DCU Executive MBA helps business leaders thrive
Former student and global lead at EY Metaverse Lab, Domhnaill Hernon, says the course helped round out his tech-heavy skills, enabling him to relate his knowledge to the world of enterprise
From honing leadership skills and expanding professional networks to fostering personal growth, DCU’s Executive MBA programme equips executives with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern business landscape.
“DCU’s EMBA really helped round out my education, bringing in the language and methodology of business on top of the strong technology training and education I had prior to the programme,” said global lead EY Metaverse Lab, Domhnaill Hernon.
Hernon entered the workplace straight after obtaining a PhD in aerodynamics.
“My first job was working as a researcher in an industrial research lab within a telecommunications company,” he said. “I was surrounded by PhD-level researchers who were academic in their approach to solving problems.
“I naturally gravitate more towards the product and business impact side of my research, and quickly realised that it would be beneficial to have more formal training in the language and methodology of business in addition to my education in technology and engineering.”
Hernon moved between disciplines frequently. “People often tell me my career path isn’t an obvious one,” he said. “Straight out of college I moved from aerodynamics into thermal science, and every couple of years I have moved into new leadership roles across sometimes vastly different disciplines.”
Following his EMBA at Dublin City University Business School, Hernon was asked by his employers to move to their research HQ in New Jersey to take on more responsibility. “Towards the end of my 15-year career there, I led an organisation called Innovation Incubation, turning research proof of concepts into products across software and hardware.
“I also started an artist-in-residence initiative seeking to humanise our technology development. Two years ago, I joined EY to lead their efforts in building up capability in the metaverse.”
When Hernon started the executive MBA, he had already amassed a lot of practical experience. “The DCU EMBA really helped round that out with formal training and methodology. In particular the depth that the EMBA went into on strategy, finance and personal learning was extremely beneficial to me because that wasn’t a core part of my education in aeronautical engineering.
“I also learned a lot from the other participants in the EMBA at DCU, who came from different industries and had a range of experience. I learned as much from my EMBA classmates as I did from the formal EMBA, and I think this is a slightly undervalued aspect of an Executive MBA,” Hernon said.
With an EMBA, professionals become more competitive candidates for promotions, salary increases and coveted job opportunities. With the DCU EMBA, Hernon said he can now engage any executive at the C-suite level across all aspects of a business, from strategy to marketing to finance.
“I bring my deep technology expertise to the conversation and I can translate technology into business value creation. Whereas many technologists can only speak the language of technology, I believe the DCU EMBA provided me with the education to broaden my vocabulary and knowledge to engage a broader audience and to open up broader value creation opportunities,” Hernon said.
DCU’s MBA programme provides a comprehensive curriculum that equips individuals with a diverse set of business skills. From finance and marketing to operations and leadership, the programme covers all aspects of modern business practices.
“If you are looking to learn and grow, the EMBA at DCU will be a great experience. The teaching staff are excellent, the projects and courses outside of class are extremely informative and it is likely that you will learn a lot from your classmates. There is no doubt that having an EMBA on your resume will be of benefit if you are looking to progress your career,” Hernon said.
“It does take effort when doing an Executive MBA. Typically you are also working full time, so you need to be committed to get the most out of it. But well worth it in the end.”
DCU’s EMBA programme has a strong alumni network that builds lifelong connections. These networks not only provide access to valuable insights and industry expertise but also serve as a support system throughout your professional journey.
“I know my classmates back in Ireland are engaged and DCU does a great job providing regular events and learning opportunities,” he said.
If you are ready to embrace the transformation and elevate your professional journey, see business.dcu.ie/mba
