FUTURE THINKING
Meet Katrina Enros, head of global engagement and insights at Science Gallery International and the winner of this year’s IMAGE UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School scholarship. A few months into the programme, she shares what impact the scholarship has already had on her life and career and her reasons why she’d recommend others take the leap too.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE WITH THE SCIENCE GALLERY? Working with Science Gallery is an immense privilege. We’re a global network of universities, each responsible for an annual programme of exhibitions, workshops and events. Our core audience is young adults, but the project is for everyone. “Science” and “Gallery” are in the name, but that can be misleading; this is not a traditional science centre, nor a conventional arts space. Rather, we use the latest research across art and science to help us understand global challenges. I get to have daily meetings with astrophysicists and stage managers, virologists and economists, and there are no barriers to working in this transdisciplinary way; we do our best to break down silos. I lead on learning and training for the network, but the role is truly about creating a shared culture. We do not disseminate that culture from a central office, or from the top-down. We celebrate our regional cultures and local approaches, but come together to articulate our principles and share best practices. It’s a complex, but inspiring project. I don’t know of anything like it.
WHAT MADE YOU APPLY FOR THE IMAGE UCD MICHAEL SMURFIT GRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP?
This scholarship is a gift; a constant reminder to work hard, be a role model, and use this massive advantage to make a change. I decided to pursue an MBA because of my own frustrations with systems that present multiple barriers to entry. I see the underrepresentation of so many communities, including women and LGBTQ individuals, in boardrooms and leadership roles. I cannot shrug my shoulders at it. I have to do something about it. I know this scholarship gives women like me the opportunity to do something big, and I am grateful for it.
HOW ARE YOU FINDING THE PROGRAMME AS REGARDS FITTING INTO AND AROUND YOUR LIFE AND OTHER COMMITMENTS?
I have a wonderful network of people who support this endeavour in so many ways: my partner has the patience of a saint; my friends will always hop in to help; and Science Gallery International is deeply committed to the development of its employees, so I am given the time I need to learn. I do wonder what I did with all of that free time I had before. I won’t lie to anyone: there are sacrifices that have to be made in order to get this done, but I don’t let it absolutely destroy my work/life balance. I make sure to make time for my family, my friends, and the things I love doing: supporting Dublin’s cultural endeavours, travelling, experimenting with food, and running around with our gorgeous dog. You need to cordon off that space for yourself. Mental exhaustion won’t produce the work I expect of myself.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST EXCITING MOMENTS SINCE YOU BEGAN THE MBA?
You move at a dizzying pace when you enter the MBA, from complex simulations to gruelling cases, and there is an excitement to be found in all of it. I am a giant nerd,
so I enjoy being back in the classroom. I have to pretend not to be giddy at times. The material can be challenging, but when you have a little “ah-ha” moment because a hunch is validated or you recognise your thinking was wrong, that’s exciting, too. That is where learning happens. There is so much outside of the classroom, too. A number of us recently sat down to rewrite the value proposition of the Women on the MBA group. It was an inspiring conversation that led us to change the group’s name to Gender Equality on the MBA (GEMBA), highlighting what we’re focused on. We developed progressive goals and set a new vision to address barriers and bias. The group is not steered by just one person, it is a whole, committed collective taking this forward. To me, that’s especially exciting.
WHAT NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED SINCE STARTING THE MBA AND HOW HAVE THESE HELPED YOU SO FAR?
The networking opportunities started before I even applied. During an open event, current students and alum gave me their contact details, coached me, cheered me on, and invited me to other events. I was invited to speak at an event an alum organised before I was even accepted into the programme. Smurfit recognises how much value there is in learning from each other, and the opportunities to take part in a dedicated, global network are everywhere.
WHAT ARE YOU HOPING THE MBA WILL GIVE YOUR CAREER?
My passions are learning and organisational development, so I will always work in a role that involves these elements. I enjoy interrogating organisations, understanding what makes them tick, and designing creative solutions to ensure they are more effective. Working with people to bring out their absolute best is something I care deeply about. Getting my MBA is about bringing all of these elements together, aligning the people with the organisation, through learning and creativity.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING APPLYING FOR THIS MBA PROGRAMME?
Even if you do not consider yourself a traditional “business person”, there are innumerable benefits to be gained and skills to be developed. This programme is very much about developing the whole self, sharpening your critical thinking skills, elevating your leadership capacity. We are a strong network of individuals who want to support and advise, so please, reach out to the incredible staff, or any students or alum. I am always happy to chat to anyone considering taking it on.
Want to learn what the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School MBA programme can do for your career and how you can fit a full-time or part-time Executive MBA into your busy life? Find out more at smurfitschool.ie.