Career Opportunities
The MSc in Aviation Finance from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School gives you the specialised skills and knowledge you need for a career in the aviation finance and leasing sector. 89% of our graduates from this programme were employed after 6 months across a range of industry sectors. Source: Latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, published in September 2025.
Potential careers for our graduates include:
- Credit Risk Analysis
- Pricing Analyst
- Financial Modeling
- Treasury Analyst
- Risk Management
- Aviation Leasing Marketing and Negotiations
Companies hiring our graduates include
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Joe Kelly
MSc Aviation Finance 2024, Pricing Analyst AerCap
“This course provides students with strong financial and business competencies as well as transferable industry-specific skills. Students are exposed to all facets of aviation including commercial, technical, legal, financial and economic disciplines. Outside the classroom, corporate open days, industry events and class trips all further enhance the rich learning experience.“
Keelin McGrath
MSc Aviation Finance 2020, Senior Analyst - Commercial Insights at Avolon
"After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Business and Law, I chose to study the MSc Aviation Finance in the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business school as I wanted to obtain a focused education which would allow me to build a career in the Aviation Industry. Indeed, my time in Smurfit did just that. The course curriculum was crafted by a collaboration between experienced faculty and industry experts which ensured I gained the base knowledge and skill set I needed to commence a career in the Aircraft Leasing Industry. Additionally, the seminars and company visits, which formed part of the course, allowed students to gain great exposure to the industry and an understanding of how the industry works in practice. Finally, the learning environment struck a great balance between teamwork, collaboration and independent learning. I am delighted and grateful to have attended the UCD Smurfit School."
Brandon Sharkey
MSc Aviation Finance 2020, Trading Associate, Associate Vice President of Trading & Pricing at World Star Aviation
"The MSc in Aviation Finance has enabled me with both the knowledge and the skillset to secure a role at one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors. The academic staff have an abundance of industry experience and I would highly recommend the course to those looking to break into what is one of Ireland’s most dynamic and successful industries."
UCD Smurfit Careers Network
The UCD Smurfit Careers Network team will work with you to define your career path and support you in developing the career-related skills, know-how, and confidence to pursue your post-MSc career goals. Our holistic programme is designed to support you at key points in your career development. Our programme is structured into three key stages, designed to support you in building and driving your own career.
A variety of workshops, events, one-to-one career appointments and access to a range of online tools and resources prepare you for future opportunities.
Discover our Rankings and Accreditations
