I was fortunate to attend the 2025 Dublin Trek which took our learning beyond the classroom and into the real world of business. The trip was about way more than just company visits, it was an unforgettable experience where we stepped into boardrooms, brainstormed like consultants, explored one of Europe’s top tech ecosystems, and most meaningfully, connected with inspiring Business School alumni who’ve carved out impressive careers across Dublin’s business landscape.
Here’s a glimpse into what we learned, and how it’s reshaped my vision of what’s possible after graduating from the University of Edinburgh Business School.
Highlights from the Trek
NovaUCD & Silicate
We started off strong at NovaUCD, Dublin’s hub for high-tech innovation. There, we learned about Silicate, a startup using mineral dust to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere. It was a great reminder of how businesses can be a positive driver of sustainability. Plus, Silicate’s founder and CEO is an alumnus of the University of Edinburgh Business School! Hearing directly from someone who once sat in our shoes and is now tackling the climate crisis with their startup was a powerful example of the impact our education can have.
Gate One
From startup innovation, we pivoted to strategic consulting at Gate One, a digital and business transformation consultancy. There, we took part in a Q&A which was eye-opening – especially for those considering consulting careers. We also had the chance to roll up our sleeves and step into the role of consultants. In a dynamic workshop, we identified customer pain points, applied design thinking, created user personas, and developed strategic solutions. It was fast-paced, insightful, and honestly, a lot of fun! Each group pitched their ideas, like a real consulting team would, giving us a taste of what in-house client engagements feel like.
Google Ireland
Visiting Google’s European Headquarters in Dublin was truly a highlight of the Trek. As someone passionate about innovation and tech culture, I was genuinely impressed by the energy, design, and collaborative environment of the Google campus. It felt like walking into the future of work. What made the visit even more special was meeting a University of Edinburgh Business School alumnus who now works at Google Dublin. Hearing about their career journey, from student to Googler was incredibly inspiring. They shared practical tips on how to navigate careers in tech, build a personal brand, and make the most of our time at the Business School.
Workday
At Workday, we gained a deeper understanding of how this leading enterprise software company supports HR and finance functions globally. We not only learned about their innovative work but also gained something even more valuable: real-world advice on how to excel in job interviews. The Q&A session was incredibly insightful. They shared what recruiters really look for, how to structure your answers in a behavioural interview, and why showing your motivation and company-specific curiosity can make all the difference.
IDA Ireland
Our final company visit took us to IDA Ireland, the national agency responsible for attracting foreign investment into the country. This session helped us zoom out from individual companies and look at the bigger picture of national economic strategy: how a country like Ireland positions itself as a global tech hub.
What I loved most about this session was how it showed that working in policy or economic development can be incredibly impactful. Listening to the team explain their role in shaping Ireland’s growth, and supporting companies that create jobs and opportunities, made me realise how meaningful this kind of work can be.
It was a powerful reminder that business careers aren’t just about profit or private sector roles. There are also pathways where we can use our skills to contribute to society at a systemic level, and that’s something I found deeply inspiring.
Alumni Networking Event
One of the most enriching moments of the Trek was the Business School Alumni Networking Night. Surrounded by inspiring alumni from a variety of industries including tech, finance, and consulting, we exchanged stories, gained career insights, and explored ideas for future collaboration.
What made the evening truly special was the honest and relatable stories of how our alumni navigated post-university challenges and built meaningful careers. The conversations were uplifting, insightful, and full of encouragement. I left feeling inspired, motivated, and grateful (and with a bunch of new LinkedIn connections that I’m really excited about!).
The Dublin Trek was an unforgettable experience that combined learning, inspiration, and connection. It gave me fresh insights into career paths, boosted my confidence, and reminded me of the strength of the University of Edinburgh Business School community. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited for what comes next.
