The Cambridge MBA Admissions Year - An Insider's Guide

MBA Graduation Weekend

2009-06-05T12:49:00.012+01:00

Hello everybody. Well, what a hectic few weeks this has been: Round 3 saw a plethora of exceptionally strong candidates take up their offers and we've been busy too with Round 4 and the final two interview day events. However, now is a tiny bit quieter so I am free to write a little more. You will notice a distinct improvement in the quality of the photographs in this posting, as all the images are used courtesy of JBS' photographer, IT crew member and general all-round good chap Ben Watkins. So many thanks to him.

One of the highlights of the previous few weeks was the Cambridge MBA graduation weekend, which saw the class that commenced in 2007 return to the city to formally graduate from the University of Cambridge. The weekend saw a whole host of events wonderfully executed by the Cambridge MBA events team, ranging from a drinks social with the alumni on Friday evening through to a brunch and church service on the Sunday.

Saturday saw the main event, which was a large party at Judge Business School. Our usual colourful building was made all the more so through the adoption of a Moroccan theme.

Before long, the lobby was filled with hubub and chatter and our returning MBAs and their friends and families intermingled with faculty and staff. Accompanying this was atmospheric music from a Moroccan duo, and we were treated to some glorious food ranging from fresh vegetables and dips through to meaty lamb kebabs and sweet tagines.

To put faces to the names, here are your Cambridge MBA Admissions Co-ordinators, Luisa and myself, enjoying the festivities!
Then came a bit of a turn as the evening eased on and the Moroccan theme was phased out. Entering the atrium came a hoard of brightly clad individuals wielding drums and other percussion. Before we knew it, our building, with its large airy central space, was filled with the sound of drumming and whistles courtesy of Arco Iris, Cambridge's Community Samba band. The pounding beat throbbed and echoed around the place, encouraging even the most reticient of movers to at least tap a foot. In an atmosphere of celebration and optimism, this riotous and joyful din seemed exceedingly apt.

Seemingly driven by this energy, the band played on and on with the crowd baying for more after each performance ended. And on so they danced with each returning rhythm, clapping, fast and slow in time with the peaks and troughs of each of the cocophonous orchestration.

Definitely it can be said that good times were had by all, and we can only hope that we sent those MBAs on the way back into the world as enthusiastic and empassioned members of the Cambridge MBA alumni network and community. A very special evening.

A brief update

2009-05-20T20:09:00.003+01:00

I will shortly update the blog again. This last month is perhaps the most hectic in the MBA Admissions Office year, with Easter rather disrupting our even spacing of deadlines and events which means that there is plenty going on! Monday saw another absolutely fantastic interview day, and I am currently planning for the next and final of the year (where on earth does the time go?) which occurs on 1 June.

I have topics in mind to speak to you about, such as this weekend's fabulous MBA2007 graduation party which took place in our very own building. I also wish to discuss with you some of the best eating places in Cambridge, and hope to get recommendations from current students and anyone else who has experienced our fantastic city!

Do watch this space, and I'll be back soon.....!

A lecture at CRASSH

2009-04-03T10:19:00.004+01:00

With a constant stream of well-publicised research and a name that just screams world-class education, it is hard to forget that being part of the University of Cambridge does provide access to a whole host of opportunity for intellectual engagement across a diverse range of disciplines either through personal networks in College or more formal events.

Most departments hold suites of guest lectures and seminar series open to all members of the University. Last night I decided to attend just such a session being hosted by CRASSH, an excellent interdisciplinary research centre for the Social Scientists and Humanities.

It was an example of a session that allows personal interest to be indulged. The lecture was delivered by Professor Richard Sennett, a sociologist from the London School of Economics, whose work I had briefly touched upon during my previous life as a graduate student in human geography. (Actually, the books of his wife, Saskia Sassen were more frequent citations in my essays, but this is by the by.)

There was a good turnout in the Mill Lane lecture rooms for this session. It is a typical learning space of tiered seats and dubious temperature control. Arriving early, I was able to chat with Judge Business School faculty member Dr. Helen Haugh as the assembled students and faculty arrived in dribs and drabs to take their seats. A hush descended as five o'clock approached, and one of the university's pro-vice chancellors, and Principal of Homerton College, Kate Pretty, took to the stage to introduce Prof. Sennett. She made comment on the importance of interdisciplinary research particularly in times of turbulence such as the present economic situation. Pretty commented that this being the university's 800th year, the University of Cambridge had ridden out such situations before, drily quipping that such scenarios had been experienced by this institution since the bursting of the South Sea Bubble, which was rather amusing. Her delivery of this line was perfection.

Prof. Sennett then rose to deliver his lecture on 'Sociology as Literature'. The details are unimportant here, but in his soft-spoken New York accent, tinged with the merest hint of smokers' rasp, Sennett issued forth a rather compelling exploration of sociological research method and, repeatedly pushing his black-rimmed rounded spectacles back up the bridge of his nose, offered some techniques to utilise in order to write social science in a manner that is accessible and engaging: that is, as a form of literature. Sensibly, when questioned, he spoke of never writing for academics, but only for intellectuals. I thought that this was another marvelous line!

The point that I really wish to make is that being part of this great, world-leading University does offer some fantastic opportunities for informal learning outside of one's own degree course and for the exploration of topics of personal interest. I, naturally, am going to be drawn to the Social Sciences but there is plenty going on elsewhere in the Humanities and Sciences. Taking a look at departmental websites will allow you to see the breadth and depth of events that are on offer.

Adult Eduction in Cambridge

2009-03-25T15:39:00.004Z

Buenos dias. ¿Qué tal?

Yes, as you can tell I have been taking classes in Spanish these past few weeks, and this course is coming to an end this evening. Cambridge is indeed a true city of learning, and these options do extend beyond its two universities. My provider is the nationally-recognised Hills Road Sixth Form College. The College provides a host of learning opportunities through a diverse set of course. A friend recently completed a Photography course, and my colleague in the Admissions Office, Luisa, can spin a good yarn, if you will excuse the pun, when telling tales of her chosen study - Knitting for Beginners. My other co-worker, Jennifer, had contemplated Indian Head Message, and this begins to give a sense of the broad spectrum of pedagogic endeavour that can be indulged at this College alone.

Now, as an MBA at Cambridge I would imagine that time is tight enough without scheduling in a commitment such as this. This is not to say that it could not be done, but I am raising this theme with spouses and partners of MBAs particularly in mind. It could give a partner moving to this new city a pastime to aid the settling process, a chance to undertake personal development, and, perhaps most importantly, to interact with other people from the city. My cohort is pretty diverse, with students from as far away as New Zealand and from all professional backgrounds from porters and nurses through to analysts and nutritionists. The classes are pretty relaxed and informal, which makes for a great opportunity for learning in a fun environment. I give my whole-hearted recommendation.

Cambridge Leadership Seminars

2009-03-20T15:20:00.003Z

The MBA year is not just about the formal teaching, lectures and projects that form the bulk of the MBA experience. At Cambridge, there are numerous opportunities to engage further with management themes via a suite of seminar series that surround the programme. The flagship series is the Cambridge Leadership Seminars, which offer MBA students a chance to hear top-calibre speakers delivering a thought-provoking and inspirational lecture and then to interact with them through the seminar format and post-session drinks / dinner. This year has seen a whole host of diverse characters step through our doors. Bob Diamond (CEO of Barclays Capital), Michael Swaaij (Chairman, Skype), Kiyohiko Noromura (Deputy Governer of the Bank of Japan), and Florian von Donnersmarck (Oscar-winning film director) are examples of the types of speaker that have visited in the current session.

Most recently, fashion designer Amir Slama joined their ranks. Apparently, he is something of a celebrity in Brazil and this led to something of a Cambridge MBA first: a photograph of Mr. Slama standing alongside Judge Business School students and staff appeared in the Brazilian gossip magazine Caras! It just goes to show that even the most serious of aspects of the Cambridge MBA experience can wind up having the most unusual and unexpected twists! Congratulations to Fabiana, MBA from Brazil and president of Cambridge Business School Club, for making the most of this opportunity and submitting the pic.

Sundays in Cambridge

2009-03-15T14:44:00.014Z

This morning I woke to find sunlight streaming through my bedroom window. Emerging from my slumbers, I discovered that Springtime had well and truly arrived in Cambridge. On a Sunday, it is my customary habit to join students and townsfolk alike in taking a stroll to the town. As it was such a beautiful day, I thought I would take my camera and take some photos to give you a glimpse of a Cambridge Sunday. Once again, my photography skills leave much to be desired so take my apologies for this!

One of my main motivations for taking the camera today was the knowledge that the Backs would be in bloom. Each Spring, the grasslands by the river become carpeted in flowers. Daffodils and croci dominate - lavish yellows, and delicate purple hues. Above is the quintessential Cambridge view - King's College Chapel, with the floral display in the foreground.

The tourist season is nearly upon us in full, but there were still plenty of visitors enjoying a Sunday meander through Clare College. The river remains reasonably quiet, but here we see some tourists being propelled along the River Cam in the archetypal style.

For me, no Sunday is complete without a visit to Cambridge market. It is a rarity in England these days, for it is a seven-day market. Stall-holders' wares are as you would expect of any traditional market, accompanied by stalls as diverse as a bookseller, artists, clothing and even a barber! The top image depicts a personal favourite, the bread seller. He sells a great range of standard loaves and artisan breads as well as cakes and pastries.

I took a cappuccino at Caffe Mobile, who are here most days. I sat with the crowds on the central monument, supping my caffeine-infused frothed milk, watching the people and listening to the conversations. This being Cambridge, the latter covered topics as diverse as the States of India and how to make one's own chamomile tea at home....

The market is soundtracked by such conversation, stall-holders bantering with each other across the crowded lanes and music ranging from classical standards through to the throbbing beats of the Ting Tings, last year's darlings of the British indie scene. Indeed, music in public spaces is important in Cambridge and I was actually quite surprised by the lack of buskers about the place today. Instead, I stumbled upon the Salvation Army (pictured below) performing their usual hymnal repertoire interspersed with favourite old standards. Truly a joy, even for a not particularly religious soul. (The building at the rear of the photo, by the way, is the gatehouse of Christ's College). Moving on and round to Petty Cury, a shopping street, some enthusiastic youngsters were the city's other musical entertainers for the day. Two on accoustic guitar, the third improvising drums using buckets and a cup, they certainly brought a smile to my face with their jangly tunes and raw, youthful panache.

Others take to our many open spaces. Cambridge is blessed with a plethora of green parklands, which encourage the students and locals alike to don a pair of shorts and sunglasses the moment the sun is strong enough for temperatures to noticeably rise. Below is Lammas Land, a path well-trodden by those at Wolfson College or housed by Queens' at Owlstone Croft. People bring their children to the play park, or gather to play football or frisbee (rear of picture) or simply to relax with a good book (foreground). You know, a strong part of me really wanted to know what that man was reading...

So there it is - some random pictures of a Spring Sunday in Cambridge from my perspective today. It is by no means exhaustive. I have not mentioned the possibility of visiting a pub for the traditional English Sunday roast. Nor did I experience today church, which continues to have a vibrant scene within Cambridge. I could have mentioned the busy malls of the Grand Arcade, or the possibility of a stroll through the fields to Coton. However, I hope I have given at least a tiny flavour of this fantastic city. On a day like today I cannot explain in words how beautiful the place looks, nor how privileged I feel to have such a great lifestyle by virtue of being here - come, visit us - experience it for yourself! For now, I will open the windows and indulge in a further British institution, the Sunday papers. Later, in common, I should imagine, with many other Cambridge folk, I will join friends for dinner to wind down at the end of a most enjoyable weekend in the city. It's a special place.

Twitter

2009-03-14T13:17:00.002Z

I am now posting updates from the MBA Admissions world on my Twitter pages. There is also a handy Twitter Feed in the right hand column of this blog. I will be honest and say that I am quite skeptical about Twitter, but since it is all the rage at the moment I thought I would give it a go. In the style of Twitter, the postings will be short and quite informal. I hope you will enjoy these updates in miniature between my longer blog postings!

World MBA Tour

2009-03-08T12:25:00.006Z

It has been a while. This fortnight has not seen much time for blogging, as the Cambridge MBA Admissions Office enters its busiest period of the year. We issued a large number of interview calls, and, following tomorrow's final event, we will have welcomed over eighty people to campus for their interview day experience within the space of ten days. Others are having telephone and overseas interviews organised for them - so it is a busy time. Coupled with this, the Round 3 deadline hit and as ever applications have flooded in and are being diligently processed by Jennifer.

To top it all off, Thursday saw the World MBA Tour hit London. We have not done as many recruitment fairs this year, but being a local market London does of course remain an important event for us. Mid-afternoon, I left the office in the company of Luisa and Alison, the latter coming down to focus on promotion of our brand new Executive MBA. As many of you who have visited us in Cambridge will know, we are but forty-five minutes from London by rail so it was in no time that we were transported from the tranquil academic air of our home city and found ourselves outside King's Cross station with all the bustle, hustle and noise of one of the world's greatest cities greeting us. I will blog about the advantages of being close to but not in London at a future juncture.

A taxi was hailed, and we sat clinging to our promotional banners as we wended our way through the streets and squares of fashionable Bloomsbury before finding ourselves on the wide avenue of Kingsway off which was our venue adjacent to touristy Covent Garden. After setting up shop, it was agreed that we could not spend an evening on our feet without some form of sustenance. Being budget conscious, I was quick to make the link between the restaurant opposite the venue and the 2-for-1 voucher that I had cut out of the newspaper the weekend before. I read an article recently that light-heartedly claimed that a man who does not use a 2-for-1 voucher on a first date in this current economic climate is to be treated with suspicion, for it may show carelessness with money. With no dates on the horizon, I felt happy to give up my voucher to aid the marketing division's budget, and besides, it was due to expire soon anyway.

I digress. The fair itself was upon us before we knew it. We were joined by a host of alumni who were with us to tell tales of their Cambridge MBA experience. They represented a diverse array of backgrounds and sectors and it was great to have them with us.

The fairs offer potential applicants the opportunity to discuss their options with admissions staff (such as I) and gain a flavour of the school. As ever in London, people came to speak to us with a wide range of backgrounds. Obviously, not all were suitable for the Cambridge MBA for one reason or another but there was a healthy cohort of strong potential candidates eager to know more about the programme. This was great to see. We had a separate table for the Executive MBA and they too did good business with people keen to learn more about this new entrant into the market. Regardless of background, most people had some interesting story to tell. Personally, I enjoy hearing these stories and being able to then guide the individual as they consider their options.

These evenings can turn into long affairs, but with a constant stream of people coming to our table the time soon passed. I am pleased to say that I was able to connect briefly with contacts from other Business Schools. These events do offer a valuable chance for professional networking and to learn more about the current MBA market.

Before I knew it however, I was bundled back into a taxi and was heading back to King's Cross. We just missed a fast train, so Dr. Learmount -the Director of the Executive MBA, all-round Cambridge MBA guru and folk-hero of the Japanese MBA scene (seriously, every applicant from Tokyo seems to know the chap) - insisted on taking us to a nearby bar to discuss what had been a successful night. We were actually in the Eurostar terminal, which is adjacent to King's Cross. The journey from Europe to Cambridge has never been smoother and this will no doubt be to our advantage when attracting Europeans onto the Executive MBA. This brief interlude elongated the night further, but, although I did hear Big Ben chime it was not because I was still in the capital at that late hour but from the comfort of my own bed as the bells announced the midnight news bulletin on Radio 4.

All in all, it was a great event that allowed me to do what I enjoy most in my job: explain the advantage of the Cambridge MBA and to engage with people and hear their biographies, aims and ambitions. I look forward to having the opportunity to do this through various media as our MBA Admissions year rolls on towards Springtime.

Alumni Pub Night

2009-02-10T17:44:00.003Z

Once a member of Judge Business School, one becomes also a member of the alumni network. Not only for MBAs, the alumni team provide a string of events and networking opportunities throughout the year. Even staff are involved, and, keen to catch up with some MBAs past and present to promote the ongoing admissions year, I ventured on Saturday night to the Alma pub where a member of MBA2007 was hosting the most recent social event.

Turning the corner into the local back-street upon which the pub was situated, just a few minutes from the School, I encountered my admissions and recruitment colleague Luisa Marrone grappling with a lampost in a bid to get her bicycle securely locked up. (A further Cambridge cycling peril: finding safe parking in residential side streets, and wondering which bits of street furniture are acceptable tying posts in the local etiquette.)

This duly sorted, we entered the pub to find our host sitting alone looking somehow vaguely forlorn - yet eager-eyed for incomers - beneath a television displaying (on mute) the Saturday evening viewing of BBC1. Fortunately this was not for long as we were shortly joined by MBAs from as far back as 1999. Pleasingly, for it makes my job all the more worthwhile, they were genuinely keen to impress upon me the impact that the Cambridge MBA had had on their careers. It was almost as if the programme was, for a change, being sold to me and not vice-versa! In attendance were successful entrepreneurs and consultants to name but two strands of employment.

Such social evenings would seem to be a perfect opportunity for MBAs to engage with those have gone before them, to explore possibilities for future connections and even to gain some inspiration for their task ahead. I for one certainly enjoyed hearing the anecdotes which they had to share, so long may these events continue.

Snow

2009-02-02T16:59:00.007Z

Today Cambridge has experienced its heaviest snowfall in around five years. This means you will today be treated to the obligatory 'snow pictures'. These were mostly taken whilst it was still a bit dark and snowing steadily. I would have waited until later, but I had to get in and do some work....!

Mathematical Bridge, Queens' College

Mill Pond, Granta

Queens' College bicycles in the snow

The entrance to Judge Business School.

Hughes Hall

2009-01-29T13:14:00.004Z

I am quite keen on personal development, so it was with a reasonable degree of pleasure that I recently attended a course on data protection upon the suggestion of my line manager. It is not that I have been giving out your details to dubious companies or using your email address to sign you up for things on dodgy websites or anything, but it is of course an important facet of admissions work to be up to speed with laws and regulations regarding personal data.

This is much by the by. The important point was that this course gave me an excuse to visit one of my favourite parts of the city and the College that is a fervent, ardent and committed supporter of the MBA programme, Hughes Hall.

The College is situated at the Parker's Piece end of Mill Road. I would gladly argue that this street is the most effortlessly cool part of what is, on the whole, a pretty cool city. Other parts of town compete well, but somehow it feels that they are having to try just that little bit harder. Mill Road's appeal comes, to a great extent, from the breadth of independent traders, cosmopolitan eateries and the vaguely boho set of people who inhabit its environs. Through shops and restaurants, so many nations are represented here: Pakistan, Turkey, Korea, China to name but four. Traditional English back-street pubs can be found tucked down nearly every side street.

It all makes for a unique atmosphere, and indeed provides interesting people-watching opportunities. Taking shelter from the rain, I took a brief sojourn doing just this in one of the many friendly cafes. That day the cloud was a stubborn beast, and the rain did prove to be near incessant. I took my leave and skittered towards Hughes Hall, avoiding the groups of schoolchildren and dispersed collection of puddles.

A graduate College, Hughes Hall has been associated with Cambridge University officially since 1949, but, like many Colleges, has a longer history than this fact would belie. Originally a teacher-training facility, the insitution was founded as far back as 1885.

A pleasant surprise was that the course had been moved into their nearly-new Fenners Building. I had been inside previously, but only to the dining hall where I had had, on that occasion, a rather nice lunch of pea and mint soup. This time, we were to go upstairs. The significance of this is that I was able to gain a further insight into MBA life at Hughes Hall, for this is where the majority of MBAs of the College are given residence. Now, I did not get access to any of the en-suite bedrooms of course, but if the other facilities are to go by then they must surely be clean, modern and well-decored.

Our meeting room overlooked the legendary Fenners Cricket Ground, from which the building takes its name, and shared its vista with many of the student bedrooms. A view of verdent green, and Cambridge rooftops in the distance? Not bad for a student room surely, especially not with your own bathroom facilities to boot!

This cluster of MBAs has traditionally made for a lively social scene. I was disappointed not to be able to make their Diwali party earlier this year, for example. As such, and due their ability to accommodate larger numbers of students, the role of graduate colleges and their relationship with the MBA is an important one: and long may these partnerships continue.

The Process of College Admissions

2009-01-20T16:18:00.005Z

The subject of College admissions was certainly a hot topic at the Cambridge MBA Interview Day which took place yesterday, so I thought I would blog a little about this as I proceed with College membership applications for those who have already accepted their offer. As many will know, the University of Cambridge is formed of faculties/departments (e.g. Judge Business School) and 31 Colleges, which are independent institutions in their own right.

All MBAs, in common with every student of the University, must be members of a College. Last year, we saw a fair spread of students across the Colleges although the majority would be found at those that take only mature or postgraduate students, such as Hughes Hall and Wolfson. The College application process is handled directly by the MBA Admissions Office, which has a responsiblity to secure membership of a College for each incoming MBA. This is a tricky process of negotiation between the Office and Colleges, and, to some extend, the candidate concerned if they have any desperate preference for any particular College. So what to remember?

Colleges can take their pick of all postgraduate students. As Cambridge takes only the brightest and best, it is competitive out there so it is best to be open-minded and flexible about this process! A College can turn down an application without giving a reason.
Some Colleges take a more traditional view than others with regarding to the taking of MBA students and prefer to concentrate on other courses which are deemed more 'academic'. (We work constantly to build relationships with these Colleges, however!)
Your academic background may make you more or less appealing to certain Colleges for the reasons listed above.
The MBA Admissions Office can only apply to one College at a time and has no ability to expedite decisions from the Colleges.
Accommodation matters are handled by the College after membership is awarded. Married accommodation is at a premium. The University may be able to assist with this, however. Most Colleges will be able to offer accommodation to all single students. This could be on campus, or in graduate houses situated within the city.
Be flexible on location. Cambridge is a compact city and the chances are the journey from College to JBS will be quicker (and certainly more pleasant) than your current commute.
Some scholarships will award membership of a College by default. If you wish to apply for these scholarships then we must wait for the outcome of these before applying to other Colleges. These include the St. Catharine's Benavitch and Lucy Cavendish Enterprise awards.
If an offer of membership is made, you are strongly advised to take it. Only once membership is confirmed can we issue your final offer letter.
The MBA Admissions Office will do its best to help you with this matter and make decisions to suit your needs and requirements but oftentimes situations arise that are out of our control. Occasionally, a College may offer us places that we may need to fill quickly and without notification to ensure our continued good relationship. Please be patient with us as we too attempt to negotiate this process, which is imbibed with an element of politics and lashings of tradition! We find that most students are content in the end.

I think the thing to remember is that Cambridge Colleges are diverse, and can offer slightly different experiences. However, it can be said that the collegiate system offers certain constants: networks, pastoral care, subsidised catering (!), sports facilities and a true chance to engage with bright minds from other disciplines. On Friday, for example, I went to a book launch and got talking to a cohort of English Literature students. Lo and behold, they knew all the MBAs from their particular College.

It is also true that, because of the spread of MBAs across the Colleges, there is the opportunity to experience life at the College of your friends. I know that this year MBAs have attended Formal Hall at a variety of locations across the city.

The real advice is to be realistic and open-minded in terms of expectations, and, when you are in Cambridge, to make the most of what the College system can offer you. Remember that wherever you are the aura of tradition and academe will surround you. I feel this as a local resident and university staff member, so I can only imagine that for the student populace this is enhanced even further.

When They're Cleaning Windows

2009-01-15T19:00:00.007Z

It can certainly be said that we at Judge Business School are quite proud of our quirky building, which was described by Webster and Howard (2000) as "the most colourful and individualistic modern building in Cambridge" in their architectural guide to the city. Designed by John Outram in the 1990s, the building originally was Addenbrooke's Hospital, that renowned Cambridge health institution that still revels in a worldwide reputation.

Entering the building finds one inside a vast atrium, with colourful flashes of staircase - green, yellow, red and blue - zigzagging upward towards the lecture theatres and administrative offices. On a good day, and here on the 'dry side of England' we have plenty of those, light pours through the windows at each end of the building to bathe the marble floor of the lobby in sunlight and ignite the coloured decor that makes the design so distinctive.

These windows are not without their disadvantages - pigeons are frequent visitors - and they do take a bit of cleaning, as demonstrated by these photos taken this week of that very process. I apologise, as ever, for my dubious photography skills.

It would seem that this rather arduous looking process - ropes and all - is the only way to keep the glass looking abseil-utely spotless! Long may this be so.

Reference:
Webster, H. and Howard, P. (2000) 'Cambridge: An Architectural Guide' London : Ellipsis London Ltd.

The Admissions Deadline

2009-01-08T09:56:00.002Z

Yesterday saw the deadline for Round Two of the admissions process for the Cambridge MBA. As with last year, this round has seen a surge of applications which means that we should be able to interview a healthy number of candidates this round.

My colleague, Jennifer Wilson (MBA Admissions Administrator), has been busy processing applications, and all applicants should receive some form of confirmation email over the course of the next few days. We are a small team so we get to know applicants and offer candidates very well, but it means that at busy times patience is appreciated as we clear out backlog.

In a rather unfortunate twist, deadline day saw a bit of drama. Staff arriving at the MBA Office were to discover no electricity, telephone reports of the Judge Business School website being down and emailed applications receiving a bounceback! Fortunately, IT and Maintenance colleagues were quickly on the scene to get us back up and running and all submitted emails were eventually delivered via the re-booted servers.

Now the team crack on with the reading!

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T13:50:00.002Z

We are back! Braving the very very light covering of snow that covered Cambridge this morning (this has now melted), the Cambridge MBA Admissions team is back in the office!

This is in good time for the next application deadline, which is approaching on Wednesday 7th January.

I wish all readers a successful and happy 2009!

A Walk to Grantchester, and the Peculiar Tale of the Limited Edition Selwyn College Cheese Board

2008-12-28T16:28:00.003Z

Yesterday, Cambridge found itself in the grip of a cold spell. A harsh frost turned surfaces white, and beneath the foot the earth was hardened. Blasts from the bitter northerly wind were enough to test even the most efficacious of College scarves. However, the sky was clear and bright which, in my eyes, makes for the perfect walking weather and I decided to venture out to that most legendary of Cambridge outposts, the nearby village of Grantchester.

Roughly one mile from the city, the village is reached by traversing the open expanse known as Grantchester Meadows. These fields, owned by the aforementioned King's College, were famously immortalised in a Pink Floyd track of the same name. Members of the band were actually from Cambridge: a rare cultural link that is not connected to the university!

Given the weather, I opted for the tarmacced path leaving the muddy route to make its way down to the River Cam. The walk is arguably made by the fact that the river flows adjacent to the Meadows. In summer, the gentle swoosh of punts being propelled downstream can be heard and children splash in the waters. Yesterday, however, was calmer with the river almost stationary away to my left and the tranquility disturbed only by birds and occasional unseen movements in the bare, spindly winter hedgerows. For company I had only walkers, pacing off the Christmas excess. Many were bearded, bespectacled, or in good hiking attire and I liked to think that they could well be renowned researchers or university lecturers of high repute. In Cambridge there is a good chance that they could be both.

Hastening onward, the spire of the Catholic Church disappears from view and the cottage rooftops of Grantchester began to emerge. The village is noteworthy for both its architecture and its cultural and literary connections. It is the quintessential English village, dominated by a handsome church straddling the sharp bends of the country road and dotted with picture-perfect thatched cottages. The poet Rupert Brooke immortalised the place in words during a spell ensconced in Berlin in 1912. In what can only be described as a eulogy for the village and his vision of Englishness, he extols the virtues of being able to "lie day long and watch the Cambridge sky". It's actually all a little over the top, and ends with a rhetorical question about the availability of honey for tea.

This latter point is somewhat apt, as many of the village's cultural links are connected to the taking of tea. In summer, a reward for taking this meander out of the town could well be a trip to the Orchard Tea Rooms. This place has been serving teas to daytrippers from Cambridge since 1897, when the proprietor was first asked to provide sustenance to a group of students from the university. The current owners take pride in the celebrated names that have visited - most of which are Cambridge alumni - and rightly so, for the names are just awe-inspiring: I will name-check here only E.M. Forster, John Maynard Keynes, John Cleese, Frank Whittle, Crick and Watson, Stephen Fry.

Apparently, Virginia Woolf used to swim naked nearby. Presumably this was rarely if ever as on a day as was yesterday, and with warmth in mind I decided to partake of another one of Grantchester's boons. The village has an admirable selection of traditional pubs that serve good food and traditional English beers. With a novel in hand and a glass of real ale, I sat awhile next to an open fire that was huffing, puffing and struggling to get going: somewhat reminiscent of the MBA team on a Monday morning I thought, perhaps a little uncharitably! Time pleasantly passed, the thought of central heating and a cup of tea lured me homeward.

In the suburb of Newnham, I paused by the noticeboards where people may pin advertisements and posters. I was quite taken with one particular advert, for it was offering the opportunity to purchase a cheese board fashioned from reclaimed book shelves from the library of nearby Selwyn College, dating from the 19th Century. The gift would even come with an authentic library card! Now, I like a nice cheese board as much as the next man (and these did seem to be of beautiful design) but I must say that I find this particular concept to be absolutely bonkers and genius in equal measure! This said, the idea is most certainly quite eccentrically English, and, in line with the rest of my Grantchester experience, very very 'Cambridge'.

A Cambridge Christmas

2008-12-24T17:27:00.006Z

For all the mystery, excitement and anticipation that the event evokes, it could well be argued that there is something especially magical about a Christmas in Cambridge. A city of choirs and lights, the historic architecture and academic air seems much in keeping with the 'feel' of a traditional English Christmas even in these modern times. This year I have the privilege of staying around and experiencing it in full.

Events have been in full swing for some time now. Be it ice-skating on Parker's Piece or, recession or no recession, braving the crowds at Grand Arcade, there has been a buzz about the place for a while. The Judge Business School Christmas Barn Dance aside (!), the weekend saw the start of festivities for me. A personal annual family event took place, as ever, at the University Centre. It coincided with the Centre's Christmas Lunch offering. Chaos and pandemonium raged as children pulled crackers and visited Santa. However, this being Cambridge, this was more than just a family event: also present in the mass of diners were our Communications Manager, the Judge Business School cafe manager and one lone MBA! As I have said before, you can't go anywhere in this city without bumping into someone you know.

Monday saw the MBA team receive a well-earned (even if I do say so myself) treat in the form of Christmas dinner at King's College. We were placed in the rather grand Saltmarsh Room (pictured) and were provided with dinner in the traditional English style: i.e. just slightly more than one could reasonably eat.

The room over looked the glorious open courtyard of King's, and its famous chapel. The chapel is renowned for the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which takes place each year on Christmas Eve and is broadcast live by the BBC. Leaving our lunch, I was quite astonished to spot one man queuing already - a full two days early - to secure his place at this magnificent event.

One year, I too will brave the crowds and wait my turn in line in hope of gaining entry to this Service. However, this year I made do with a stroll through Clare College. Upon exiting, I paused adjacent to King's and was treated to the choir rehearsing in infrequent bursts. From inside that cavernous building, there came the low growl of the organ, rising, like some mystical beast awoken from slumber. There over and above then soared the vocals of the choir, as sharp and clear as the winter's air through which the notes travelled. The atmosphere was created and an indescribable feeling passed through the body: but then, abruptly, part way through verse or chorus (for it is but a rehearsal) the sound would stop and silence reign once more.

The Festival will be broadcast at various times on the World Service. I hope to catch it, and recommend anyone to do the same, for this institution is Cambridge through and through. For now, I wish all readers a restful holiday season and successful 2009.

Research Assessment Exercise

2008-12-22T19:18:00.003Z

Last Thursday was a pretty big day for many working in Higher Education, for it was the day of the announcement of results of the latest Research Assessment Exercise. Often berated by academics and universities alike but now generally accepted as part of academic life, the R.A.E. seeks, roughly every five years, to peer review research generated by departments. Funding is then allocated accordingly.

This time around, Judge Business School was ranked third in the UK for business and management, a pleasing achievement for a school of its age and size. Certainly not just a teaching faculty, it is good to be part of a research-intensive institution that is producing work that is so well recognised: 75% of submissions were judged to be of international significance - a good outcome. I know that the Director, Prof. de Meyer, is keen for this trend to continue and to improve with becoming the number one UK generator of management studies ideas the ultimate goal.

Of course, as a true global-player the University of Cambridge set the pace in many areas of academic endeavour, and featured towards at the top of the overall table. It really is amazing to live and work in an environment in which such work is being undertaken - it's truly inspiring, and as the University enters is 800th year, long may this continue!

A Touch of Frost

2008-12-13T11:39:00.007Z

The year is starting to wind down towards the seasonal vacation, or Christmas holiday period as it would be known in the United Kingdom. The MBA Admissions Office will close on the 23rd December, and will reopen on 5 January 2009. However, University of Cambridge operates to a system of rather short terms and the first of the year, known as Michaelmas, has already drawn to a close. The MBA is no exception, although I have spotted clusters of students working on their Organisational Behaviour coursework this morning! However, for the most part the first term is done and the students will shortly be jetting off for vacations or relaxing in Cambridge.

Being an exceedingly sociable lot, a Winter Party was organised by Cambridge Busin ess School Club, much deserved after the hard work of the term and the recent completion of the Cambridge Venture Project. Kindly, the Committee also thought to invite staff members from the MBA team to join with them. Yet another cold night, I pedalled once more over the Backs toward the venue, Murray Edwards College, badly pictured to the right. (Please note Cambridge Weather-Related Cycling Peril No. 1: Splashing muddy water up one's back when cycling speedily is a risk at this time of year.)

Murray Edwards, recently controversially renamed thanks to a very generous endowment and formerly known as New Hall, is another all women's College, albeit one with a noticeably different air to Lucy Cavendish. Prior to convening for dinner, I joined some colleagues from Programme and was shown one of the residences. I must say that I was mightily impressed. The rooms and kitchens were modern, clean and light: almost like an enhanced IKEA showroom, and I mean that in the best possible way.

Then to dinner. It was fantastic to see such a great turnout! The Cambridge MBA offers a warm welcome to families and spouses of students, and this evidently extends to their own social gatherings as many were also in attendance. I may well blog on this theme at a later date. I found myself in a bit of a Latin American quarter, with two Mexicans and a Peruvian. (Being the odd one out in the four, perhaps it is I that should be described as the 'quarter' and not the Latin Americans, but this is by the by.)

I had the usual admissions-related grilling (How many applications this year? How does the College admissions process actually work? Have any more Mexicans/Albanians/Inuits etc. etc. applied? And so forth), before we moved on to more culturally-stereotyped conversation. My dinner companions debated their favourite Spanish cities, bull-fighting and the merits of Serrano ham and I commented jovially on the state of the weather and desperately attempted to explain the genuine worth of the locally-produced English sausage (sans success, I fear.) I must say that the company was excellent: it was a pleasure to be amongst these bright, ambitious people and to count them amongst my acquaintances. I get to know most of the MBA cohort pretty well during the course of the admissions process and it is wonderful to continue that relationship once they actually arrive in Cambridge.

Following pudding, I left them to their dancing and took my leave. Even at just 10pm, I was astounded to encounter Cambridge Weather-Related Cycling Peril No. 2: a frosty saddle! However, this was a small price to pay considering the beautiful scenes that were to greet me the following morning as I made my return to Judge Business School:

Just beautiful, and much enjoyed.

This Sporting Life

2008-12-11T15:56:00.005Z

Whilst I do, of course, flagrantly borrow the title of this entry from the rugby league focussed novel of the same name, it is rugby union that provides the inspiration for the post. For today, as recent tradition dictates, is the second Thursday in December, and is Varsity Match Day!

This annual feast of rugby sees Cambridge University RFC take on 'the other place' (Oxford) at Twickenham, the spiritual home of the game in England. As exciting as this usually is, this year takes on an especial significance for us at Judge Business School for an MBA student, Doug Rowe, actually made the team: a truly significant honour. A further point of note is that he was also the lightest player on the pitch today, according to the BBC! A former USA international player and member of Hughes Hall, it is fantastic that Cambridge offers the opportunity to continue playing the sport at such a high level.

From the sounds of it, much training was involved in preparing for this match: and certainly Doug could perhaps have honed his skills in the maul even further by attending any event involving MBA2008 and free trays of cake! (For, sporty as many of them are, they do like their cake.)

This aside, I think I can speak for all when I say that we are very proud of this excellent achievement. Unfortunately, and in spite of a late come back, Cambridge were edged out 33-29. I do hope that the group from MBA2008 who took a coach down to the match enjoyed the experience even with this result.

Whilst Doug has reached something of a high in terms of achievement within University sporting circles (being a member of the Boat Race team is the only thing that I can think of that could rival this), many of the current MBA class are quite actively involved in sports. This is one area where the College system can really facilitate opportunity: I know that we have rowers of all levels in the class, and I heard recently of a student keenly taking to badminton for the first time. Whatever the sporting pursuit, there is bound to be a College or University club that can provide the opportunity to actively participate regardless of ability or experience. Enthusiasm is all that is required. This MBA business really does seem to give people opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.....

Lunch with Lucy and other Collegial Collaborations

2008-12-10T15:55:00.005Z

Yesterday it was with great pleasure that I was able to accept an invitation, along with colleagues, to lunch at Lucy Cavendish College who are keen to build a stronger relationship with the Cambridge MBA. We were the guests of the recently installed President of the College, Prof. Janet Todd. The event took place at the President's residence on Madingley Road, a surprisingly quick jaunt from Judge Business School. This was something of a new experience for me. With some trepidation, I ventured up the drive way and with increasing confidence rang the doorbell. Somewhat quizzically, Prof. Todd greeted me. As sometimes occurs in this role, she was, perhaps, expecting someone a little older.

The situation clarified, I was invited inside this magnificent residence. Ahead of me was a glorious Christmas tree adorned with decorations of white and silver. Assisted by Meryl, the Development Officer, I was ushered in further and was seated before the fire: a wonderful contrast to the frosty, fragile air of this Cambridge December. Shortly thereafter, my colleagues arrived and we were able to proceed. We were even offered a small glass of something fizzy. Concious of being a tad hungry and a little tired, I ventured on with caution (manners would not allow otherwise, really), slightly concerned that an inadvertent and out-of-character Lucky Jim moment could potentially be imminent. I was, I am pleased to record, absolutely fine.

Discussions then began. 'Lucy' is quite a unique College in that they only offer membership to women, and then only to those over the age of twenty-one. As was explained, this creates an unmatchable dynamic to the College with a firm emphasis on professional networking. Many of their students are those returning to education following successful careers (much like our MBAs), or are career-switching through the taking of Law, Medicine or Education postgraduate qualifications. They are very keen to explore the synergies between their current demographic and MBA students, and it was interesting to consider the ways in which this could be managed and developed.

I play a central role here, as I am the contact point and liaisor between Colleges and candidates once they have accepted their offer. It was most pleasing to hear a College be so proactive in their consideration of our students, and it also raised questions for us as a team as to how we can explore this and other relationships. We too are keen to maintain and enhance our cohort of women MBA students and it was useful to here the perspectives of the College on the specific needs that these candidates may perhaps be considering. It was all most engaging, and time did rather fly by.

Noticing the time, I returned with haste to JBS via the Backs (passing King's College Chapel looking resplendent, as always, against the backdrop of the clear blue sky) as I had an event to host. As I say, I handle the College membership application process and I had invited the College's Graduate Secretaries and equivalents to Judge for afternoon tea to thank them for all of their efforts in 2008 and to ask for their continued assistance in 2009. During the year, I have much contact with these people via telephone and email so it was very pleasant to be able to put names to some faces! I was, once more, assisted by colleagues and supported brilliantly by members of MBA2008 who, no doubt, also appreciated the efforts of the College employees during the admissions process. I believe that the visitors left with a new appreciation of the MBA and relationships with them, and in turn their Colleges, are the stronger for that. I will, no doubt, blog a little more about Colleges further this year.

University Library

2008-12-06T14:55:00.006Z

Following a spot of lunch, I decided to take a trip to the central University Library.

Now this place is absolutely immense, vast, intriguing and astounding. I need more adjectives, but words fail me for now. I am quite a fan of our very own Judge Business School library, but if you want to read something apart from management then this is the place to come to. All university members are able to visit the place, with various levels of service afforded to you based on status. I am unsure of the rights of MBAs, but staff members such as I may not borrow, only read in-house. For the most part, this suits me just fine.

One of the benefits of being a world-leading institution is that this library has the status of a legal deposit library - it is able to request a copy of any book published in the UK for its collection. What this means is that whatever your esoteric, peculiar interest it can be thoroughly indulged here. I had experienced similar during my student days in Aberystwyth with the same-status National Library of Wales, but this place is something else. A university library rather than national treasure, it offers much freer access to the all important books themselves!

The place is a Modernist masterpiece (if you like that kind of thing) designed by Giles Gilbert Scott of Battersea Power Station and red telephone box fame. The interior is really very austere, particularly the stair cases and stair wells. Signage, furniture and decoration appears unaltered since the building's construction in the 1930s - and in all likelihood hasn't been! Due to the vastness of the building, each set of stacks has its own lighting controlled by timers. Once you've mastered the art of actually locating the book you want via the complex cataloguing system, you have until the lights go out to find its position on the shelving.

It is also fascinating to note the people. Today this ranged from a scatty-looking academic (he himself perhaps having not been replaced since the building's construction in the 1930s), through to fey, aesthete postgraduates appearing unable to settle on any one book in particular and a bookish (goes without saying given the setting, really!) undergraduate perched on a chair engrossed in The Great Gatsby.

All in all the 'UL', as it is known, is a pleasant, relaxing and intellectually stimulating place to while away an hour or two on a cold afternoon. Armed with my catalogue number, I made my way to the third floor and indulged in one of my own personal interests - national identity and community in Wales (following a momentary detour into the politics of Northern Ireland) - and did just this. A little later I left contented in spite of finding the cafeteria closed, mounted my bike and ambled down Grange Road and back home in the mid-afternoon's weakening winter sunshine. Thoroughly recommended.

Loan Scheme Agreement

2008-12-06T14:46:00.005Z

Earlier today, I took a trip into town to undertake some errands. What a Christmassy atmosphere there was in the city, aided and sound-tracked by carols performed by the Salvation Army Brass Band, and, elsewhere, a charity-fundraising performance by a choir assembled in a shopping precinct.

In preparation for my evening out, I popped into a local bank in order to use their cash machine. As it happens, this was the branch of the global bank with which the Cambridge MBA has a loan scheme agreement. We had been due to meet their representatives this week, but due to unforeseen circumstances this was not possible. As a result, I decided to use this opportunity and grabbed the bank manager for a quick chat. He was quick to reassure me that our loan agreement is most certainly ongoing - this is due to the strong repute of Judge Business School and University of Cambridge: he did admit that his firm had pulled similar schemes from other universities (not necessarily B-Schools).

To be honest, I had never doubted this but it is nice to be able to reassure applicants that this scheme is still very much in place.

A useful visit, and I left happy with this in mind and fresh notes in my wallet.

A meeting with the Language Centre

2008-12-05T13:50:00.004Z

One of the nice things about my job is that it does allow me to make connections with people based in the wider University of Cambridge. This week I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Karen Ottewell, who is the Director of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme at the University's Language Centre.

Whilst the Language Centre offers various opportunities for learning a whole host of languages, the main link with the MBA is the pre-sessional EAP course that takes place for five weeks during the summer prior to the start of the programme. This year four students took the course.

During the admissions and interview process, we do seek to ensure that the standard of an applicant's English is sufficient to cope with the rigours of the course. Sometimes though it is beneficial for students to take the pre-sessional EAP to build their confidence, especially if English has not been their primary medium of communication in their working environment. The Language Centre is very keen to support students with this.

It also seems to be a good networking and social opportunity - by coincidence, I also bumped into this year's group in a local venue having what looked to be a marvelous time at their Christmas get-together. Party hats and mince pies were much in evidence. You can't go anywhere in this city without spotting someone you know....!

Interview Days

2008-12-04T13:12:00.005Z

It was wonderful to welcome so many candidates to Cambridge for the recent interview days. The groups were so diverse, representing countries from as far away as Argentina, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, China and South Africa to name but a few. I do not think I have ever met anyone from Kyrgyzstan before. It was fantastic to have such an impressive array of industry backgrounds and employers in evidence too: this ranged from top consulting firms such as McKinsey and Deloitte, big-players in the finance field (HSBC, Scotiabank), technology companies (both Microsoft and Apple represented - which suits me: PC at work, Mac at home!) through to public sector and charitable organisations such as the National Health Service.

Whilst it is sometimes necessary for candidates to be interviewed by telephone or overseas, it is nice to be able to invite candidates to Cambridge to see our amazing building, and the beautiful city in which it is located. In addition to the interview itself, we were also able to offer the chance to sit in on a great lecture by Professor Sandra Dawson and Dr. Philip Stiles on organisational behaviour, a walking tour of this stunning city of Cambridge, and a lunch with members of the current MBA class at the University Centre. All in all, it seems to be a most enjoyable day for candidates to get an insight into what being a member of the Cambridge MBA cohort could be like.

These really are some of my favourite days of the year and although I confess to finding the events a little stressful to run at times, it is well worth it to see the smiling faces and feel the buzz in the Common Room during the day.

Candidates have now been notified of the outcomes of this interview day and I look forward to working with them further once they receive their offer packs!