MBA Student Profile: Matt Dobson, University of Cambridge

Matt Dobson talks to us about his MBA degree at the University of Cambridge and where he hopes it will lead him.

1. What were you doing before your MBA?

I worked for Coca-Cola Enterprises in London. There I was involved in a number of change management projects. My main project was developing a global strategy for customer information to ensure that our major global customers received the same level of information regardless of location.      

2. What were your main reasons for deciding to attend business school?

I found myself in a position where I would have to take a functional role (marketing, operations, etc) in order to further my career.  This did not interest me as I enjoy work with large variety in it.      

3. What research did you undertake in selecting your school?

I have friends and colleagues that have attended other business schools.  I also went to a MBA fair in London.      

4. What were the main criteria in your selection?

My primary reason for attending the Judge was upon personal recommendations from friends who had attended themselves.  Other aspects that attracted me were the group nature of work and the mix of international students.      

5. Why did you decide to study either in your own country or overseas?

I decided to study in my home country because the course is one year (excludes most of US schools) and family commitments.  Although primary reason was the school itself.      

6. How well do your think the MBA is regarded in your home country?

As part of the University of Cambridge, the Judge Institute of Management in very well regarded.           

7. Have you already been, or do you intend to become an entrepreneur?

Hopefully, either as part of an existing company or upon the formation of my own.      

8. How much do you expect to earn on graduation?

More than I arrived on (50,000).  Although this will depend upon whether I operate my own company.      

9. What do you expect to do on graduation and where do you expect to be based?

My options are open at the moment.  I would like to work in a small company, perhaps in the technology or biotech fields.      

10. How easy or difficult do you expect it to be to achieve these objectives?

As long as I remain in control of my work than it should be possible to achieve my aims.  Hopefully, working for a smaller firm will allow a greater degree of flexibility.      

11. Any other comments?

Taking my MBA has allowed me to step back from my life and take stock.  The workload is high, but working in teams really pays dividends when deadlines approach, giving a realistic reflection on how firms operate.