MBA Student Profile: Claudio Marinelli, University of Cambridge

Claudio Marinelli talks about his experiences as an MBA student at the University of Cambridge.

1. What were you doing before your MBA?

Immediately before the MBA degree I was employed as a Senior Research Associate with the Photonic Communication Group, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK. Prior to that I was a Senior Device Engineer with Luxnet Corporation, a fibre-optic communication start-up company based in Fremont, California.      

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

I intended to add complementary expertise to my Physics and Engineering background, such as management and business skills.

I was also particularly interested in developing an understanding of high-tech ventures, as a way to both exploit and support R&D efforts.      

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

I gathered information about the core focus of different business schools across Europe and the UK. I realised that each school has a core competence and this must match my areas of interest.

I tried to speak to students from the various schools to obtain information on their experience and their level of satisfaction.      

4. What were the main criteria in your selection?

The main criterion was the match between my areas of interest and the choice of courses offered by the school, the involvement with the activities  and organisations of interest, the location of the school and the presence of  relevant opportunities in the surrounding area.

The mixture of background among previous years' classes and the feedback from former students were also key aspect in the decision making process. Additionally, there were some practical and logistic constrains in terms of geography, costs, availability of studentships, etc      

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

Having lived in the UK before joining the Cambridge MBA, I can say that I decided to stay in the same country. The advantages of this choice are merely practical. However, it is trade-off, since relocating and experiencing life and culture in a new country are part of the learning process.      

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

I believe that the Italian job market is not very receptive towards MBA graduates and there are still fewer people with MBA degrees than in most of the other Western European countries. However, there might be a significant advantage in possessing a distinguishing and still rare qualification.

7. Were you successful in obtaining a scholarship?

I was successful to obtain Sainsbury scholarship      

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

I have not been an entrepreneur. However, I would certainly consider becoming an entrepreneur as this would add tremendous experience and key expertise.    

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

- To work for organisations dedicated to turn scientific know-how and novel technologies generated by research or academic institutions into business ventures, thus creating employment opportunities and funds to support research.

- To work for a Venture Capital firm.

- To work for a research funding governmental institution.

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

It is indeed quite challenging. However, through the great connections provided by the school and opportunities available within the Cambridge area I believe my objectives are achievable.

In the end of the day, it is mostly up to myself, my determination and my attitude.      

11. Any other comments?

Cambridge is an amazing place for anybody interested in high-tech ventures and generally entrepreneurship.

Most of the lecturers are really inspiring and the class is a continuous source of motivation and encouragement.