Barry Keohane

How are you feeling today at graduation?

At the moment I’m feeling pretty good. I haven’t graduated; I haven’t got a previous qualification. This is my first qualification. It’s been an interesting experience – getting fitted in the gown and meeting other graduates here today. I might get a little bit nervous when I get called up on stage, but so far so good.

Why did you decide to study an MBA?

I decided to study an MBA because I had reached the stage of my career where I’m moving into more senior management positions and I think an MBA gave me an opportunity to expand my theoretical knowledge on how to run businesses. And especially with the organisation I’m currently with, there’s a lot of change happening within the organisation and the industry and I thought having some knowledge behind me would help in the years to come.

What did you get out of the AIB MBA?

I’ve gotten a lot out of the AIB MBA over the last two years. I didn’t realise that studying could actually be such fun. I enjoyed the whole learning experience. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to study formally. Sitting down and going through all the core subjects, the electees that I chose was quite an enlightening experience. I could definitely see the benefits of doing the study over the last two years. It’s given me more of an appreciation of my job at the moment and given me a clearer outlook for the next five-ten years of my career, personally. It’s really opened up opportunities for me.

What were the best aspects of studying online?

The learning mode through AIB is fantastic. It allows you to complete each subject in your own time in the comfort of your own home. You could be sitting there in your pyjamas reading a textbook about change management, which I think is fantastic. It also allows you to incorporate your study into your own work life.

As I mentioned before, we’re all busy – full-time jobs, full-time family, etc. The online aspect of the AIB MBA allows you to do it in your own time, study at home. It’s a fantastic way to learn.

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