I still remember the feeling of walking through the Quad at Queen’s University Belfast for the first time part excitement, part nerves, and a whole lot of “What have I gotten myself into?” It was 2005, and while most people were winding down for the evening, I was winding up for a new adventure: starting my MBA. To make things even more surreal, my eldest son was just beginning university too. We were both students, though I suspect I was the one more likely to turn up early and actually read the course materials.

Going back to education at that stage in my life with a full-time job and a family, was a bold move, but it turned out to be one of the most empowering decisions I’ve ever made. I wasn’t just there to tick a box, I wanted to broaden my outlook, gain confidence, and earn the credentials that would help me take my career to the next level. And Queen’s, with its reputation for academic excellence and that unmistakable air of gravitas, was the perfect place to do it.

The MBA programme was intense, challenging, and a game changer for me. I found myself immersed in everything from finance and strategy to leadership and organisational behaviour. It gave me a view of the inner workings of a business. As I learned, I was no longer reacting to decisions, I had a deep understanding of the frameworks behind them. That knowledge of core business areas has stayed with me ever since, informed much of my work and I draw on that learning regularly in my role as a CEO.

But it wasn’t just the learning that made the experience so special—it was the people. My classmates came from all walks of life, bringing with them a wealth of experience, perspectives, and a healthy dose of humour. We bonded over group projects, late-night study sessions, and many hours of lectures, assignments and of course dissertation research. Nearly 20 years on, I’m still in touch with many of them. Some have become close friends, others trusted professional contacts, and all of them part of a network I genuinely value.

The MBA gave me more than just a qualification, it gave me confidence. It reminded me that learning doesn’t stop when you leave school, and that it’s never too late to invest in yourself. It helped me see the bigger picture, ask better questions, and lead with clarity. And yes, it is hard work, there’s no getting away from that. I think of the MBA as a marathon rather than a sprint but ultimately a great investment in my development.

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for that time at Queen’s and the opportunity my then employer provided for me. It was a turning point, a launchpad, and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to go back to the classroom, to the books, and to the belief that you’re capable of more than you think.

Valerie McConville

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