Elana Mulvay

Cambridge Judge Business School

Home City and Country: Perth, Western Australia

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Production Supervisor (Mining Operations), BHP

How has studying business in the United Kingdom enriched your learning experience? Moving to Cambridge to do an MBA has been a lifechanging journey that I am incredibly grateful to be on. I have found that the most impactful part of the experience has been the diversity of students at Cambridge Judge Business School, and the global mindset that this creates. It has been amazing to meet people from different countries, cultural backgrounds, and professional careers. They bring such diversity of thought and I can see the benefits that this brings to class discussions and group work. I also find Cambridge a very inspiring learning environment due to its rich history and culture and being surrounded by passionate academics in all fields.

Cambridge Judge Business School has been instrumental in expanding my professional network and opening doors to opportunities across various industries. The collaborative projects and industry engagements facilitated by the school have given me a deeper understanding of different sectors, making me more versatile and prepared for the ever-changing business world.

Overall, the combination of a diverse and inclusive community, an inspiring academic environment, and unparalleled networking opportunities has made my MBA journey at Cambridge truly transformative.

What has been the toughest transition to living in the United Kingdom so far? What have you done to overcome this difficulty? It has been said over again, but the toughest transition to living in the UK has been adjusting to the weather. For the past 5 years, I have been working in the Pilbara and Goldfields regions of Australia where a normal summer day can be anywhere from 30-45 degrees celsius, so it has been a big adjustment to get used to the UK’s cold grey days, early sunsets, and rain, rain, rain!

To overcome the grey months, these three things have helped me:

1) Getting Out In Nature: Cambridge is built around the beautiful River Cam and surrounded by parks and fields. I try to make time every day to get out of the business school for a walk or run, as I know it does wonders for my mood.

2) Embracing Christmas and ‘Cozy’: British people do Christmas well! From mid-November, there were lights up on the streets, carol services, Christmas parties, and markets. It’s a lovely time of the year, and getting in the Christmas spirit is a good distraction from the dropping temperatures.

3) Vitamin D Supplements: For anyone from a sunny country – these are a UK essential.

What school service has been the most helpful in transitioning to living in the United Kingdom? How has it helped you adapt? My university college of which I am a member, Clare Hall, has been helpful not only for providing information and services, but also for helping me to feel at home in the UK.

The college system at Cambridge is a unique and exciting part of the educational experience, with colleges being responsible for providing pastoral care, academic support, accommodation, and extracurricular activities. I live on-site at my college at Clare Hall and have found the community of students and academics have played a large role in my transition to living in the UK.

Along with this, I feel very supported by the MBA support teams at the business school, who are always available to help with any issue we may have.

What has been the most interesting cultural nuance of people living in the United Kingdom? Why has this struck you? I have found British and Australian culture to be quite similar. However, one thing that stands out as different is the pub culture!

Going to the pub is a big part of people’s lives in the UK, and essential for catching up with friends and family, watching sport, or simply enjoying life when there is nothing else to do. Pub food is also important, and I am slowly making my way through trying the whole traditional menu. My favorite pub food experience was having a Sunday roast.

Are you seeking a Visa to work in the United Kingdom after graduation? If so, what obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome them? After graduation, I plan to transition from a student visa to a graduate visa, which allows two years of work in the UK post-study. Being from Australia, I also have the option of the ‘youth mobility’ visa up until the age of 35, which allows two years (extendable to three) of living and working in the UK.

There were a few changes to student visas this year, so it’s worth keeping up to date with the requirements, especially if you are planning to move to the UK with a partner or your family.

What have you done to make it easier to make friends with people from outside your home country at business school? Getting involved in various activities has been key. When I arrived in Cambridge, I tried to make the most of all the different opportunities – attending speaker series, special interest groups, fitness classes, Formal Dinners and anything else that was available. Although this made for a busy start to the MBA year, I met so many people. They were not only from the business school, but also in the wider Cambridge community. As the academic workload started to pick up, I tried to keep up choir and rowing for my college, and my involvement in the Energy and Environment Special Interest Group (SIG) at Cambridge Judge. These three activities, specifically, have allowed me to connect with global students who share similar interests to myself, which has transitioned into great friendships!

What piece of advice would you give to an international student looking to study in a UK graduate business program? Apply early!

Firstly, applying early in the academic year is beneficial for making the most of what business schools have to offer pre-arrival, including scholarship opportunities and international student advice. It can also be difficult to find accommodation in the UK, and costs are high. Applying early will mean that you have time and options available, rather than the more common and stressful experience of finding a place to live at the last minute. The visa process can also be complicated, so make sure you are aware of visa requirements well in advance.

With the practical advice out the way, the most important advice I have would be to go for it!

Studying for an MBA at Cambridge has been a life-changing experience and something I would recommend to anyone who is wondering what’s next in their professional careers.

DON’T MISS: 2025 MBAS ABROAD: UNITED KINGDOM