# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.headline
On behalf of the entire MU Alumni Mentoring Team

# data[].attributes.subject
On behalf of the entire MU Alumni Mentoring Team

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone. Welcome to the MU Alumni Mentoring Programme 2022! Please use this space to introduce yourself and find out about your fellow alums participating in the programme.
About me: I joined the MU Experiential Learning Office in 2019 as part of the Future Ready Project, and in 2020 set up the MU Alumni Mentoring Programme as a pilot in collaboration with the Access Office and Development and Alumni Relations Office. Back then we had no idea how successful the programme would be, and just how much it would help MU students and Alums. My hope for this year is that each of you feel connected to Maynooth University, and find this a rewarding experience. Please feel free to connect with one another / comment on each others posts, or share your favourite MU memories!

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Lecturer
Current Employer: Maynooth University
Course studied at MU: PhD in Education
Short Bio: Currently working as a lecturer in MU.
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: I look forward to paying it forward to a mentee and answering any questions she may have. If I can't answer it, I'll be sure to get her the answers she needs! I feel strongly that it's vital we give back. We have all been helped by so many great mentors along the way ourselves.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Graduate Programme Manager
Current Employer: Enterprise Ireland
Course studied at MU: Entrepreneurship
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: I signed up for the Alumni Mentoring programme so I can give back to Maynooth, along with assisting students as they transition out of education, often a very daunting experience!

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:  Manager of the National HSE Endoscopy Programme
Current Employer: the Royal College of Physicians
Course studied at MU: BA in Anthropology & Sociology (2007)
Short Bio: Hi all. I am from Co Meath and now living in Dublin. Following graduation from Maynooth I moved to Belfast to complete a Masters in Irish Studies in Queens University.

My early career experience was in the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Community Relations Council. From 2010-16 I led a programme of work for the Irish Hospice Foundation that was focused on improving end of life care in hospitals across the country.

I'm currently employed by the RCPI where I am the Programme Manager for a national endoscopy programme.

Like many of you I'm sure, I've been working from home since early 2020 with all the ups and downs that brings!

Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: I've been lucky enough to have some great mentors in my career to date so this programme is a nice way for me to 'pay it forward' as they say and develop my skills as a mentor.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Global Marketing Manager
Current Employer: Kerry Group
Course studied at MU: BA French and Music
Short Bio:
I completed my Undergraduate Degree in Maynooth in 2014 and went on to complete a Masters in Marketing at DIT.

I always wanted to work in the food industry and had a number of roles in both foodservice and digital startup companies related to food, both during and following my studies.

I then joined the Kerry Graduate Programme and gained experience across multiple areas of the Kerry business. Just over 5 years later, I have the pleasure of looking after the marketing team for our Global Account customers.

Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:
Mentorship programmes have really helped me to progress in my career to date, and I would like to help provide some value to the future workforce through what I have learned.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Museum Curator
Current Employer: Carlow County Council (Carlow County Museum)
Course studied at MU: BA (History & Geography)
Short Bio: Dermot has been Museum Curator of Carlow County Museum since 2002, and has been working in the Irish heritage sector since 1996. He graduated from MU in 1995 and graduated from UCC in 1996 with a Post Grad in Heritage Management. He has worked in counties Carlow, Laois, Kilkenny and Mayo.

He coordinated the development of the new Carlow County Museum premises and exhibitions on College Street, Carlow town, opening in April 2012, and attracts twenty-six thousand visitors annually (pre Covid-19). In 2020, the Museum was awarded Interim Accreditation under the Heritage Council’s Museums Standards Programme for Ireland. In 2003, Dermot was ‘designated’ by the National Museum of Ireland, under the National Monuments Acts, to collect archaeological objects on its behalf for Co Carlow.

Over the years, Dermot has coordinated a variety of cultural, heritage, tourism and sporting events. He is co-coordinator of the award winning ‘Carlow Trails of the Saints’ project, first published in 2010 and updated in 2018. For twelve years he coordinated ‘Heritage Week’ in county Carlow (2004 – 2016), which is coordinated at a national level by the Heritage Council.

Dermot was twice the Stage End Coordinator, 2013 & 2015, for the Rás Tailteann (An Post Rás), Ireland’s international bike race, for stage finishes in Carlow town.

Dermot was the ‘Ireland 2016 County Coordinator’ for County Carlow, the only Museum Curator in the country appointed as a County Coordinator. During that year the county hosted over sixty events to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, including the commissioning and unveiling of a piece of public art in each of the two county’s municipal districts.

He coordinates the international multi agency project ‘Rediscovering St. Willibrord, Patron Saint of Luxembourg and first Apostle of the Netherlands, and his County Carlow Connection’, which saw celebrations in June 2017 in both County Carlow and Luxembourg where the Relic of St. Willibrord was installed permanently in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow Town. In July 2018, Dermot co-wrote the book ‘Rediscovering St. Willibrord, Patron Saint of Luxembourg, First Apostle of the Netherlands and his County Carlow Connection’ with Professor Dáibhí Ó Cróinín, Department of History, NUI Galway and Pierre Kauthen, Willibrordus-Bauverein, Echternach. In August 2019, he oversaw the unveiling of the restored 7th century Cross of Rath Melsigi and the signing of a Friendship Agreement between Carlow County Council and Ville Echternach.

In 2021, Dermot, through the Community Monument Fund, coordinated the conservation and relocation of the 16th century effigy of Robert Hartpole, Constable of Carlow Castle, back to Carlow Town after nearly 200 years in Co Laois.

For eight weeks between March and May 2020, Dermot was the Coordinator of the Carlow County Council/ Covid-19 County Carlow Community Response Forum Call Centre. The call centres were set up by all council's to assist in coordinating community groups and agencies providing assistance to individuals during the initial Covid-19 lockdown.

Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: As a graduate of MU it provides an opportunity to ‘return’ and offer the benefit of my work experiences, to provide insights and guidance from the coalface of the heritage sector.
I’m looking forward to discussing the mentee’s plans and ambitions, exploring the opportunities that they are considering and offering them advise based on my experiences. It’ll be interesting to hear what the mentee has studied, and to hear about the college and college life.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Senior Creative Producer
Current Employer: The Mix Dublin (Irish Distillers, Pernod Ricard)
Course studied at MU: BA Media Studies & Music
Short Bio: I’m a Producer working full-time in The Mix Dublin, a full service in-house creative agency and production company. I also work freelance as a Producer on film projects. I graduated from Media Studies in MU in 2015.
Reason Signed Up/What Most Looking Forward To:
I found the “recent graduate” time period quite difficult to navigate. As a graduate joining an industry that’s notoriously difficult to get the “foot in the door” of, it was challenging to know how to start a career. I really appreciated help, advice and guidance from connections I had. So I hope to offer some of this same guidance and support to a mentee through participating in this programme.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Privacy Analyst
Current Employer: Logitech
Course studied at MU: LLB Bachelor of Laws
Short Bio:
I have had a keen interest in data protection and privacy law ever since my first job as an intern in the medical records dept. of a large hospital. I wrote my undergraduate thesis on the topic of data retention in the healthcare system and on the legislation guiding data retention practices.
Since completing my studies in Maynooth I have been working as a privacy analyst within Logitech's legal team.
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: I hope I can offer support and a positive experience to my mentee, and pass on some of the knowledge and tips I have gained over the last few years.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Manager, People & Organisation Consulting
Current Employer: PwC
Course studied at MU: BA. Psychology
Short Bio: I have been working in consulting roles over the last 10 years since graduating from Maynooth University in 2008 and completing a Masters in Work & Organisational Psychology in UL in 2011. For a number of years I worked as an Occupational psychologist with a psychometric test provider, designing and implementing psychometric solutions. Over the last five years I have worked as part of PwC's Management Consulting practice working with various clients on people related projects in the areas of Change Management, Communications, Training and HR transformation.
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: I am looking forward to meeting my mentee and providing any support / guidance which I have learnt along the way. Also looking forward to reconnecting to the University having had such fond memories of my time there.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: IT Analytics Team Leader
Current Employer: Colgate-Palmolive
Course studied at MU: Higher Diploma in Information Technology (previous BA in Maths, Philosophy UCD)
Short Bio: I have spent 25 years working in IT in one shape or another , from coding to leading teams. I am also a qualified ICF coach and have huge interest in personal development and the development of others. The mix works well in my current role as I lead a team of engineers.
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: I am really looking forward to meeting my mentee and building a mentor/mentee relationship. I think the concept behind the programme is excellent and would have loved guidance myself many moons ago. My motto at the moment is , if not now then when... with 25 years commercial experience I am hopeful that there are nuggets I have picked up in that time than can assist my mentee Niamh as she navigates her career and working life.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Strategic Partner Manager
Current Employer: Google
Course studied at MU: BA Digital Media
Short Bio:
After my degree in Maynooth I interned in TV3, jumping around roles before finding my passion in managing their Ad Technology. I moved to a sports startup before joining Google to lead their Global Video Operations and have since moved into my current role managing UK/IE Broadcasters & eCommerce partners, aiding their digital strategies.
Outside of work, I'm an active sea swimmer and prior to COVID-19 had been participating in many triathlons around Ireland.

Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:
It's only the in the past 3 years that I've come to the realisation of how important mentors are in your personal and professional growth. I wish I had one when I was going through by BA.
Looking forward to participating and learning more.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:  Senior Project Manager
Current Employer:  Department of Justice
Course studied at MU:  BA in Modern History & Anthropology (2007), H.Dip in Public Management (2013) and MA in Public Sector Project Management (2014)

Short Bio: My background is in Project Management. I worked initially with the OPW assisting in the roll out of various Programmes before transferring to the Department of Education, where I spent 12 years as an infrastructural project manager. This involved assessing the accommodational needs of primary and post-primary schools in Leinster and determining capacity deficits. In 2019 I was promoted to the Department of Justice where, as Portfolio Manager, I led in the establishment of the Project Management Office (PMO) and the Programme and Project Management Team (PPM). This work resulted in my promotion to Senior Project Manager and I moved across to the PPM Team. There I lead out in training the junior project managers in addition to developing and continuing to refine the project management methodologies and artefacts.

I am also a mother of one - my daughter is now 18 and in her first year of college in Sligo studying Medical Biotechnology.

In between work and home life, I also volunteer with the Irish Girl Guides. While I was involved locally as a Leader of several Units (Ladybirds, Brownies, Girls and Senior Branch), the majority of my involvement has been project based such as the redevelopment of the IGG website and the Security & Transport Manager in the 2017 IGGnite International Camp.

In my spare time I read, upskill (never stop learning!), hike and cook.

Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:  When I first joined the Civil Service, way back in 2007(!), I was assigned a Mentor and it made a huge difference in helping me navigate my first corporate job. My mentor helped me in many different ways and I hope to be able to do the same for my mentee!

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Solicitor
Current Employer: Matheson
Course studied at MU: Law and Arts (History) (2009 - 2014)
Short Bio: After I finished my degree in Maynooth, I took a few years to complete the FE1 exams and begin my traineeship in Matheson. I completed the PPC I and II courses and qualified as a Solicitor in Matheson's Construction and Engineering team in November 2020.
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: I took part in the Programme last year and found it a great experience. It's great to be able to help a student with their future ambitions and I would have loved the same opportunity while I was in Maynooth

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: University Lecturer
Current Employer: DCU (School of History & Geography)
Course studied at MU: BA (Hist & Econ); H Dip Irish History; PhD (History)
Short Bio: I am from Dublin and live now in the Midlands. After my BA, I worked in journalism for a number of years before going back to undertaken my MA and PhD.
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: I like the idea of giving back to MU, where I spent many happy and formative years; I have been privileged to receive the support of excellent mentors throughout my career and if I can assist others in any small way, that would be nice.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Masters Student
Current Employer: UCC
Course studied at MU: BA International Psychology (2020)
Short Bio: I am currently completing the MA in Applied Psychology (Mental Health) at UCC and working as an assistant mental health educator with Motus Learning.
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: I've received so much guidance and support from other people. I'm eager to help another student in the same way and to continue the cycle of passing on knowledge and experience.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Deputy Chief & International Meteorologist
Current Employer: UK Met Office
Course studied at MU: BA (Hons) Media Studies and Geography (2003-06) and PGDip GIS and Applied Remote Sensing (2008)
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Senior Director Process Sciences
Current Employer: Regeneron
Course studied at MU: BSc Chemistry and Maths
Short Bio: Working for 28 years in Pharma/Biopharma Sector in various start ups. Moved to Limerick over 7 years ago.
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: To give something back. Also done some mentoring in work and find it very fulfilling.

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role:
Current Employer:
Course studied at MU:
Short Bio:
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to:

# data[].attributes.body
1. Find your name
2. Click on the 3 dots in the top right hand corner and select "edit post"
3. Upload a photo of yourself if you wish (optional)
4. Fill in the details in the text box. Include your assigned mentee, your bio, and why you signed up to the MU Alumni Mentoring Programme.
Question? E-mail Máire at maire.buckley@mu.ie

# data[].attributes.body
Current Role: Drug & Alcohol Task Force Coordinator
Current Employer: Addiction Services HSE
Course studied at MU: Higher Diploma in Youth and Community Work
Short Bio: I spent 20 years working in the voluntary and community sector before finally succumbing to the lure of public service to join the HSE.
Why you signed up to the Programme / What you are most looking forward to: If there had been a programme like this way back in my day, I think it would have really helped me in making the leap from college to work. I've had the benefit of great mentors in my career and having the opportunity to pay it forward is appealing (if it turns out I'm a lousy mentor- at least I'll give my mentee a low bar for their next one!) I also find selfishly that it's really refreshing to hear the new perspectives of the next generation of community workers and helps me to challenge  my own way of working.
My mentee is Linda Hegarty