Your Career | UCD Smurfit School

Career Opportunities

Students of the MSc in Human Resource Management are prepared for a career in private and public sector organisations, employer associations and trade unions and the research, consultancy and teaching professions.

Graduates are traditionally employed in a wide range of sectors (private and public sector organisations, trade unions, research and consultancy) and companies (Google, Microsoft, Facebook, LinkedIn, Diageo, Accenture, Mercer and PwC, amongst others).

92% 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:

HR Consultant
Talent Performance Specialist
HR Business Partner
Client Services

Companies hiring our graduates include

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.

Learn more about the UCD Careers Network

Getting Started: Set-up for Success

Building Career Skills & Professional Networks

Success at Interview and Professional Brand Building

Cathal Ryan

HR Graduate Lidl Ireland, MSc HRM 2024

“This course offered me a rich introduction to key HR topics such as employment law, talent development and people analytics, brought to life through highly engaging and interactive lectures. I was especially impressed by the support and dedication of the lecturers. Another highlight was the meaningful connections that I made with both classmates and faculty, helping me to create a strong professional and social network.”

Marie Sievert

MSc. in Human Resource Management 2024, People Operations Specialist at Ericsson

I chose UCD Smurfit because it is Irelands best Business School and it gives me the chance to kickstart my career with an amazing education. I chose the MSc. Human Resource Management to play a leading role in the development of organizations with employees being the main focus instead of solely focusing on costs.

EmmaJane Byrne

HR Projects & Data Insights Specialist at Vodafone, MSc HRM 2022

"My undergraduate degree at UCD Quinn School of Business instilled a passion for HRM that led me to pursue an MSc in Human Resource Management at UCD Smurfit. You will learn about the changing world of work, including hybrid and remote work, diversity and inclusion agendas, employment law as well as the dynamic voluntary trade union scene in Ireland. Modules are seamlessly integrated to prepare you for excellence in HR, employment relations, strategic management, and so much more as you embark upon your career. The programme will not only provide you with in-depth learning, but also give you a chance to make lifelong friends and academic colleagues who are truly excited about helping you thrive in the rapidly growing and in-demand field of human resources."

Lisa Higgins

People Experience Advisor at eBay, MSc Human Resource Management 2022

"Returning to education after nearly 10 years felt like a daunting task but the lecturers and staff at Smurfit streamlined my transition through their incredible support. The MSc opened many doors by exponentially expanding my HR network both in Ireland and abroad. It equipped me with vital knowledge of the ever-changing employment landscape in Ireland and provided international opportunities to take part in an exchange program with the Industrial and Labor Relations School, Cornell University in New York. The dynamic learning and network opportunities from the MSc is cultivating the next generation of HR leaders."

Laura Kerin

Employer Relations Executive at Ibec, MSc HRM 2022

"The MSc in Human Resource Management is one of the best, most comprehensive HR/IR courses available in the country. The outstanding value of this degree can be found in the exceptional support provided by staff, the incredible expertise of the lecturers, the diverse range of networking opportunities available to students, and the globally recognised reputation of the Smurfit School. I also enjoyed the opportunity to explore and tailor the degree to suit my interests. In addition, the learnings that I have gained from this degree, both practical and theoretical, have been instrumental in my career development post-graduation."

Vivienne Kenny

MSc HRM 2021, Human Capital Manager at Deloitte

“The MSc in Human Resource Management provides the perfect blend of academic and practical insight into the areas of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations. Delivered by outstanding lecturers, this course is perfect for anyone wishing to pursue a career in the people side of business - an increasingly important area for organisations.”

Ronan Fahy

MSc HRM 2020, MERC Partners/Spencer Stuart Award Recipient

"Coming from a non-business background, I wanted to find a highly reputable Masters that facilitated my transition into the practical and strategic realm of the business world. UCD Smurfit’s MSc in HRM was therefore a no-brainer as it more than catered for this need, boasting a prospectus of practical modules and reputable lecturers covering the entire breadth of the field. I recommend this course to any opportunistic individual seeking to surpass their own personal goals and aspirations."

MSc in Human Resource Management