Jie Zhou, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2023
Age: 29
Hometown: China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Advertising & Finance (dual degrees), Guangdong University of Foreign Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years in digital and e-commerce marketing in China. Worked in leading communications agencies for the first 5 years, managing media, e-commerce and consumer data intelligence for clients P&G, Adidas, Hasbro, BEKIND, DELL, Bose, etc., before moving to the brand side for eCommerce marketing/sales roles.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to 1) take on a regional/global role in marketing, preferably in FMCG/luxury industry; 2) grow from marketing professional to business management; 3) work in a different country (UK) and eventually have better global mobility. Starting from what I wanted, it’s clear that an MBA will help me at least on the geographical change and enhance my management skills. A global network and the fact that many of my target companies are headquartered in Europe are also the main reasons I wanted to attend a business school in Europe (UK). The economic uncertainty (two-month citywide lockdown in Shanghai) also played a role as the catalyst.
Why did you choose Cambridge Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I wanted to do an MBA in Europe (UK) vs. US for better diversity vs. a relatively US-centric environment. Then I narrowed it down to programmes in the UK because I wanted to work in the same country post-MBA. Programme length was also one of the major factors.
I then did some research into different MBA programmes in the UK and found Judge was the perfect match as I wanted to go back to corporate, potentially in a senior marketing role which requires strategic thinking and management skills. Judge MBA’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship are helpful on those matters. Judge and the wider Cambridge network has some of the best resources in the globe to find support for my future careers.
Last but not the least, I love Cambridge’s collegiate system and I believe it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Judge MBA Class of 2023?
I came from a very focused sector – China e-commerce and digital marketing. I also worked with several international brands venturing in China market, some were successful and some failed. This experience allows me to bring a very unique perspective to my MBA cohort on understanding China market and the key factors that businesses need to consider if they want to enter China or APAC.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have interviewed over a hundred musicians/bands and also brought several bands to China for tours. One of them won a Grammy in 2007.
Post-MBA career interests:
Corporate Strategy; Marketing; eCommerce
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talking to the current MBA students and alums. This is not just to help with your application and understanding the programme better, but also to get a sense of how life is going to be at CJBS.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have applied early. I was lucky that the GRE I took back in 2018 was still valid so I only had to
take the language proficiency test and then the online application and the interview to meet the tight deadline. However, applying late also put me at a disadvantage re college application, accommodations, and many other things were also in rush – you get whatever is available to you instead of choosing what you want, this might also include scholarship applications.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Waiting for the results. I applied in the final round and did my interview also very late. I waited a bit longer than I thought it would be for the offer to finally come and it was really nerve-wracking
What is your initial impression of the Cambridge Judge students/culture/community?
Cambridge Judge students are very welcoming and willing to share information. It’s already a very close and lovely community for me. The staff are all very responsive and informative. Its culture is yet to be explored but I believe it will also be a great experience.
What is one thing you have learned about Cambridge Judge that has surprised you?
Its entrepreneurial scene. It’s been said so many times by different people I met. I look forward to getting inspired after I start the programme.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Catching up on all the courses and projects and getting involved in these very diversified cultures. I have never studied/worked/lived in an English-speaking country before, and I imagine it has a very different culture vs. Chinese culture which I’m used to. It’s both intimidating and exciting.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
To experience Cambridge’s collegiate system and get to know people from different disciplines.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
We had a whole two-month citywide lockdown in Shanghai in Apr and May. The uncertainty of the domestic businesses and economics was a catalyst for me to decide ok I need to spend the time in a more meaningful way. On the positive side, during these two months, I got to be very focused and finished my language proficiency test, online application, and the interview all at home. It was also a time when I got to spend with myself, reflecting on my past years and deciding on what I want to do next.
