4 remarkable women share how the UCD Smurfit School MBA programme is transforming their career paths

Elaine Donohue, Executive MBA programme

Elaine trained and qualified as an architect at the height of the recession in 2009. Then after receiving an exciting opportunity to work for Lidl Ireland, she transitioned to business management at the age of twenty-five. After managing 120 staff with full business unit responsibility, she quickly realised that she had strong commercial and people management skills and wanted to advance her career.

What inspired you to apply for the UCD Smurfit MBA programme?

“I previously completed a Master’s in International Marketing Practice and a Diploma in Strategic Growth at Smurfit Business School and really enjoyed the experience so was keen to return. I was also interested in developing a new network and connecting with dynamic senior leaders at similar career stages. 

“I like to drive transformational change; I am best suited to roles that want an innovator to drive progress and growth. I enjoy the pace and the complexity of the challenges. I have worked for the past seven years in the public/quasi-public space and really enjoy seeing the long-term impacts of your work for the common good. I particularly enjoy economic, community and rural development. My next career step is into the role of a CEO, and the MBA is providing the academic knowledge to back up my business experience.” 

Did you have any hesitation about balancing it with other life commitments?

“I took a ‘now or never’ approach! I have two children under four and life is only going to get busier. I have had great support from my husband and family, alongside the Board of Directors, in pursuing this qualification so that has really helped me day to day.”

What was the application process like?

“The application process was straightforward, I connected for an interview to review my career experience. I then spent a few weeks preparing for the entrance exam. 

“My daughter arrived twelve weeks before the programme start date, so when I got the acceptance letter, I started to plan the logistics straight away! Luckily the school has a Wellness Room for mothers to use. This was invaluable.”

How long have you been in the programme? How have you liked it so far? 

“I have finished the first term, so now 25% complete. I really enjoyed the modules to date, particularly Leadership and Organisational Behaviour. It is super being able to reference scenarios in your career as different topics emerge, learn about best practices, and hear life experiences from other classmates in different industries.

“I think it is critical to continue your professional development. As you progress to more senior levels of an organisation, it can be difficult to focus on your own development as you strive to develop and grow your team.” 

Kumuta Palan, Full-Time MBA, Recipient of the Women in MBA scholarship

Originally from Malaysia, Kumuta pursued a law degree in the UK, embarking on a career deeply rooted in the legal profession before she transitioned to business management, specialising in deal management within the energy sector. This shift was prompted by a deep introspection about where she could contribute most effectively.

Did you always want to go into business? 

“In law, your influence often hinges on your specialist knowledge and technical prowess. However, in business, success often comes from your ability to rally people around a shared vision and inspire collective excellence. This distinction sparked a realisation to re-evaluate my career trajectory. There are no right answers, just wrong reasons. It became clear that embracing opportunities outside my initial field could enrich my professional life with deeper meaning and versatility.”

What inspired you to apply for the UCD Smurfit MBA programme? 

“The UCD Smurfit MBA stood out as an ideal platform for this journey, promising not just an advancement in my career but a transformation in my approach to business. With an eye towards a future in consultancy, I viewed this programme as a comprehensive foundation, offering a blend of academic rigour and practical experience that is critical for navigating the complexities of today’s business landscape. The opportunity to work on real projects with clients through this programme was particularly appealing, promising valuable experience across different sectors and establishing a new professional network in a city that’s new to me.

“It was the distinguished alumni network that truly drew me in. This aspect highlighted the programme’s ability to not only educate but to connect, offering pathways to diverse careers through the versatility of an MBA education.” 

Did you have to overcome self-doubt before applying?

“Having to relocate from Malaysia to Ireland in support of my spouse’s career during the pandemic, I saw this career break as an opportunity to further invest in myself. Adapting to life in a new country I now consider home, I’ve learned the importance of embracing discomfort – be comfortable being uncomfortable. 

“As women, we often face the spectre of imposter syndrome, constraining ourselves within imaginary limits. However, this journey has taught me the immense potential that lies in stepping out of our comfort zones. By challenging these boundaries and adopting a mindset geared towards growth, we unlock our capacity to achieve remarkable feats. Remember, growth is a continuous journey, and by embracing the unknown, we pave the way for extraordinary achievements.”

What was the application process like?

“I received a response within two weeks. The process included an interview that provided an opportunity to present myself and my aspirations. Receiving the acceptance letter, coupled with the Women in MBA scholarship, was incredibly affirming. Attending the MBA open days, especially for those in Ireland, is invaluable. It offers a comprehensive view of the curriculum, coupled with the chance to gain insights and advice, reinforcing the assurance of a well-rounded MBA experience.”

How long have you been in the programme and how have you liked it so far? 

“The programme’s design goes beyond the traditional curriculum to include invaluable resources like a dedicated careers service and enlightening business trips. I’m particularly excited about our upcoming trips to Singapore in March and Lisbon in June, which promise to be a high point of practical learning and global exposure. One of the standout experiences so far was participating in the Global Network for Advanced Management(GNAM). This allowed me to explore sustainable finance at ESMT Berlin, an opportunity that not only broadened my perspective but also connected me with MBAs from around the globe.

“Beyond the academics and extracurricular opportunities, the MBA at Smurfit is about the networks we build. MBA Alumni Association is a testament to this, granting access to an elite, active global network of 4,000 alumni—a “network for life” that stands as a pillar of support and opportunity. Reflecting on the dynamic cohort of 32 students, with 40% women, there’s a tangible sense of community and mutual support that pervades our class.”

Shauna Kelly, Executive MBA programme

Shauna started out as an aircraft apprentice in 2001, during a time when the industry was deeply impacted by 9/11. After considering how to make herself more employable, she qualified as an aircraft engineer and completed an undergraduate degree in Communications and Information Technology. She now works for an aircraft leasing company.

What inspired you to go into business? 

“When I completed my degree, I had the opportunity to move into an office-based role back in Dublin and it was during this time that I went on to study for a Diploma in Aviation Leasing and Finance through the Law Society of Ireland.

“During Covid, as the airline industry was again hit by a seismic shock and we put aircraft into storage, work was quiet and this gave me some time to look at my life and career. I had been with the same company since my apprenticeship twenty years previous and they had been very good to me, offering a range of interesting roles. But I felt that I needed a change if I was to push myself forward, so I took a job offer with an aircraft leasing company as part of their technical team.” 

What inspired you to apply for the UCD Smurfit MBA programme?

“Being exposed to the financial end of the aircraft leasing industry opened my eyes to the broader world of business and gave me opportunities to explore roles beyond my current subject matter. My sister completed the MSc in Management through Smurfit a couple of years ago and recommended it as a school.”

Did you have any hesitation about balancing it with other life commitments?

“I was concerned about the time commitment, and this has been a challenge. An MBA is a serious undertaking, and you need to realise that going into it and plan accordingly, say goodbye to your long weekends and say hello to the UCD Library! You need a good support network around you, people who can help when things start to go sideways, I am lucky that there are people in my network who have completed the MBA and have been able to give me guidance.

Did you have to overcome any self-doubt before applying?

“Also, as a member of a minority group I suffer from stereotype threat, every decision I make has a connection with ‘if I do this will it impact negatively on people like me and make it harder for them in the future’. I was terrified before I started the MBA that I wouldn’t be able to keep up, I imagined that every person in the class would be a superhuman (they are), but I have also surprised myself in that I have risen to the required level and for now have been able to keep up. UCD have also been very supportive and reassuring to me. This has given me confidence that I am able to do all the things needed to be a successful high contributor to my class, my business and in life.”

What have been your favourite modules to date?

“We are into our second semester now and are about to start into Corporate Finance which I am really looking forward to, this relates a lot to the industry that I am in, so it is great to be exploring this in detail, it is one of the modules that I highlighted as a value add when looking at the various modules on the programme. 

“In the last semester, I really enjoyed the Leadership and Organisational Behaviour module. Ashley Hughes is a breath of fresh air on a topic that on paper could be a challenge. I enjoyed it from start to finish and learned as much about myself as I did about anything else!” 

How have you been able to apply what you’ve learned from the programme in your day-to-day role?

“The MBA is structured so that you can bring learnings into your every day, for instance, my updates to stakeholders are very different now that I understand better what different department teams require. Also, having a better grasp of the financial aspects is a lifelong skill that I will always use, both professionally and personally. I think that is something that has really surprised me, the number of things that I bring from the MBA into all aspects of my life, not just at work.”

Dr Sarah-Jane Yeung, Executive MBA programme

Sarah-Jane grew up in Finglas and was born to an Irish mother and a Chinese father, both of whom were denied the opportunity to receive an education. As the only mixed-race child in her class, she always felt the drive to excel and was awarded Permanent TSB SILS National Young Achiever of the Year during her Transition Year at St Michael’s HFS for her participation in the SILS mini-company competition. She then went on to study medicine at UCD and holds a Fellowship of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, UK.

What prompted you to go into business?

“In my role as a Consultant in Emergency Medicine, I support a highly skilled and enthusiastic multidisciplinary team which delivers care to patients in extremely challenging circumstances. I believe that in order to influence change in a company or organisation, one needs to be collaborative, innovative and capable of thinking outside the box. 

“I am keen to understand the wider business world and how it interacts with medicine. I believe in harnessing the power of digital transformation to drive healthcare into a new era,  making healthcare more accessible and readily available for everyone.”

What inspired you to apply for the UCD Smurfit MBA programme?

“Being a graduate of UCD, it was my natural choice. Smurfit is one of the most celebrated MBA Schools in the world with the triple crown of accreditation, EQUIS (Europe), AACSB (US), and AMBA (UK).

“It took much consideration on my part, as it is a significant commitment while working a full-time medical job. The commitment invested in the course gives back tenfold what you put in. It has been such a vibrant learning experience enriched by my classmates’ knowledge, experience, and support. The faculty are excellent.”

How did you feel when you received your acceptance letter?

“I was absolutely delighted to receive my letter of application. I am so grateful to be part of not only the first MBA class to have a female majority but also a class of phenomenally talented and exceptional individuals, who I already know will be my friends for life.”

What’s your dream job after graduation?

“I am currently the Clinical Lead at Emergency Medicine at Beaumont Hospital for Project Coral – a digital transformation project which will revolutionise how we operate our hospital. I hope to continue to work in the fascinating arena of eHealth into the future as I believe we are entering an era where the utilisation of technology and strategic innovation can transform how we deliver, and people access healthcare. Digital transformation can facilitate a healthcare system which is efficient, effective, and equitable while remaining affordable and accessible for all.”

Where do you go for inspiration?

“Today, I am in one of the most privileged positions in the world, being able to care for people in some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. When I look back over my life, I always see the small moments that made a difference. Never take your small moments for granted. Put one foot in front of the other, always, no matter how difficult. You’ll never find who or where you are meant to be in the world standing still and as Simon Sinek says, ‘Know your Why?’.”