Jorge González Sadornil relocated from Spain for an MBA at London’s Cass Business School
Jorge González Sadornil worked in financial research for almost a decade before joining Cass Business School’s one-year MBA in 2014. Back then, he had never even thought about starting up his own business.Now, he’s set to launch his own financial technology – fintech – firm in London.
His startup idea, Researchfy, is described as a digital distribution platform for financial research – a disruptive new business model which will connect investment research providers and investors, helping research providers to better understand their clients, and better screen new opportunities in the market, under the latest regulatory frameworks.
Jorge is set to launch Researchfy in January 2018. In the meantime, he’ll get his platform up and running, introduce himself to the market, and reach out to former Cass MBA colleagues for potential links to partners, clients, and investors.
Is he worried about Brexit? Not at all. Originally from Spain, Jorge picked Cass – ranked the best one-year MBA program in London by the Financial Times MBA Ranking - over other top-ranked business schools in Europe and the US.
During his MBA, he co-founded the school’s investment research club, experienced international consulting weeks in Iceland and Las Vegas, and laid the foundations for his UK-based business.
Why did you choose Cass for your MBA?
A one-year MBA is perfect for both young and experienced professionals that want to get an MBA but cannot afford to lose a lot of time doing it.
I applied to nine different business schools, both in Europe and the US, but in the end I went with Cass. The reputation that Cass has in finance and its location in London – the main financial hub of the world – was really appealing to me.
How important was the Cass MBA in helping you start your own business?
Before the MBA, I knew that I wanted a career change, but I didn’t know I wanted to go into entrepreneurship. That was something that came to me during the MBA.
The way the MBA makes you change your way of thinking was very important – especially for me coming from a finance background where you mostly look into potential problems and challenges ahead. With an MBA, you get a holistic view, you see how you can implement solutions to problems, and you meet people who have been successful and can inspire you to start your own business.
You also get a very good network. I’m now looking for providers and clients for my platform. I know I have many former MBA colleagues with good jobs in finance who would be more than happy to open doors for me.
Ultimately, the Cass MBA opened my mind. I don’t think I would be at the point I am now, starting a new business, without it.
Why did you decide to set up your business in London? Is Brexit a source of concern?
London is one of the best cities in Europe to start up a new business. As my business is focused on financial services, being in a financial center like London was really important.
Personally, I don’t think that Brexit is going to be a problem. The UK will try to get a good deal from the EU, and I believe that London will still be a good hub for finance and entrepreneurship post-Brexit.
Financiers and fund managers like to live in London. The network, the different events, and the opportunities you have here – you cannot just copy that and move to another country. I don’t think much is going to change.
What advice do you have for MBA grads looking to start their own business?
The most important thing is to validate the problem you think the market has. You may have an idea, but you need to go to people and ask them if they have the problem you’re trying to resolve, before investing a large amount of money in it.
And go to events! You can learn a lot from people who have been successful in entrepreneurship; about starting up, preparing a business plan, and reaching out to potential investors.
What should applicants think about when deciding to do an MBA?
Every school is different. It’s important to know about the different student clubs at the business school, the careers office, and the opportunities on offer. Speak to people doing the MBA and get a better idea of what the program’s going to be like.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
