Over the coming decade, AI and automation are expected to drive significant productivity growth, changing the economic landscape and transforming the world of work. Most of us are familiar by now with the idea that AI could potentially replace some human roles, but here’s the interesting part: it will also place a premium on uniquely human leadership skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
In fact, demand for skills that technology cannot easily replicate is surging. Now, more than ever, resilience in the face of continuous change is becoming fundamental to professional success, which is why studying for an MBA is a smart move when faced with an AI-driven future.
An Executive MBA is a great way to develop those strategic decision-making skills that will be vital when stepping up to complex leadership roles, while leaving AI to automate more mundane tasks. Not only that, but an MBA also promises to hone key interpersonal skills needed for more senior leadership positions.
UL’s Executive MBA, in particular, boasts a diverse cohort of students from industries as varied as engineering, medtech, pharmaceutical, health, manufacturing, service, finance, and even fashion. Discussion and debate are an integral part of the course, and the expectation is that students will absorb new insights from their peers and grow through teamwork-based assignments.
Undeniably, this focus on emotional intelligence is one of the big attractions of the course for those looking to step into managerial roles or enhance their leadership skills within their current position. Today, leadership requires strong communication skills and plenty of empathy, along with the ability to challenge assumptions and motivate teams – all things AI cannot emulate.
And as the traditional career model changes in the face of rapid technological change, professionals need to develop a more dynamic skill set. Irish executives may well need to navigate multiple career shifts over the course of their working life. Continuous learning is therefore essential for career longevity, which explains why there is no set MBA student profile – allowing for learnings from a wide range of industries, skills, and expertise. Students often have very different reasons for returning to education mid-career. Some are looking to switch up their career to take a new direction, while some want to add professional credibility to their resumé. Some want a more holistic view of business functions orbiting their own, like finance or marketing, to help cement the transition to more managerial roles. Most are mature students who bring plenty of experience to bear on their studies.
As director of the University of Limerick’s MBA programme in the Kemmy Business School, Michele O’Dwyer explains: “The MBA is a magnet for ambitious professionals. The type of people who really don’t have time for an MBA but know that they need it.”
Thankfully, a part-time MBA such as that offered by UL is structured to fit around work. This two-year Executive programme features 3-day on-campus study blocks, which are scheduled in advance so students can plan ahead with their employers.
Notably, there are plenty of advantages for employers in supporting candidates through an MBA. Alongside the soft skills described above, today’s MBA programme often integrates data analytics and digital transformation into the curriculum, which equips graduates with the tools to make informed decisions in a tech-driven world.
And with so much change on the horizon, adaptability and resilience is no bad thing. Rather than focusing on specific technologies which may quickly become obsolete, an Executive MBA degree emphasises the underlying business principles and frameworks that allow businesses to evaluate new technologies and leaders to adapt and innovate in response.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, an MBA offers one pressing advantage in the era of AI: ethical judgement. “As a society,” Michele O’Dwyer concludes: “if we are to manage the impact of AI, we need leaders that can see the bigger picture, understand the risks, and use
both technology and teamwork to find solutions. An MBA provides the strategic tools to lead the way with confidence.”
As such, the University of Limerick’s triple-accredited MBA programme is shaped by themes such as internationalisation, managerial vision, strategic thinking, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It seeks to create confident, strategic, and internationally-focused leaders able to evaluate and effectively integrate new technologies, rather than simply reacting to them.
For a full breakdown of the MBA curriculum at the University of Limerick, get in touch with our team on 061 213 161, or book a short call with Michele here.
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