By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Tracey Carney, Managing Director of Business & Finance, and James Mitchell, recipient of the Business & Finance Awards UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School MBA Scholarship
James Mitchell is the recipient of the Business & Finance Awards UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School MBA Scholarship for 2024. He is the fourth recipient of the award which launched in 2021.
Launched in 2021, the Business & Finance Awards UCD Smurfit School MBA Scholarship supports one high-calibre applicant with a 100% scholarship to attend the prestigious UCD Smurfit School.
The scholarship provides a unique opportunity for an individual to advance their professional goals through an MBA qualification from Ireland’s leading business school while gaining access to some of Ireland’s most successful business leaders through the Business & Finance network.
This year’s recipient, James Mitchell, spoke to Business & Finance Magazine about what he expects from the programme and what it means to receive the honour.
What prompted you to apply for the scholarship?
I applied for the scholarship as I’ve always been fascinated with finance and the opportunity to devote myself completely to the MBA program was too good to pass up.
What does it mean to be the recipient?
I’m thrilled to have been selected for the scholarship. It’s an amazing opportunity and also a nice recognition of the work that I’ve done and hope to do.
I would like to share my deepest gratitude and appreciation for being chosen by the committee and I’m definitely in excellent company. I look forward to seeing where the opportunity brings me.
How will you balance study and work over the next two years?
Thankfully, with this scholarship, I can devote myself completely to study and won’t need to balance it with work. I’m looking at a career change within finance and am doing the MBA to launch myself forward on this next step.
I want to work with a larger team and make an impactful difference on company direction and the lives it affects.
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope to make a difference. The MBA offers so many opportunities and opens a lot of doors with the ultimate goal of finding a career for life.
I’ve worked almost exclusively in trading and while I loved the finance side of things, I found it to be a bit individualistic. Following the MBA, I want to work with a larger team and make an impactful difference on company direction and the lives it affects.
How will the MBA help you realise your ambitions?
I think the MBA will, above anything else, help me gain exposure to many different sectors. I’m looking for a career rather than a job so I am hoping the MBA will kickstart this for me.
What has your experience been of the course so far?
The course has been fantastic. My class cohort is really diverse, coming from many different professional roles and countries. To be honest, it’s a breath of fresh air.
How will you combine the learnings of the MBA with your previous academic experience moving forward?
This is an interesting question. I studied Mathematics at university and it taught me how to figure things out. I think this problem-solving attitude, combined with the real-world application of knowledge through the MBA, will be a real asset moving forward.
Professor Federica Pazzaglia, Director of UCD Smurfit School and Associate Dean of UCD College of Business explained why the UCD MBA Admissions Committee chose James:
“James is an excellent choice for this scholarship in light of his strong academic background and proven track record in the industry. His understanding of complex business trends and his ambition to enhance his leadership skills and make a meaningful impact align perfectly with the values of UCD Smurfit School.”
Professor Pazzaglia also spoke about the prestigious nature of the scholarship:
“The UCD Smurfit School has a longstanding tradition and commitment to excellence in business education. This scholarship, run in partnership with the Business & Finance Awards, offers the scholar opportunities to further their knowledge and skills in a cutting-edge and globally minded programme, network with senior business professionals, access mentoring opportunities, and position themselves to lead with impact in an ever-changing business environment.”
Learn more about the UCD Smurfit School MBA here and attend an upcoming UCD Smurfit School Information Event near you.
Read more:
Ronan Lowe: Business & Finance Awards UCD Smurfit School MBA Scholarship recipient
Ruth Baldwin: Business & Finance Awards UCD Smurfit School MBA Scholarship recipient
Éamon Fennell, MBA scholarship recipient, on his academic experience
