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 Advanced Management Performance journeys and emerged equipped to grow themselves, their teams and their organisations.
Aisling Donnelly, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Vodafone
"Smurfit’s AMP diploma prepares you to meet the demands and challenges you face with the knowledge, skills, and instincts to act more decisively and think more strategically. In addition to learning the latest business practices, insights, and trends, you will examine yourself as a leader, exploring your strengths and challenges, developing greater leadership presence, and deepening your emotional intelligence."
Marcus Ó Buachalla, Head of Communications, Leinster Rugby
"The programme's comprehensive curriculum provides you with a full range of managerial insights, including how to effectively use your managerial power to build trust and motivate people; enhance your financial and accounting acumen; boost your marketing and communications impact; and improve your operational and strategic decision-making abilities. I would highly recommend this programme."
Aidan Barry, Head of Racing and Sports at Paddy Power Betfair
"The programme provides a 360-degree view with the manager in the middle of everything. The participants and their varied experiences made it even more interesting.The faculty, case studies, and overall structure of the programme was very good. The programme hit on all the key elements needed for one to grow in the area of general management."
Éamon Fennell, National Acc Mgr, Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Co.
“There was no one module that stood out, as cliché as it sounds, I really enjoyed them all! This was down to the faculty team making each module interactive and engaging but also because I had great classmates. The support you receive from your classmates and the learnings you can take from their industries is invaluable.”
Ross Spelman, EY Ireland Cyber Security Director and Lead
"The Diploma provided me with a very practical set of skills to effectively manage business objectives, deliver high-value outcomes and lead teams. The taught programme and shared classroom experiences developed invaluable insight into core management concepts and relatable business challenges."
Maxine Enright, Global Customer Care Excellence Director at Kerry
"I found it to be a transformative and hugely valuable learning opportunity. It provided practical and transferable management practices and strategies that I have been able to call on in my role and has provided the blueprint when developing strategic plans and the ability to put key concepts into practice. The module Personal Impact and Presence especially resonated and provided fundamental insights and practices to develop not only as a leader, but as an individual. I was able to draw parallels with the discussions in class, the learnings and examples from the case studies and the actual challenges and change I face in my own role. It was a thoroughly enjoyable & worthwhile learning experience."
Mary Matthews, Financial Controller, Dancor Civil Engineering Ltd
"The Diploma strengthened my knowledge and understanding of key business functions and how value is created by integrating functional capabilities. It helped to enhance my performance in my current role whilst at the same time reinforcing my skills to take on new responsibilities."
Jim Scheer, Head of Dept, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
"The Diploma in Advanced Management Performance provided me with a very practical tool-kit to more efficiently and effectively manage my team. The teaching methods and shared classroom experiences with peers provided a lasting memory of management concepts that will not just enable competence, but excellence. The programme covered the breadth of issues a senior manager must have competence in, and the qualification will help position me to succeed in a more senior role in the future. I really enjoyed the diploma and the workload was tailored well to fit in with my fulltime job."
Catherine Jordan, Membership Mgr, Royal College of Surgeons
"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The AMP course in particular was a wonderful beginning to my MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice) as it gave a very broad overview of business strategy, organisational culture, marketing, finance and also getting that work life balance which has become so important in modern and frenetic times. What appealed to me most was the practicality of the course and the generosity of my classmates in sharing their very honest experience and feedback from within a variety of roles. The application of the learnings of each module within the post module assignments were powerful within my role, giving me confidence to contribute positively as a member of the management team and in making real and impactful changes."
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