‘How a MiM at UCD Smurfit Shaped My Career’

The decision to pursue a business education is often driven by a desire to gain a competitive edge and build a foundation for long-term success. 

And in this interview, we delve into the experiences of a recent graduate of the Master in Management (MiM) program at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School in Dublin, Ireland.

Martina Del Borrello shares her motivations for pursuing the MiM, highlighting the school’s unique offerings that shaped her educational journey. We also explore the impact of key courses, the skills acquired, and the role that the UCD school’s career services played in Del Borrello transitioning from academia to a thriving professional career. 

She is now a business development associate at Salesforce, the cloud-based software company. 

Her story offers a glimpse into the practical experiences that define a top-tier management education, setting the stage for a successful career in business. 

What motivated you to pursue a Master in Management, and why did you choose this particular business school?

I decided to pursue a Master in Management because I wanted to consolidate the knowledge acquired in my bachelor’s degree, as well as to develop soft and hard skills that would kickstart my career journey. 

UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School was an obvious choice for pursuing my MiM. With its international environment and top-tier faculty, the school has consistently secured top positions in the rankings in management education. On top of that, the extensive UCD Alumni network and connections with Dublin’s vibrant tech scene provide invaluable opportunities for professional growth.

What were some of the most impactful courses or subjects you studied, and why were they significant to your career goals?

The Business Project module was undoubtedly the most impactful course of the MiM program. 

Working alongside the Deloitte Digital team, my colleagues and I focused on the topic of generative artificial intelligence and its potential applications for the public sector. We had the chance to delve into the regulatory and political landscape, and propose research-based applications to streamline processes and tackle administrative challenges.

Getting hands-on experience on cutting-edge topics was extremely insightful and taught us to be comfortable with ever changing landscapes. As a self-organized team, we honed our project management and team collaboration skills to deliver in line with Deloitte’s timeline and expectations. 

Lastly, feedback from professionals was very valuable and allowed me and my colleagues to work on our weaker spots, month after month, paving the way for our future careers in big corporations.

Can you describe your career path since graduating from the MiM program?

After completing my master’s, I joined the European Central Bank in Frankfurt as a service delivery trainee, supporting project and business managers in the planning and execution of IT internal projects. I have since transitioned to the corporate world and recently moved back to Dublin to join Salesforce as a business development associate.

What specific skills did you develop during the MiM program that have been crucial in your career?

As shown by the career experiences I have collected so far, the MiM is a versatile program that equips students with the skills and mindset to excel in diverse roles and environments.

For instance, as part of the MiM in UCD, students spend one of the three terms abroad, in Europe or overseas. This experience forged an unparalleled level of agility in adapting quickly to new environments and building a network from scratch. 

The courses are designed to be interactive and delivered to small cohorts. As a student, I had the chance to articulate my opinions and to present projects or research in front of the class, enhancing my communication skills as well as ability to think on the spot.

Lastly, the MiM was crucial in switching my mindset. I invested more time cultivating my network and gained the confidence to advocate for myself and for my success – both fundamental skills in the modern workplace.

How did the career services and support at your business school assist you in finding job opportunities?

UCD Smurfit School offers a number of career services, ranging from online courses and LinkedIn masterclasses, to in-person counseling and interview prep. Personally, I was surprised by the dedication of the career support staff when it comes to supporting students both from a professional and a personal standpoint. In my case, I made use of the available services to review my CV, but also to receive guidance and advice to assess the job opportunities coming along the way.