Roberto Venegas is a financer through-and-through. He made his first investments at the age of 14 and claims he had a yearly return of 31%. With such investment pedigree it is little wonder he ended up at London’s Cass Business School, on the fringes of the City and its foremost financial institutions. Cass MBAs benefit from access to Fortune 500 firms: two in five of the 250 largest global companies base their European HQ in London, according to a Deloitte study.
Before Robert enrolled in the Cass MBA this year, he was a portfolio manager at Forever Investment, a private family fund in Santiago, Chile. That followed two years as advisor to the Presidency of the Republic of Chile, in which he project managed public-private alliances for the Chilean government.
He holds a master’s degree in behavioural sciences and believes the subject is essential today for firms that are trying to understand consumer motivations and how customers perceive their brands.
Why are you pursuing an MBA?
I wanted to see things from a different angle, and I felt that being around people with different experiences, backgrounds and nationalities, would give me a more holistic view of business. In this respect, Cass has done an excellent job.
I had also recently finished a gap year with my partner, and saw this opportunity as a good way of reinserting myself into the workforce. The gap year was a chance to take a break from a very active life. And after talking with several friends that have done MBAs, I concluded that the degree would complement my career.
London is a global business center, home to the European HQs of dozens of Fortune 500 firms. How does this impact your business school experience?
I have the opportunity to talk to people who work in one of the most important economic and cultural hubs in the world. We at Cass have had loads of opportunities to talk and interact with people from several of those firms, which gave us an integrated understanding of each firm and industry.
What have you valued most from your Cass Business School experience so far?
I have valued the school as a whole to be honest. Classes are integrative and fast-paced, but also very practical.
Every end of term we have to incorporate theory from three classes into a week-long project. This leads us to not only use our course knowledge, but also to learn from the different backgrounds, nationalities, and experiences of our group members.
In addition, I value my cohort and all the extra-curricular activities that the school has offered us. I praise that my cohort at Cass is relatively small compared to other business schools (73 students), so after a couple of weeks, we all know each other.
In a couple of months we will be in Iceland for our Consulting Week, and several of us will be hiking a mountain! Besides the quality of the cohort, the chance to learn from them is impossible to quantify.
What impact are behavioral sciences having on business and management?
Behavioral science is essential today for firms that are trying to understand the motivation and attitude of consumers, and perception of their brands.
We are the first generation that can get instant, real-time information, for example on a new product release, to see how people are reacting when they are using our products, or what they are doing when they go to our events.
Behavioral science gives us an understanding of data that otherwise could be misleading or not useful. At the same time, behavioral science can be a tool used to understand the factors of change, risk and co-operation inside a firm, which gives us some answers to how people work and how they can achieve their potential.
Tell us about your role with the Presidency of the Republic of Chile. How close were you to the Presidency?
I was an advisor on different topics at the Presidency in Chile. I was mostly involved in restructuring, data analysis, and budget, healthcare and finance matters, but took a leading role in the relationship between the government and private firms in private-public projects.
My office was in the presidency, so I could see the President (former president now) and the First Lady quite often!
What are your key takeaways?
Don’t settle down. You can only get as much as you put into whatever you are doing. And try and focus more on the present and what impact that is having on you and the people around you. Of course, there is a lot of planning in business and management, but try to stay open minded to all opportunities that will arise.
What are your career plans post-MBA?
Post-graduation I would like to work in the corporate sector, in finance, business or project management.
I have been focusing more on what I am doing right now and trying to make the most of it. I engage in as many things as I can add value to.
Student Reviews
Best Journalism school in Europe
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
Unlocking My Potential at City University London
My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.
Rather interesting
The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.
Urban campus life
At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities
