UCD Smurfit School and Wonda redefine MBA career prep with world-first immersive AI interview simulations
- Date: Fri, Feb 6, 2026
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UCD Smurfit Careers Network has partnered with Wonda to launch an immersive, AI-enabled interview simulation for MBA employability development.
AI generated graphic stating: Embedding AI into Employability Learning
The customised, integrated initiative is believed to be the first of its kind globally for MBA students.
The new experience is rolling out to students on the UCD Smurfit School MBA Programme this week, as part of LEAP (Leadership and Employability Advancement Programme), the School’s award-winning employability module.
The simulation replicates an industry-standard behavioural interview in a full 30-minute format, reflecting the pace, structure and probing follow-up questions candidates can expect in live recruitment. It is built on Smurfit’s LEAP Employability Framework, developed in consultation with leading global employers, so that students can practise the behaviours employers assess and receive feedback using clear, workplace-relevant language.
“UCD Smurfit Careers Network is committed to staying at the leading edge of global business school career education and both students and employers look to us to lead in this space,” said Louise Campbell, Head of Smurfit Careers Network.
“By embedding immersive interview simulations into LEAP, we give students a safe, flexible way to practise realistically, improve quickly, and build confidence, supported by coaching and reflection.”
A key feature of the initiative is that the AI simulation is embedded within LEAP’s core assessment and development pathway. After completing the simulation, students receive a transcript and structured feedback aligned to LEAP, which then inform human-led review and coaching conversations. This creates a simple, integrated development loop that supports improvement over time: practise, review, debrief, then practise again.
To bring the simulations to life, the School partnered with Wonda, a platform where learners engage in conversation simulations that offer instant feedback. The insights are designed to transform practice into lasting performance.
“We’re excited to partner with UCD Smurfit School to bring scalable, realistic immersive simulations to MBA careers using Wonda Pro, letting students rehearse real employer conversations, learn from objective feedback, and build the confidence and measurable skills employers look for,” said Arnaud Dressen, CEO of Wonda.
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