Distance learning Master in Management

Name: Ciaran McManus

Age: 35

Primary degree: Electrical Engineering, UCD (1998)

Postgraduate degrees: Distance learning Master in Management, UCD School of Business (2012)

I have been employed by ESB Energy International, a Dublin-based energy company, for ten years. Prior to my current role as Group Safety Manager I worked on several power generation projects, from new builds to retrofits, mainly in commissioning and project management roles. I have also gained extensive site experience at plants in Ireland, Germany, Finland and the UK.

From an engineering perspective, I realised I wanted to complement my technical expertise with management experience and felt that a masters degree was the best approach. The Master in Management (MiM) programme offered by UCD was the ideal choice for me as it is designed for non-business graduates seeking to gain a well-rounded knowledge of the theories, practices and skills of business and management.

More than a degree of flexibility

The flexibility of this part time, distance learning course was its key appeal for me because it made allowances for my full-time occupation. I attend college eight weekends per academic year so I still get face-to-face time at lectures. The lectures complement the majority of my study which is completed via distance learning. A range of student supports are also in place outside of block release weekends, including a learning support officer and comprehensive study guides for each module.

I really enjoy the classroom-based activities; they are an important component of the course and provide interesting debate and discussion with lecturers and classmates. We have a monthly 'health-check' with our lecturer to ensure that we’re all on the right track and I rely on my weekly study calendar to keep focused.

I made a big effort to research my options before committing to this course: I spoke to course mentors and managers to ensure it was the right fit for me. Getting through the course material is challenging but I had an appreciation for the effort required. That said, I'm really enjoying it as I have the freedom to explore my own ideas in depth, which involves creativity and research.

The MiM is divided into 12 modules spread over two years. Most modules are designed to teach students the fundamentals of each area within a business – such as finance, legal, HR – and how they are applied practically. For example I am just finishing a module on human resource management (HRM). The course takes you through the evolution of HRM, works through the leading theories and examines how they are applied in the field. The module is complemented by completing projects on a company of my choice.

Unfortunately, in the current economic climate it has become more relevant to undertake fourth level education and to keep a job while studying. My first commitment is to my job, but because of the course structure, it does not distract me from my work. Although I do the majority of my study in the evenings and weekends, ESB Energy International allows me a number of study days if I need them. My company is very accommodating in this respect.

As to whether the MiM will help me up the career ladder in the future, that's all down to my overall performance, but the course has certainly enhanced my personal development. It's very easy to focus exclusively on your own specialist area and not to be aware of what's happening in other parts of a business. I enjoy the challenge of learning about other areas and I believe I have become a more rounded professional because this course has allowed me stretch boundaries. If there are opportunities in the future, then I want to be ready for them.

Tips for postgraduates

Engineers who want to get involved in management should obtain a specialist qualification. If you’re thinking about it, don't rush straight in but instead make sure that you're ready and that it fits in with your career goals. I waited a couple of years before I took the plunge as I wanted to be sure that I had the time and inclination to put the work in. Being prepared makes all the difference.