By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Ronan Lowe, Business & Finance Awards UCD Smurfit School MBA Scholarship recipient 2023
Ronan Lowe is the recipient of the Business & Finance Awards UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School 2023 Scholarship. This award launched in 2021.
What made you want to pursue an MBA?
Throughout my career, I’ve held roles in accounting and finance. While these skills are important, I realised that there was more to running a business than I had been exposed to. My primary motivation for pursuing an MBA was to develop a well-rounded commercial knowledge and business acumen, and to enhance my leadership credentials. I chose UCD Smurfit because of its outstanding reputation and the high calibre of its MBA programme. The programme has a strong history of equipping its alumni with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in senior leadership roles and make a significant impact on the business world.
What have you learned through the MBA?
In the first two semesters, we covered a broad range of subjects including marketing, strategy, organisational behaviour, human resources and supply chain. For the most part, these subjects were new to me in a theoretical sense. The learning environment of the MBA includes a lot of case method learning, which facilitates critical thinking and encourages debate among the class.
Being part of a diverse cohort of professionals from various industries has expanded my professional network. Engaging with classmates, professors, and industry leaders through the programme’s events and activities has been invaluable. This exposure has broadened my perspective and provided opportunities to learn from the experiences of others.
How have you been applied these learnings to your current role?
The Smurfit MBA programme places an emphasis on becoming a skilled communicator by highlighting the importance of clear and effective communication. I have applied these principles to enhance my interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients. This has improved collaboration, facilitated smoother project management, and strengthened relationships with key stakeholders.
The best thing about doing the MBA, for me, is the dynamic and diverse nature of my class.
What was the best thing about doing the MBA?
The best thing about doing the MBA, for me, is the dynamic and diverse nature of my class. Our cohort spans a wide range of industries, which, when combined with the case method learning approach, fosters engaging discussions and provides numerous opportunities to learn from each other’s varied experiences.
Would you recommend it to prospective students and why?
I would highly recommend the Smurfit MBA, especially for those seeking to advance in leadership roles. The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that provides a deep understanding of how organisations operate, along with practical skills that are crucial for career progression. Additionally, the focus on leadership development, combined with extensive networking opportunities and personal growth experiences, makes the MBA an invaluable asset as one’s career evolves.
What advantages has the Business & Finance scholarship offered?
The support of Business & Finance has been fantastic. It has been a privilege to be the recipient of the scholarship, which has enabled me to attend a wide range of events organised by Business & Finance. This has allowed me to network with successful professionals from various industries and gain insights into innovative projects and developments. Overall, the scholarship opens doors to valuable connections and learning experiences that are crucial for professional growth.
Last chance to apply for the UCD Smurfit School Executive MBA. Applications must be submitted by August 9, 2024 and can be made online at www.smurfitschool.ie/businessandfinancescholarship.
Read more:
Ruth Baldwin: Business & Finance Awards UCD Smurfit School MBA Scholarship recipient
Éamon Fennell, MBA scholarship recipient, on his academic experience
Top 10 Financial Times ranking for UCD Smurfit School MSc in International Management
