Meet Oxford Saïd’s MBA Class Of 2025

WHERE WORLDS COLLIDE

The University of Oxford has sometimes been described as an “intellectual Disneyworld” (EPCOT, for sure) – a place of happy accidents where very different worlds can unexpectedly collide. That’s certainly true of Saïd MBAs, who are eligible to join one of Oxford’s 39 colleges, replete with formal dining halls and unifying rituals reminiscent of Harry Potter.

Capucine Le Meur, a New Yorker and project engineer, says the best part of the Oxford experience is the students – “intellectually curious and passionate about different fields.” Earning a dual Master’s in Water Science, Policy and Management, Le Meur is amazed by her college’s “lightning research talks”, where Doctor of Philosophy candidates spent five minutes presenting their ideas, such as using drones to deliver vaccines in rural Africa. Jose F.C. Hong enjoyed learning about the theological implications of climate change from a theologian. At the same time, Benjamin Gonzalez Millan found himself intrigued by a literary “purist” who was researching a forgotten Latin poet, using technology and detective work to recover his writings. Then again, some of the most insightful conversations can originate with a Saïd classmate, says Ajibola Bolanle.

“He told me about his mission to fight malnutrition, environmental pollution, and the health impact of poor diets by innovating with tempeh fermentation,” Bolanie writes. “What really struck me was how he seamlessly blends science, activism, and entrepreneurship his ‘triple helix’ approach. From leading the Indonesian Tempe Movement across 16 countries to scaling his company, Better Nature Tempeh, into major UK and European retailers like Tesco and Asda, his journey is incredible. It made me realize that something as simple as food innovation can have a massive global impact, and that business truly can be a force for good.”

Sometimes, Oxford brings people together as if guided by fate. Prateek Garg, most recently in the pharmaceutical industry, was assigned Sir Adrian Hill as his academic advisor. Hill’s claim to fame? He was one of the three lead inventors of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Soon enough, Garg had learned that one of Hill’s former business partners was the CEO of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs – a firm that Garg had long hoped to form a partnership! By the same token, Richard Canter, a decorated surgeon and educator, invited Sachith Siriwardane to jam with his band after hearing him play piano at the Green Templeton College. More than an event or a connection, sometimes it is just a feeling that makes a year at Oxford so special – even a discussion on impact investing.

“Several classmates and I were walking home after one of Oxford’s classic debates, still buzzing from the conversation as we strolled along the historic streets at night, reminisces Samantha Withey. “We continued discussing the best ways to provide aid and create meaningful change in the world. The energy and genuine emotion in that moment made me feel truly part of Oxford life—where deep, challenging ideas are debated with passion and an earnest desire to discover truth. It was a reminder of how our community not only values rigorous debate, but also embraces the heart behind our work.”

DRESSING UP FOR CEREMONIES, DEBATES…AND BOXING

Roshni Khandelwal calls it the “Oxford Magic” – a spirit that is celebrated through pomp-and-circumstance rituals that stretch back centuries. True to form, the Class of 2025 wasn’t shy about indulging in them. For Aisha Raheem, the highlight was the “pure magic” of an acapella folklore concert at Worcester College’s cathedral. Sachith Siriwardane dressed in a black-tie tuxedo to attend the Oxford Union’s Town and Gown Boxing Match. And Benjamin Gonzalez Millan did the same with the Oxford Union Debates, a Thursday evening staple that dates back to 1823. Each week, the union draws the top thinkers and leaders to discuss the most consequential issues of the day, with past guests featuring the likes of Malcolm X, Dalai Lama, Albert Einstein, and Elton John (and recent guests including Charlie Kirk and Nancy Pelosi).

Formality is a big part of the Oxford experience. During exams, for example, students don white carnations and sub fusc – white shirts and all-black suits or skirts, shoes, stocking or socks, and ties or ribbons – to take exams. That same dress code applies to Matriculation, a university-wide ceremony held at the Sheldonian Theatre on the first Saturday of the academic year. Call it a welcome to the university, replete with group photos, Latin invocations, and free drinks and boat rides afterward.

“Matriculation [is a] once-in-a-lifetime ceremony, celebrated alongside my new friends in the MBA cohort, was the moment I truly felt my dream had come true, writes Triet Nguyen, most recently a BDO Australia deal advisor. “Standing in sub fusc, surrounded by centuries of tradition, I realised that I would forever be an Oxonian – part of the university’s rich history, vibrant present, and promising future.”

Of course, there are the unforgettable formal hall dinners held at the colleges. Forget grabbing a sandwich on the way back to quarters – or a dine-and-dash for that matter. Instead, these are exclusive events, where you must dress up in academic gowns, with only college members or invited guests eligible to attend. Emily Hao even sets the scene: “multi-course meal in a centuries-old dining hall, surrounded by portraits of past scholars and leaders.” Menu-wise, think a three-course meal – soup, salmon, and sorbet, punctuated by wine and coffee. More than nourishment, formal dinners are designed to make students slow down, step away from their studies, interact with people very different from themselves, and tap into a wider range of disciplines and experiences.

“It is a special moment getting to walk into these centuries-old dining halls in our robes, listening to Latin prayers, and eating by candlelight,” explains Samantha Withey. “It is here where we get to experience the unique blend of rigorous academics and time-honored traditions that define Oxford. You never know the kind of conversations you will engage in while seated in these halls. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for Oxford’s deep history, but also reinforces how these traditions inspire us to think critically and act boldly in today’s complex world.”

Of course, there is rowing or punting, where students can absorb all the sights from the River Cherwell or River Thames from their boats. In some cases, Saïd MBAs started their own traditions. “[I] co-organiz[ed] a themed quiz night on historic revolutions, wars, and anti-government movements—hosted in Worcester College’s Middle Common Room (MCR),” recalls Nickolai Prakofeyu. “I can’t think of a more quintessential Oxford experience than gathering with batchmates in a historic college, exchanging knowledge, diving into spirited debates, and having a fantastic time. It was the perfect blend of intellectual curiosity, tradition, and reconnecting with friends amid our busy schedules.”

TWO DEGREES IN TWO YEARS

Alas, the Saïd Business School boasts its own traditions. Academically, the biggest is GOTO – or Global Opportunities and Threats. Now in its 12th year, GOTO places students in teams each winter, where they tackle various global economic, environmental, or health challenges. At the end, student teams present their action plans to business leaders and policy-makers.

“One fascinating interaction I’ve had as an Oxford MBA student was during a GOTO) project workshop,” writes Emily Hao. “One student shared insights into the complexities of managing rapid urban growth while using his own personal experience addressing environmental and social inequalities. This interaction stood out because it exemplified how Oxford brings together diverse perspectives to address pressing global issues. It reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of listening to and learning from others.”

Another unique feature of the Saïd Business School is the 1+1 MBA program, which enables students to pair the one-year MBA with another one-year master’s program. Among the members of the Class of 2025 to take advantage of the program is Prateek Garg, who notes that the 1+1 program aligns perfectly with Oxford’s multidisciplinary nature.

“Every 1+1 combination is designed for impact, bringing together fields that sit at critical intersections. In my case, it meant combining my MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine — focused on health equity and access in resource-limited settings — with the power of business and finance to solve these challenges, whether through entrepreneurship or innovative funding models.”

As a whole, the 348-member class is composed of 59 nationalities, with 97% of the students hailing from outside the United Kingdom. The Class of 2025 nearly achieved gender parity, with 48% being women. Averaging six years of experience, the class includes represents 24 industry sectors, while bringing a 680 median GMAT to Oxford.

AN INTERIEW WITH THE MBA PROGRAMME DIRECTOR

Earlier this year, P&Q reached out to Amy Major, MBA programme director at the Saïd Business School. Here are her thoughts on areas ranging from new campus developments to global business programming.

P&Q: What have been the two most important developments in your MBA program over the past year? What type of impact will they have on current and future?

Major: “The most important developments in our MBA programme is shifting our one-year intensive course from 60/40 core/electives to 60% electives. This is crucial for customisation and choice in today’s market.

Secondly, we introduced a pre-MBA (pre arrival) online course that covers all core courses – not just the quant subjects. This allows students to hit the ground running in the autumn.

The ability for students to choose, according to their own career pathway, is crucial given the fast-changing and diverse career opportunities available to them.”

P&Q: Every January, P&Q publishes a “10 Business Schools to Watch” feature which highlights how schools are raising the bar and enhancing the student experience through innovation or expansion in programming or resources. What is one innovation that sets your school apart from your peer programs and makes you a business school to watch? Why is it so groundbreaking?

Major: “I believe the creation of our new Global Leadership Centre for executive and custom education, which opens in 2026, along with the UK and ‘Golden triangle’ of Oxford, Cambridge and London makes Oxford a unique place to be.

The innovation emerging within the university and the Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre and the interest the university takes in this, makes it a very interesting time to join our ecosystem – not forgetting the huge history that we sit on with 900 years of university heritage.”

P&Q: What types of programs do you offer to sharpen your students’ soft skills? What areas do you emphasize and how do you instill these skills in your students? 

Major: “Our Career Development Centre offers a wide range of soft skills within the talent development framework. Excitingly, we just piloted a cross-cultural communications workshop, which we are taking into next academic year as available to all students. The skills one can gain from understanding how to deploy active and deep listening, to understand communications from another party’s perspective, is critical in the hybrid working world, as an individual and as a student.”

P&Q: What types of programming – through classroom instruction, extracurriculars, and treks – does your school offer to expose students to country-specific and global business practices? What have students told you were the most educational and fun aspects of these activities? 

Major: “Our unique and engaging ‘Doing Business in Africa’ elective is hugely popular with students. It is so popular, we follow up with a similar course in Oxford run by the same professorial team.

Meanwhile, our ‘Fintech in London’ elective is very popular and provides excellent networking opportunities.

I would also mention, as a proud member of the Global Network for Advanced Management network, we typically see around 70 of any cohort join network weeks with other top member GNAM schools. We are currently working on a new international offering for the next year, so keep your eyes peeled for news there!

The most educationally rewarding element of these is the proximity this gives students to real organisations, with real business issues and opportunities. In the case of the Africa elective, this allows students truly to understand the complexity of the continent and its journey, invoking though provoking and challenging conversation.”

Next Page: Profiles of 12 members of the Class of 2025

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