News
ESTEEM at Notre Dame
- the 'perfect programme', says DCU final year student, Shane McQuillan
Shane McQuillan, a final year student on DCU's BEng in Software Engineering programme, was selected to attend the prestigious ESTEEM programme run by Notre Dame University in Indiana, US.
ESTEEM (Engineering, Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship excellence) is a twelve-month programme, aimed at developing the business and entrepreneurship skills of graduates with engineering, science and technology backgrounds.
Students learn technology entrepreneurship and professional practices which will give them the necessary skills to start their own small companies or create new opportunities in large corporations.
The programme, which was established by Martin Naughton, a long-time benefactor of Notre Dame, allows four graduating students from Notre Dame to attend Irish universities, and four graduating students from Ireland to attend Notre Dame to study a select master's degree. The fellowship includes a tuition scholarship and a stipend of $20,000.
Speaking on the programme, Shane said, "I'm in the middle of my third week of lectures now. A lot of my time so far has been spent ironing out the details for my thesis. I will be aiding in the development of a novel health care application, as well planning how best to take it to market. It's a very exciting project, with great business prospects". He went on to add, "The majority of our classes and activities have been business oriented, but we also take a technical elective each semester. The programme is a great combination of both the technical and business side of things. For anyone in the STEM fields who is interested in starting a company or fast tracking into management, this is without doubt the perfect program. Not only is it an excellent combination of the technical aspects as well as the business side of things, we're also lucky enough to be in Innovation Park everyday for class. The place is truly inspiring for anyone interested in entrepreneurship. We really are immersed in it. Plus you get to experience one of America's top universities, as well as American culture. There's truly no place more welcoming for Irish people than Notre Dame!"
In the longer term, Shane hopes to come away with an excellent combination of qualifications. "In the short term I'm confident I will find a job I love, and with the knowledge I will have gained I know I can make a great contribution to whoever I'm lucky enough to work for. If I do take the startup route I'll be well prepared. I did consider continuing with my final year project after finishing in DCU. I'll be in a much better position to do that after this year. Another thing a lot of people don't consider are the contacts you make. I've already met a lot of amazing people that I know I can look to for council and advice any time in the future. Some of the speakers that come to give presentations are extraordinary. It really is an excellent place to network".
