Alumni Insights
Our Alumni are the ultimate ambassadors of the UCD Smurfit School learning experience. They provide the most concrete proof of the excellence that typifies our School. Visit our MSc Alumni Stories page and Video Gallery to learn more about the experiences of our graduates and the key role their Masters has played in their professional life.
Katharina Auster
CEMS Masters in International Management 2024, Sales Development Representative German Market, Salesforce, Dublin
"Pursuing the MSc in International Management (CEMS) MiM at UCD Smurfit allowed me to build on my globally-oriented undergraduate experience. I wanted to continue learning in a cross-cultural environment that could also provide the practical business connections I needed to launch my career. I chose UCD specifically because of its strong ties to the tech world and the CEMS network, which I knew would help bridge the gap between my academic foundation and my professional ambitions. Thanks to the guidance and support of the alumni network—as well as the incredibly dedicated UCD team—I was able to clarify my career direction and build the confidence to step into my current role. I’m truly grateful for the experience, the people I met and the foundation it provided for my professional journey."
Fabian Villing
CEMS Masters in International Management 2023, Associate, Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
"I chose to pursue the CEMS Masters in International Management at UCD Smurfit because of its focus on providing international exposure, fostering a strong alumni network and imparting practical insights essential for my future career. Through both rigorous academic teaching as well as an international and diverse student body, UCD provided an ideal setting for not only deepening my academic knowledge but also for growing as a professional.
In a nutshell, the programme’s extensive alumni network and industry connections facilitated invaluable networking opportunities for my future career, while its emphasis on practical learning equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to excel in my graduate job. I am looking back on a year full of diverse growth experiences, valuable learnings and of course countless new friendships!"
Maxence Vidal
CEMS Masters in International Management 2021, Incident Manager, TikTok
“Deciding to pursue the double degree MSc in International Management and CEMS MiM at UCD Smurfit, I knew that I was making a significant investment in my future. I wanted to challenge myself and take my education to the next level, and this programme provided me with the skills, knowledge, and experiences I needed to achieve my goals. Firstly, I have always believed that international exposure contributes more to my personal and professional growth which made this programme a perfect fit for me. Secondly, I wanted to obtain a degree that would open doors in various industries, such as consulting or tech, both of which I have had the privilege of working in. Finally, I was eager to build a network that I could rely on and tap into for the rest of my career, while also making great friends along the way. Overall, my experience was transformative, challenging me to think critically, develop new skills, and explore new opportunities gaining knowledge and experiences that will continue to benefit me throughout my career.”
Lee Weisgerber
CEMS Masters in International Management 2020, Attachée de légation at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Luxembourg
"My decision to pursue the double degree MSc in International Management and CEMS MiM at UCD Smurfit was driven by my intellectual curiosity and passion to immerse myself in international environments. Already during the admission process, the staff and faculty were extremely welcoming, and it became obvious that, to round off my academic career, a double Master’s at UCD would be exactly the challenge I was seeking. What I appreciated most, was the possibility to design the program based on my personal interests, not only through choosing from a broad range of courses but also through the various opportunities to get involved in the student community and gain international experience at one of the 34 CEMS partner universities. A love for collaboration and personal growth are two things, I continue to carry forward from my time at UCD and which help me in my professional career to this day."
Where are our Alumni now?
Aritta Padmaperuma
Class of 2023. Wealth Consulting @ Aon
Since completing the CEMS programme, Aritta joined Aon’s Graduate Programme in Wealth Consulting and has since progressed to the role of Junior Wealth Consultant. In his current role, he manages corporate pension schemes and works closely with clients to deliver tailored, industry-leading solutions in the wealth management field. The CEMS experience equipped Aritta with international exposure, analytical capabilities, and a strong collaborative skillset, which continue to support his professional growth at Aon.
Martina Del Borrello
Class of 2023. Sales Development Representative @ Salesforce
After completing her CEMS Master’s in International Management, Martina joined the European Central Bank in Frankfurt as part of the service delivery team, contributing to IT project planning and execution. She was also one of the facilitators of the ECB Trainee Community, launching impactful initiatives to support more than 200 new joiners. She is now back in Dublin as a Sales Development Representative at Salesforce, working closely with Italian SMEs and start ups to support their digital transformation journey. Her experience so far reflects a passion for innovation, community building, and empowering businesses through technology.
Timo Wirke
Class of 2024. Consultant in the Finance Transformation team @ Capgemini Invent
Since completing the CEMS Master's in International Management programme, Timo has moved to Munich, Germany, to return to Capgemini Invent after his academic leave. He is now working as a Consultant in the Finance Transformation team, helping to shape the future for CFOs. Outside of work, Timo enjoys life in Munich and spending time in the mountains with fellow CEMS alumni.
Nathalie Guillium
Class of 2023. Management Trainee REWE Far East
During her studies, Nathalie focused on strategy, marketing, and retail innovation. After a year in consulting, she began a new chapter as a Management Trainee at REWE Far East, the sourcing organisation of REWE Group, one of Germany’s largest retailers. She relocated to Hong Kong, where she now acts as a bridge between German buyers and suppliers across Asia. Highlights so far include visiting a production site in China and attending the Canton Fair, one of the world’s largest trade shows. Nathalie truly enjoys the experience and couldn’t have chosen a better path after graduating from UCD.
UCD Business Alumni Network
UCD Business Alumni comprises a global network of over 90,000 graduates in over 100 countries. The key focus of UCD Business Alumni is to help our business graduates keep in touch with colleagues, classmates, academics and the wider business community through a range of alumni activities and supports. Our goal is to create a strong alumni community and network, with the school as the focal point. We are focused on building a life-long mutually beneficial relationship with graduates to ensure that they are constantly informed and engaged through regular events, reunions and communications.
Find out more about the UCD Business Alumni Network and how you can become involved.












