Student Experience – MSc in Talent, Leadership & Strategic HRM based at Dublin City University.

My own masters’ journey began as an aspiration in 2018 when my eldest daughter had just completed a one-year full-time master’s programme and I witnessed first-hand the enormous benefits and potential of further study. However, I could not quite see how I could devote the time to such an undertaking as I was working full time in a very demanding HR role. I was constantly on the lookout for a suitable master’s programme and spoke to a number of different colleges to enquire about their offering, the modules available and the time commitment required.

In early Summer 2020, I came upon the Masters in Talent, Leadership & Strategic HRM based at Dublin City University. The two-year part-time programme was ideal but it was the modules on offer that really interested me and encouraged me to delve a bit deeper. I met with Dr John McMackin, Assistant Professor at DCU Business School, and Chair of the School’s MSc in Talent, leadership and HR Strategy programme. This proved to be an invaluable meeting as John set out very clearly the programme content, commitment and expectations. After carefully reflecting on our conversation, I made my application and was delighted to have it accepted.

From the outset, the Master’s programme provided a constant source of certainty, comfort and community as we navigated through the challenges and disruption caused by the pandemic. For the first-year classes were held virtually, and in our second year, we enjoyed coming together for in-person classes- which has been fantastic. Thirty-six of us started this journey back in September 2020 and we have remained united supporting each other, despite all the demands of working in HR over the past two years.

The Masters in Talent, Leadership & Strategic HRM has provided a highly valuable place for HR professionals to come together, discuss and make sense of the external environment. The modules are delivered expertly with plenty of industry experts and renowned academics contributing as guest lecturers. The module in Talent Management delivered by Professor David Collings was of particular interest to me. We were fortunate to be guided through this topic by an acclaimed thought leader in the field.

Each of the modules is immensely relevant to the future of work and HR professionals, the lecturers are leaders in their field and have facilitated a rich learning journey throughout. Our programme Chair, Dr John McMackin is a great source of confidence and support to each one of us.

I have shared this master’s journey with an incredible group of people. We are a happy, diverse, vocal bunch which makes for great discussions and a strong sense of purpose. Assignments consist of group work and individual pieces. The group work, in particular, provides an opportunity to take on board different perspectives and gain valuable insights to broaden one’s thinking.

I have no hesitation in recommending this programme. Having started as an aspiration in 2018, I am delighted to have taken the plunge into this master’s programme. It has sustained me through the past two years and proven to be a wonderful source of growth both personally and professionally. As I look to the finish line I will miss the amazing collegiality of our group and the many lively debates we have shared. I am confident we will stay connected and form an even stronger network of HR professionals.