Ing Shern (Dexter) Lee, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2023
Age: 29
Hometown: Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: James Cook University, Bachelor of Business and Environmental Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years, in the animal nutrition/biotech industry
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
There were a couple of reasons. First, although I enjoyed what I was doing before joining the MBA, I wanted more diversity and to experience various business topics across different industries. The MBA allows me to reflect and draw from diverse perspectives from the diverse MBA cohort. Second, to bridge the skill gaps required to achieve my career goals. For example, I would experience multiple consulting engagements through collaborative group projects in the CJBS MBA curriculum. Finally, to enrich my life experience by leaving my comfort zone, living abroad, and contributing to the broader College community.
Why did you choose Cambridge Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The decision stems from two main reasons. First is the design of the MBA programme. Second, the people associated with Cambridge Judge, from alums to the Admissions Committee. Given that I had a clear post-MBA goal, the one-year duration appealed to me. In addition, the small classroom size enables me to form meaningful relationships with my peers. In terms of the alums, I reached out to established alums working in firms I am interested in working for and found them helpful and approachable, which inspired my application greatly. Lastly, the CJBS Admissions Committee goes the extra mile to guide applicants in each stage of the MBA application process by providing personalised assistance, making the arduous MBA application process pleasant.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Judge MBA Class of 2023?
Before joining the MBA programme, I experienced different failures as a founder of a business subsidiary for an international ingredients manufacturer and as a manager executing market entry strategies with profit and loss responsibilities for various businesses in South East Asia (SEA). I believe these learnings and experiences allow me to share unique insights into the significant challenges facing companies and family businesses in the manufacturing and industrial goods sector in SEA.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love playing badminton and hope to experience the Yonex All England Open, the world’s oldest badminton tournament held Annually in Birmingham, UK.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting, Private Equity, Animal Nutrition & Agriculture
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
It is to reflect on my professional and personal journey. Specifically, events that moulded me as a person. Reflecting and penning down where you are and where you need to be can be intimidating, but as the CJBS Careers team likes to say, “little but frequent” progress made toward reflection will serve as a lighthouse for your career and personal development.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would apply in the earlier application Rounds. CJBS provides resources to admitted applicants early in the year. You will have more time to internalise course-related information and plan for your new chapter in life if you apply early. Additionally, the College experience is an integral part of the broader Cambridge experience. However, some Colleges are more popular than others and have limited openings. You may have a greater chance of getting accepted into the College of your choice with an early application because the College application phase starts after your MBA offer is confirmed.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The VISA application. The UK remains a popular destination to study, work and live. Due to the high demand, the UK VISA application may take up to a few weeks. I find that following the guides published by Cambridge’s International Students team and speaking to other candidates from the same country helped tremendously in managing the VISA application timelines.
What is your initial impression of the Cambridge Judge students/culture/community?
Global in perspective, approachable in person, and resilient in character.
What is one thing you have learned about Cambridge Judge that has surprised you?
The fantastic support offered to MBA candidates by the Careers team, even before the course starts.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time management. There are plenty of events, from extracurricular to career-related activities, each appearing to be interesting. It is then critical to prioritise my time wisely.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
It is definitely getting to meet new people and understand the Cambridge heritage.
