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Alumni Testimonials

Lifelong learning is the cornerstone of UCD Smurfit Executive Development’s approach. No matter how far you have advanced in your career, there are always new insights to uncover, different mind-sets to explore and more opportunities for growth. Smurfit Executive Development’s transformational experience has made an impact on executives around the globe. Here are a few stories from participants who embraced their Diploma in Business Finance journeys and emerged equipped to grow themselves, their teams and their organisations.

Ronnie McArdle, Managing Director, McArdle Doyle Limited

Ronnie McArdle, Managing Director, McArdle Doyle Limited

"As a small business owner with no financial background ,the Diploma in Business Finance exceeded my expectations. I had concerns that the topics may be structured to large organisations but the lecturers related the diploma topics to the business and financial challenges that face all businesses, irrespective of scale. The learning environment was very positive and diverse. The financial success of our company has improved through the knowledge and practices I have implemented with our financial team, as result of the Diploma in Business Finance programme."

Caroline Kelleher, Director of Project Management Centre of Excellence at Agilent Technologies

Caroline Kelleher, Director of Project Management Centre of Excellence at Agilent Technologies

"I found the diploma provided me with the “financial language” to interact with the corporate finance functions within my organisation far more effectively. For example, having the knowledge to use a metric such as net present value to contribute to decisions around the profitability of projected investments in service offerings. The management of the programme, balancing of individual and class work combined with great access to lecturers both inside and outside the classroom led to an exceptionally productive, beneficial, and enjoyable personal experience. Furthermore, the real-world experience of the lecturers was top drawer and current, which seeded a foundation of practicality that ran throughout the course."

Dara Brady, Account Manager, Enet

Dara Brady, Account Manager, Enet

"I don’t come from a financial background and was always slightly reluctant to engage fully with my finance team due to a lack of confidence in my ability to speak their language.
Taking this course has significantly improved my understanding of key financial concepts that the financial team in Enet work with on a daily basis, and has enabled me to have the confidence to have more informed discussions in my day-to-day interactions with them.
I found the delivery of this course to be excellent. Complex concepts were delivered in a very digestible manner by an incredibly approachable faculty who made a fantastic effort to ensure the classes and materials were relevant and engaging.
I’d highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to advance in their career and requires a greater understanding of the financial landscape to do so."

Paddy Darcy, International Sales Manager, Lakeland Dairies

Paddy Darcy, International Sales Manager, Lakeland Dairies

"This Diploma in Business Finance helped me to gain a deeper understanding of how our business operates from a financial perspective. The coursework was engaging and challenging with the modules on cost management and International Financing especially interesting to me in my current role. The lecturers really are first-class. The mix of industry professionals among the academic professors was the perfect balance in delivering the practical, and relevant course material. The interaction with the rest of the class was most enjoyable. This course exceeded my expectations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to broaden their financial knowledge."

Deborah Meghen, Director of Stewardship, Risk & Advocacy Coillte

Deborah Meghen, Director of Stewardship, Risk & Advocacy Coillte

"This diploma is the perfect programme for senior managers who do not come from a financial background but make key financial decisions every day. The programme enables participants to develop a good understanding of key financial metrics which in turn leads to assured decision making. Overall the diploma significantly increased my financial awareness and confidence in leading new business opportunities."

Owen Moore, Director Formulation & Supply Chain at Astellas Ireland Kerry Plant

Owen Moore, Director Formulation & Supply Chain at Astellas Ireland Kerry Plant

"Having successfully gained and applied knowledge and skills throughout my career on budgetary control and capital expenditure, it has been an eye opening experience to learn the business financial fundamentals. Through the varied syllabus I found the Diploma in Business Finance delivered the tools which enabled me to make more informed financial decisions and to more positively engage in the financial success of my organisation. It was a very enjoyable learning experience, delivered with enthusiasm by a range of industry experts, allowing for very rich exchanges of ideas and experiences with fellow executives. The environment was both a positive and stimulating one.”

Graham Fagan, Head of Employee Relations at Bus Eireann

Graham Fagan, Head of Employee Relations at Bus Eireann

"The Diploma in Business Finance certainly lived up to all my expectations. I found the syllabus enhanced my learning of business financials and cost management and empowered me to relate this learning back to my role. Coming from diverse backgrounds, both academic and professional, the lecturers related the programme to current business issues and solutions and the combination of classroom learning and working in smaller groups allowed for very rich discussions. The programme was very enjoyable and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to others."

Tom Ryan, Asset Management at Grant Thornton LLP

Tom Ryan, Asset Management at Grant Thornton LLP

"I found the course brilliant and didn’t realise just how relevant it would be. In my current role, I support the financial reporting team, helping them with the preparation of financial statements for clients. The first module in the diploma was understanding financial statements, so it was really beneficial. The lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable and come from a range of backgrounds. I would 100 per cent recommend this diploma. I didn’t think I would learn as much and I was able to relate everything back to what I was doing in work."

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