three hours, and on the last week of travelling met the person who is now my boyfriend.
Post-MBA career interests:
Strategy Consulting, Corporate Strategy and Private Equity
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Definitely reach out to alumni and current MBA candidates, hear their experiences and learn how to navigate the program. It is also great to have a glance at the culture of the schools you are applying.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would visit the business schools I was applying to in person and would try to attend a class there. It helps in the process of choosing the program by giving a real sample of how it is to be an MBA student at the schools you are considering.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT. It is a tough test, and it can be frustrating to not hit a good mark on the first attempts.
Focusing on achieving my dream of taking a global MBA and taking care of my mental health were the key to overcoming this stage.
I would like to highlight that the support I received from TalentoTotal was differential not only for me to not give up, but also for giving me access to resources such as GMAT classes and a tutor to help me achieve the score I needed.
It is more obvious than the above comments, but really take in the study hours and effort to get a good GMAT score, it pays off. I took two GMAT courses I would highly recommend: Indigo Prep GMAT and CrackVerbal.
What is your initial impression of the Cambridge Judge students/culture/community?
Intelligent people, with impressive life paths.
Everyone, from my colleagues to the MBA staff, is open and collaborative. I was warmly welcomed by the community overall. I feel I can be myself because everyone is so different and unique!
What is one thing you have learned about Cambridge Judge that has surprised you?
The structure that Cambridge Judge has to support entrepreneurs in Cambridge. For example, the Entrepreneurship Centre is based at Cambridge Judge founded in 2015.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The fact that it is a one-year MBA also means it is a very intense year, so I believe my biggest anxiety is to make the most of classes, colleagues and extra activities around the university and still have a balanced life.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know my colleagues and building long life connections.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Yes. The pandemic was a big hit for everyone, and it was no different for me. In accordance with the university policy at the time, I decided to defer the start of the course so I would be in a better position to fully enjoy my MBA.
