In May, our MSc Management cohort embarked on a highly anticipated Student Trek to Dublin, organised by the University of Edinburgh Business School. As an American who had never set foot in Ireland, I was in for a truly unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Touchdown and Accenture
Our adventure began bright and early with a flight from Edinburgh Airport. After landing, we hit the ground running, heading straight to Accenture's Accelerated Learning Environment. Accenture is a leading global professional services company specialising in technology and consulting. They demonstrated how these two aspects blend to solve real-world problems through interactive sessions which blew our minds. The Accenture team made sure we understood the innovative edge they maintain.
After the tour, we had time to explore Dublin. Trinity College, Temple Bar, and Dublin Castle were just a few of the top spots we managed to check off our list.
Day 2: Google and Alumni Event
The second day was a personal highlight for me with a visit to Google’s EMEA HQ. The Google Docks are everything you'd imagine: colourful, vibrant, and buzzing with creativity. We split into groups, each guided by a 'Googler' who shared inside stories about the tech giant's culture and operations. Heta-Liisa Haapanen and her teammates made us feel right at home.
The day ended with a lively alumni networking mixer, where I met multiple Business School alums that I am still in touch with for career advice. The school's reputation for a strong, supportive alumni network really shone here.
Day 3: Murex and Guinness Storehouse
Our final day started with an insightful visit to Murex, a leader in financial technology. Mark Connolly and his team gave us a deep dive into their innovative solutions and career paths. It was a fascinating glimpse into the fintech world that I had never been exposed to before.
We wrapped up our Student Trek with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Learning how to pour the perfect pint and enjoying panoramic views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar was the perfect end to our journey.
Final Thoughts
For me, this Student Trek to Dublin was more than just company visits. It was a fully immersive experience. We networked with professionals, soaked in the Irish culture, and bonded as a cohort. It is a golden opportunity for any MSc Management student that blends your learning with an unforgettable adventure. If you get the chance, don’t miss out – Dublin has a lot more to offer than just its famous stout!