UCD Global Indian Alumni
13
Shubham Banerjee MSc International Business 2018-2019 With an undergraduate degree in Finance and International Business, I was looking at furthering my understanding of the global markets. The course (M.Sc. International Business) offered by UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School was structured in a way which allowed a healthy amalgamation of traditional lectures and applied learning. Multiple applied projects and the option of undertaking a Consultancy Project (opportunity to work with a real company on a project) in the final semester gave me the ideal opportunity to apply my learnings in the real world. This helped me hone some critical soft skills which in my opinion has made me not only ‘Educated’ but also ‘Employable.’ To say the least, the last year at Smurfit saw me grow as a student, gain cultural experiences, learn new things and forge friendships for life. VIKAS PRASANNA MSc Digital Innovation 2017-2018 Why did you choose UCD? And why Ireland? It’s a funny story, to be honest, I initially planned to pursue a master’s degree in the US, but had a hard time arranging my finances. So, when I looked at other options that would cost me less but did not compromise on the quality and standards of education, UCD happened to be right up that list. In 2016, the Irish market was just starting to see that spur of growth in the IT sector. With the news of Brexit looming hot and cold back then, my personal research suggested that the IT market was ready to take off as the country would be the only English speaking nation in the EU that shared the same time zone as the UK as well as providing a great FDI environment. My personal highlight of this programme was the wide array of perceptions that I was able to witness during the study year that consistently amazed me – and this happened only because there were students from at least 10 different countries sitting in the same room. Career advice for future students? A lot of you will walk into the college thinking it’s going to be the same life in a jazzy world, but the reality is that you’ll walk out of the same place as completely new people with a better understanding of life when you graduate. The bubble we live in will surely expand on many fronts. My sincere advice is don’t isolate yourself. The pressure to perform will be high – be open-minded and embrace all the difficulties that come in your way. You will get wha t you want, only if you fight for it until the end. Make some really good friends and keep them close to you as you would keep your family. At the end of the day, your friends’ circle will be the most influential part of this journey!
