Maura Rose McMahon

CEO, GEMS Africa Institutes of Teacher Training

The UCC Executive MBA gave me the skills and knowledge to take my career to the next level. 

The coursework in strategic planning and finance in particular provided strong programme foundations, while modules in corporate governance, marketing, economics, and HR provided helpful underpinnings. 

The sequencing of the curricula gave participants the opportunity to link theory with practice for deeper learning, and the annual study trips provided an authentic assessment of our ability to work as a diverse team of consultants on a range of business issues in an international context. 

There was an enormous amount of effort put into programme coordination and on-going evaluation by Joan and Senan to ensure the best fit for all participants.  

Additional inputs to the programme included on-going coaching and a number of other leadership related workshops to assist those of us who were in the process or planning to transition in roles.    

The January start date and the weekly lecture delivery were also key for me in terms of selecting this programme over others.

UCC offers unique connections outside of Dublin, and a personalised approach to programme delivery.  

The diverse range of students ensured a critical approach to ideas generation in a safe and supportive environment; there was a good mix of gender, sectors, and international students which was another important factor for me in terms of breadth of experience and outlook. 

I really enjoyed the two year UCC Executive MBA and would highly recommend it. 

It met the acid test of cracking the glass ceiling as within a month of finishing I had been offered a CEO post. 

As a further testament to the programme, the majority of our class continues to meet regularly for a variety of purposes including on-going CPD, and I suspect many will remain lifelong friends.