In this modern era, the unpredictable nature of the work sphere has led to an increasing number of individuals opting to bolster their qualifications by returning to university for postgraduate studies or master’s in business administration (MBAs). This surge of adult learners has widened the available choices, yet has also introduced both hurdles and prospects of equal magnitude.
Dr. Kate Kenny, who heads the MBA programme from the University of Galway, points to the hectic period in which many decide to pursue their MBA. Individuals often juggle familial and vocational responsibilities, she notes. To provide support in managing these commitments, the approach encourages collaborative learning, forming peer groups within the class or arranging mentorship by senior students, and even engagement with professional business coaches.
Dr. Kenny underscores the significance of the close-knit bond formed in the class as a crucial source of aid. “Our classes are kept small in size to foster such bonding,” she comments. “From the onset of the programme—which includes a two-day residential stay (this year at beautiful Renvyle, Connemara)—students typically form a closely-knit group and collectively rejoice in their progress and confront the difficulties of the more demanding modules.”
Even after graduation, these informal MBA groups persist, she adds. “Just recently, I met with two alumni [2018 and 2023] at their workplaces in the construction sector in Galway city for an update,” she recounts. One alumnus showed her a card containing the ‘six golden rules of negotiations’ taught by Prof Ann Torres’s Harvard approach to the subject. Seven years on, this alumnus still finds it invaluable and keeps it close.
Another example she shares is of an alumni group who mentioned their habitual weekend brunches during the last April celebrations. Late-night pub outings no longer fit into their lives, particularly with young children, but brunch provides a more relaxed atmosphere to reconnect as they navigate through their prime years.
She also mentions an incident where, after an exhaustive seven-interview process, a medical technology vice-president and an MBA holder recently elevated to an international role in a Galway-based firm, credited her successful promotion, in part, to the lessons learnt during the MBA. Hence, Dr. Kenny emphasises that such examples are not uncommon and she often hears about the positive impact of the MBA on students’ professional progression.
According to Kenny, it’s common to hear that many students either get promoted or switch to a more desirable role before the semester’s halfway point. This feedback came from a student forum at their college last year.
In the capital of Ireland, Dublin, there’s a business school named UCD Smurfit School which provides two types of MBA courses. One is a full-time MBA (FT MBA) suitable for individuals with at least three years of professional exposure. The average student from the 2022/2023 batch is 30 years old and carries approximately seven years of work experience.
Next, there’s the Executive MBA provided by the same school, suited to individuals with a minimum of five years of professional experience. From the incoming class of 2022/2023, the mean age of students is 36, and they come with roughly 11 years of work experience.
UCD College of Business’ representative, Beth Gormley, mentions that personal obligations not related to school can make the part-time programme difficult to manage. This is where good time management can come in to alleviate these problems.
Gormley further elaborates that it takes courage for mid-career full-time students to leave their past jobs where they’ve gained significant skills and status to enter a contrasting environment with different rules and expectations. For some, the temporary loss of status may pose a struggle. However, she reports that an average growth of 71 per cent in income has been seen three years post-graduation from the MBA programme at UCD Smurfit School.
Gormley also adds that the MBA course puts an emphasis on teamwork, which could be a new and challenging experience for some, as most of the programme evaluation is done based on group work. “Students learn while they teach by sharing their knowledge in the fields they are experienced in and gaining from their classmates in areas they are less familiar with.”
According to Gormley, the MBA degree, being multidisciplinary, exposes students to all facets of managing an organisation. This broader understanding could serve as a stepping stone for those attempting to escape a career standstill.
“Engaging in coursework and additional activities can be beneficial in honing underutilised skills that students have allowed to slacken during their professional journey,” is her point of view. She goes on to say that the scheme can give students a glimpse into unknown abilities or potential. The MBA programme aims to promote leadership skills, transitioning participants from management to superior positions. By refining certainty, obtaining a detailed understanding of business, and practically applying it, students can facilitate their quest for occupational progression.
Keith Brittle, from the Academic Support Centre at the National College of Ireland’s Library, reveals that their MBA programme often attracts those who are well-experienced in their job roles but express some insecurity about academic writing and research. He reveals that they usually conduct a session based around the first task which offers guidance on citation, evasion of plagiarism, academic writing principles and utilisation of a plethora of resources available in the library.
The dean of graduate studies at Trinity College Dublin, Martine Smith, acknowledges considerable hurdles when it comes to readapting to study routines, acclimating to academic writing and often balancing numerous obligations. She observes that occasionally, a lack of confidence can be an issue for some, along with a possible gap in their technical knowledge.
However, she asserts that these challenges can be overcome and students returning to postgraduate education often find the rewards and possibilities significantly beneficial. She suggests that short courses could be a good starting point for these students to gauge their readiness.
Smith highlights that returning to the learning environment can boost motivation. Not only could it lead to career growth, but it also offers a chance to focus on personal development. Building connections is another perk, says Smith, given the class usually constitutes diverse and accomplished individuals who can bring distinct perspectives and wisdom to the learning session.
TU Dublin, which maintains the largest ratio of part-time educational providers at the tertiary level in Ireland, boasts a high number of part-time learners in its Graduate Business School, who juggle demanding occupations, family life, and studies. Dr Colin Hughes, the head of the school, states that more than ever students require flexibility and assistance.
Hughes, a representative from TU Dublin, expressed that they have a deep comprehension of the necessities of part-time students who need to balance various commitments alongside their studies. He emphasised on the support, understanding, and adaptability that the institution offers. Students choose TU Dublin with hopes of progressing in their professional lives as the courses provided are designed collaboratively with industry partners, making them highly relevant and practical.
Hughes also mentioned that students who immerse themselves gain significant knowledge and practical skills for their present and prospective roles. Surprisingly, a graduate also stated that their confidence had boosted after studying at TU Dublin. They pointed out the benefits of a hands-on environment with numerous applied projects, guest speakers from the industry, and peer learning, enabling students to grasp a thorough understanding of their field while intensifying their belief in their abilities to achieve great success.
Around 30 per cent of the participants in the institution’s MBA programme alter their roles during the course, and an additional 25 per cent switch roles within the first 18 months after completion. Alicia Hannon, Eir’s head of marketing and communications and a recent MBA graduate from TU Dublin, affirms that her MBA experience was transformative professionally.
Prof Joseph Coughlan, the head of Maynooth University’s School of Business, emphasised that the need for upskilling and continuous learning are not just trendy phrases. He remarked that it could be challenging for seasoned professionals to climb the career ladder despite high employment rates. Attending a course where participants could learn about strategic issues, gain consulting experience, and understand how various organisations behave can foster professionals’ self-awareness, which is crucial in our progressively complex professional lives.
According to Prof Coughlan, some professionals leave their technical roles and study at the university to attain a thorough understanding of the business world. They further find it intriguing to explore topics like AI and sustainability – issues that modern businesses often face – in the context of their own and other organisations.
An upcoming project called Common Ground, Evolving Islands: Ireland & Britain has been announced as well.