I studied my Master’s in Electronic Engineering part-time at DCU, between 2011 and 2013 – but my first experience in DCU was actually in the early ‘90s, when I was in my twenties. I was working by day and in college three nights a week and on Saturdays, studying Computer Applications. I found this very challenging and ultimately did not finish the course, given all the competing needs for my attention at that stage in life.
When it came to my Master’s, I had matured and I was able to manage my time better and focus more. I enjoyed working with classmates on DSP tutorials and projects, and I had the opportunity to work on a final year project of my choosing and code it up while on holidays in Portugal. Even though the subject matter was still daunting at times, I managed to complete the course with first class honours, of which I am immensely proud.
I have always had an interest in learning and teaching. I even spent three years as an independent technical trainer in the late ‘90s. I believe in lifelong learning, and I try to instil this practice in others and lead by example as much as I can. When I first went to college it was in the University of Limerick (N.I.H.E.) from 1985 to 1988, where I completed a Computer Engineering Diploma. I always knew I would need to further my education to support my career in a technology field. I have now spent more time in college part-time than full-time, and I believe I have learned to focus and learn better over time.
I would say I’m at the latter end of my career now. I just changed jobs from being a Software Development Manager in Amazon’s Product Search team to an individual contributor role as a Principle Business Intelligence Analyst at Intapp.
I grew up in Santry and played as a child on the Albert College fields which now make up the DCU campus grounds. It has been amazing to see the development of a world-class university over the intervening years which supports an ever-growing need for relevant and accessible education and training for future generations.
“I support the DCU Access Programme because I believe in promoting diversity and providing opportunities to students who may otherwise not be able to support themselves through college. It is important to build confidence and a sense of achievement as early as possible in life, and gaining third level qualifications can help with this.”
