Aaron Lang, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2025
Age: 30
Hometown: Calgary, Canada
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Calgary: Bachelor of Science in Geophysics; Bachelor of Commerce, concentration in Petroleum Land Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 5 years of full-time experience at Shell in various roles in Canada, mainly focused on upstream unconventional oil & gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Working in a global energy company allowed me to tackle some complex business challenges. Through advice I received during my career, I recognized that I could enhance my capabilities by being exposed to new perspectives and obtaining further training in areas such as strategy and finance, which is best facilitated by attending business school at this point in my career.
Why did you choose Cambridge Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I wanted to attend a programme that would enable me to advance my career in the energy sector, return to full-time work sooner, and gain an experiential education. The Cambridge MBA provided me with these opportunities in addition to being a top university in an appealing setting. The programme is one year in duration and offers a concentration in Energy and Environment, which stood out to me as unique among the top business schools and aligned with my career goals. The opportunity to work on projects such as the Global Consulting Project will broaden my perspective, allowing me to gain a well-rounded and experiential business education.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
Most of my work experience suggests that my skillset is predominantly analytical. However, as a bass guitar player, I am a more artistic person than my professional experience suggests, so I believe I will bring a creative perspective to the class.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was fortunate to grow up near the Canadian Rockies, where I experienced a range of outdoor hobbies, including snowboarding, hiking, camping, and rock climbing. While I’m excited to experience the temperate climate of the UK, I will miss the adventure of the Canadian Rockies!
Post-MBA career interests: I intend to continue my career in the energy industry. I strive to be in a role where I can influence the allocation of capital to generate shareholder value and drive progress toward a more sustainable world.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Going to business school is a significant life decision. Many students move to new countries or cities they may not be familiar with. This is why I would repeat the trip from Canada to Cambridge to attend the on-campus interview day. It was an excellent opportunity to experience the Cambridge community before making a final decision, making it much easier for me to embark on my MBA journey.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Looking back, I wish I had tried to write the GMAT. I took the GRE because I believed it was more flexible regarding the types of programmes I could apply to. However, I have come across advice that both tests should be considered since some students may do better on one or the other.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
After my interview, I was excited to find out if I was admitted, so I would have skipped the waiting period if I could. During this time, I focused on my appreciation for the opportunity to travel to the UK for my interview and other hobbies I was advancing.
What is your initial impression of the Cambridge Judge students/culture/community?
The community is incredibly welcoming, helpful, and energetic. Before arriving on campus, students were already organizing WhatsApp groups and helping each other navigate the onboarding process.
What is one thing you have learned about Cambridge Judge that has surprised you?
Before applying, I did not fully understand how the college system differentiates the Cambridge MBA from other business schools. The colleges are independent institutions, which adds to the MBA experience since each has its own traditions, facilities, and clubs.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
My spouse will join me in my move to Cambridge, so I want to ensure she feels included in the community as we embark on a shared experience living in the UK.
