Griffin Solot-Kehl, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2024
Griffin Solot-Kehl, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2024Age: 26
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Yale University, Computer Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Developer Advocate (Similar to a Software Engineer), Dolby Laboratories, 2 Years. 5 Years work experience total
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Honestly, I was feeling a bit soulless back at home. I was going through the movements of life without actually finding much joy and excitement in it. I wasn’t planning on going back to school this soon, but it was the spark I needed to try to make an effort to find that passion. I’ve been wanting to move to Europe for a long time, and the best way for me to obtain a visa, as well as progress faster in my career lined up well with what business school was able to offer me.
Why did you choose Cambridge Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I knew I wanted to go to a school outside of North America and focused primarily on Europe based on my own interests. Judge happened to have a good mix of being a well-accredited university, with a history of producing graduates with paths similar to what I wanted for myself, along with having an environment that felt like an actual urban community outside of only the university-affiliated people. I wanted a diverse environment of many different thinkers and backgrounds.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
Oh dear what a question. This feels a bit conceited, but maybe my wit and way of approaching things? I tend to be a very independent thinker with a sarcastic, humorous side that loves to question the status quo. There are so many amazing and brilliant minds here in this program that comparing quantitative attributes feels silly, but there is only one person with my brain in the program.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I honestly don’t remember if this was on my application, but I am a huge nerd when it comes to skincare. I spend quite a bit of time researching different products and ingredients to try out new things and curate a “perfect” routine.
Post-MBA career interests:
Flexibility! I’m taking this year to really learn what I want to do and find a good fit for me. Given my expertise is still in the tech sector, I see myself in the product space, especially in smaller startup companies, but could easily see myself going into VC, consulting, or entrepreneurship if given the right opportunity.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Do it early! As soon as you think you might want to go, get your GMAT done and send out the application. It makes the process a lot smoother and less stressful down the line, especially if you are an international student like me.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Have a better setup for the video interview so that I don’t make my interviewer motion sick again. Definitely a personal issue, but one that is hard to forget.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT. I have crippling test-taking anxiety. Honestly, I did the best on the attempt in which I didn’t prepare at all, so maybe not stressing too hard is the advice I have.
What is your initial impression of the Cambridge Judge students/culture/community?
Friendly! Everyone has been excited to talk about themselves and meet new people. Frankly, I can’t keep up with how many faces I need to remember!
What is one thing you have learned about Cambridge Judge that has surprised you?
How relatively new it is. I honestly didn’t come in with too many expectations and wanted a blank slate, so the history itself is intriguing!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Exams. I hate exams.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The relationships I’ll develop. I’m looking forward to making some friends and connections I can count on for the rest of my life.
