Susan Kelly discusses the Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet leadership programme, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Last week, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet announced plans to offer four fully funded places on its MSc in Leadership, Innovation and Technology program to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the programme.
The grant – called the ‘Big 20 Giveaway’ – is worth around €20,000 per year and will cover all tuition fees for the two-year program for four students.
“The Big 20 Giveaway is a celebration of the program’s 20-year impact, but it’s also a practical effort to support the talent of the future,” said Susan Kelly, network director at Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet.
“What we’re really celebrating is the impact the program has had on over 300 students who have gone on to lead teams, projects and transformational initiatives across technology Ireland and beyond.
“For us, it’s not just looking back, but investing in the next.”
The program
But what is the lesson really about?
This program, presented at the Technological University Dublin, is a part-time, applied master’s specifically designed for experienced professionals working in technology and innovation-led areas.
“Its primary purpose is to help people move beyond technical expertise and develop leadership skills, whether that’s leading teams, driving innovation or shaping strategy at the organizational level,” Kelly said.
He tells SiliconRepublic.com that the program focuses on three key areas: leadership capacity, innovation and transformation, and business and strategic thinking.
“What’s really different is that it’s applied, not theory,” he said. “Participants work on real challenges from their organizations, so the learning works quickly and brings tangible benefits both to the individual and to their employer.”
This program has been in operation since 2006, and in the 20 years since then, the technology has advanced a lot.
Kelly explains that a course like this is more important than ever because “the challenge right now is not access to technology, it’s the ability to lead with it effectively”.
“Organizations are facing rapid change driven by AI, digital transformation and global competition,” he said. “Experts who will stand out are those who can connect technology, techniques and people.”
He adds that the biggest advantage of this program is that it enables the participants to change “from being the person who brings the technology to the person who shapes how it is used and why it is used”.
“It gives them the language of business and strategy, confidence in working at high levels, and the ability to lead change and not only contribute to it.
“For many, it’s the difference between continuing to grow professionally and stepping into leadership roles with broader organizational impact.”
Whose
With four fully funded places on the program to be taken, what qualifies someone for this course?
Kelly says the program is designed for what he calls the “technologist”, which he describes as someone who is already established in their career but is ready to take the next step.
“Typically, participants are mid- to senior-level professionals working in roles such as software engineering, architecture, product, project management, cybersecurity or IT leadership,” he said. “They are already technically reliable but want to expand into broader leadership or strategic roles.”
He says that course participants are often “at a transition point”, where they may be leading teams or projects but “realize that technology alone will not take them to the next level”.
“Many are facing a technical ceiling, where they have a high level of skill but don’t yet have the strategic, commercial or leadership skills to step into senior decision-making roles. This program is specifically designed to help them overcome that barrier.”
For anyone considering applying for one of the funded positions, Kelly says the organization is looking for motivated, ambitious individuals with strong technical or operational knowledge who are already working at a senior level in their organization, and who want to make a big impact, “not just in their team but in their entire organization”.
The important way he emphasizes is that they are not looking for people at the beginning of their careers or those who are only looking for academic studies.
“This is for employees who are already doing important work and want to improve their strength and skills,” he explained. “We are also looking for people who will use what they learn in real time by bringing challenges to their work and enter the program and use it as a platform to bring meaningful changes.
“Ultimately, the strongest candidates will be those who feel they have matured into a professional role and are ready to take on the responsibilities and opportunities of leadership.”
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