Follow Anjana's journey from Skye Cambridge Scholarship to bold business ambitions

Recently graduating with an MPhil in Advanced Computer Science, Anjana Yodaiken talks us through her journey from Cape Town to Magdalene College to a London aerospace startup, and her dreams of starting a business of her own.

Tell us about your life before coming to study at the University of Cambridge

I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, where I had a strong foundation academically and in sports.  In primary school, I loved athletics and was awarded the Victrix Ludorum. I then started Karate and went up to junior second Dan. I represented South Africa in the Kimura Shukokai Karate World Championships in both 2012 and 2014. The discipline and focus required for high-level competition of that type had a lasting impact on how I approach challenges, particularly in my academic life.

Academically, I was always drawn to mathematics and physical sciences, winning the prize for the highest combined marks in these subjects in my final year of school. This passion led me to pursue a BSc in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. 

During my undergraduate studies, I found myself increasingly interested in the mechatronics side, especially the computer science components. Even though these components were only briefly touched upon in our mechanically focused curriculum, they sparked a curiosity in me about the broader potential of intelligent systems and automation.

Upon completion of my Bachelor’s degree I was not sure what direction to take for my master’s, so I decided to gain work experience. I joined an agritech company that used drones to gather data for farmers.

We applied image processing and machine learning methods to the aerial imagery collected by the drones, turning them into actionable insights. It was during this time that I became truly fascinated by machine learning, particularly with its application to visual data and real-world problems. This experience confirmed that I wanted to deepen my expertise in this area.

With a growing interest and foundational knowledge in coding and machine learning, the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science at Cambridge felt like a natural next step. 

The programme’s emphasis on research and advanced machine learning applications aligned perfectly with my goals and gave me the opportunity to explore the field in far greater depth.

How has your time at Cambridge changed your life? 

Before coming to Cambridge, I had spent my entire life in Cape Town. While it’s an incredible place to grow up, it can feel like a bubble, especially when the safety of your family is based there. It’s a city where you’re bound to run into someone you know whenever you go out and it’s easy to rely on the familiarity and support of home.

Without the immediate safety net of family or long-standing friendships, I had to build a new support system from scratch. It was empowering to discover how capable I was of doing that, of forming new connections, establishing a routine and creating a sense of belonging in an entirely new environment.

Academically, I had some doubts before starting the MPhil. I wondered whether I would be able to keep up with the academic standard and whether I would find a sense of community among peers from such diverse and accomplished backgrounds.

To my delight, while my coursemates were all incredibly bright, they were also grounded, welcoming, and not so different from the friends I had back home. That sense of relatability helped me feel at ease, and when the coursework began, I realised I was just as capable as everyone else. That realisation that I do belong in these kinds of spaces is something I continue to draw on in my professional life.

All of this was in addition to the learnings from the course. The course allowed me to deepen my understanding of machine learning topics and my understanding of academic research.

Going to Cambridge also showed me that, even in an academically challenging environment, I was able to lead a balanced life of academics, social and sports. Beyond the academics, I managed to get involved in a few extracurricular activities, including joining the W2/W3 Cambridge squash team and serving as welfare officer on my college’s MCR committee.

What’s next for you as you continue your professional journey?

After completing my studies at Cambridge, my professional goal was to relocate to the UK or another global tech hub where I could pursue opportunities aligned with my diverse interests.

I’m deeply curious about the full stack of technology, from hardware and design to software and machine learning, and was particularly keen to join an early-stage startup that would give me the breadth and depth of exposure across these domains. I believe I’ve found exactly that in my current role at an aerospace startup based in London and I’m truly excited to contribute to the team and grow with the company.

What would you say to anyone considering applying to Cambridge with support from the Cambridge Trust?

My advice is simple: go for it! 

Don’t let self-doubt stand in your way. It’s easy to assume you won’t be competitive enough or that others are more qualified, but the truth is, if you don’t apply, your chances are zero. The support provided can be truly life-changing, so take the chance. You might surprise yourself!

To find out more about the Skye Cambridge Scholarship and other opportunities available, please visit the website.