02 October, 2024

Munster Technological University (MTU) is dedicated to shaping work-ready graduates through its strong connections with industry. The MTU Extended Campus serves as a crucial bridge between the university and various businesses, offering students and lecturers opportunities to engage with the wider community. One such example of this impactful collaboration is the partnership forged during the 2023/2024 academic year between MTU and NetApp, a global leader in digital storage solutions.

 

The collaboration, initiated by Sean Donovan from MTU’s Extended Campus, brought together lecturer Dr. Sarah Davis and Luisa Shipton, NetApp’s Early Careers Manager, to create a meaningful project for the MA in Global Business Practice (GBP) students. This partnership gave the students the chance to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, working directly with a prestigious industry partner. The project focused on innovation, providing the students with a valuable opportunity to explore how innovation theory can be applied within a rapidly growing company.

 

A Collaborative Assignment with NetApp

 

The students began their collaboration by conducting an external analysis of NetApp, drafting executive summaries of the company. Their insights were then reviewed and critiqued by both their lecturer and NetApp executives, offering them a chance to refine their understanding of the business landscape. This interaction provided the students with a strong foundation for the next phase of the project.

 

One of the key components of this collaboration was the newly developed ‘NetApp InSite Day’, where MTU students were invited to immerse themselves in NetApp’s operations. Held at NetApp’s International Headquarters (IHQ) in Cork, this event allowed the students to apply the theories they had studied in a dynamic and engaging environment. As Aoife Lomasney, a representative from NetApp, remarked, "Events like InSite Day are crucial for fostering the next generation of leaders in our industry. We are committed to nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to grow and thrive. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the students from Munster Technological University for their active participation and eagerness to learn. "

 

Learning in a Real-World Environment

 

During InSite Day, the students participated in various interactive sessions, challenges, and hands-on experiences led by key members of the NetApp team. They gained exposure to cutting-edge technologies in areas such as cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity. The insights provided by NetApp professionals, including John McSweeney, Brian Sullivan, Ionela Rusu, Deepak Kumar Jain, Rachel O'Sullivan, and Miki Iwane, gave the students a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations and innovative solutions.

 

This experience not only deepened their understanding of NetApp’s business but also helped them develop creative solutions to real-world problems. The engaging environment fostered a sense of excitement and enthusiasm among the students, who left the event with new insights and a keen interest in the tech industry.

 

Presenting Innovation Solutions

 

Following their initial visit, the students were given a real business problem to solve, with a follow-up visit scheduled for them to present their innovative ideas. Upon their return, the students presented their solutions to NetApp staff, who offered valuable feedback and engaged with them in discussions that further enhanced their learning experience. This interaction provided students with a unique opportunity to not only showcase their knowledge but also refine their ideas based on industry feedback.

 

Current and Future Collaborations

 

Since NetApp established its International HQ in Cork, the company has maintained a strong relationship with MTU through the university’s Extended Campus. This partnership has facilitated various initiatives, including site visits, internships, experiential learning opportunities, and collaborative projects. As Sean Donovan from MTU Extended Campus noted, " MTU Extended Campus were delighted to make this connection between NetApp and the students from the MA GBP. Great to see the positive benefits for all participants.”

MTU is committed to continuing its work with industry leaders like NetApp to provide students with real-world learning opportunities that bridge the gap between academia and the professional world. Through partnerships like these, MTU equips its students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment. As the partnership between MTU and NetApp grows, the future looks bright, with more opportunities on the horizon for students to gain invaluable experience and insights from industry leaders.