What our Alumni Mentors say about the DCU Career Mentoring programme
Our Alumni Mentors represent all of our DCU faculties and hail from a wide range of industry and business, from well known corporate brands to small Irish enterprises.
Many of our dedicated alumni mentors have shared their experience with the DCU Career Mentoring programme and what they gained from taking part.
Read their testimonials below.
DCU Career Mentoring Programme 2025/2026 - Mentor Testimonials
Yvonne Gregory - MSc Emergency Management, 2022
Being part of this mentor programme has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. As a mentor, I expect to share my knowledge, offer guidance, and help my mentee prepare to enter the workforce. What I didn’t anticipate was how much I enjoy the experience. Through the engagement with my mentee, I gained fresh perspectives. Watching my mentee achieve their milestones and gain confidence in their ability was fulfilling. I was reminded consistently about the value of learning and development.
In a world where pretty much, anything can be garnered from the internet, I left each session feeling inspired by the fact that there are still some ways in which only experience can contribute to nurturing.
Francesca Placido - Diploma in Information Technology, 2016
Mentoring for this program has been a genuinely rewarding experience. The process of taking years of professional experience and translating it into something actionable for a second-year student about to enter the industry pushed me to think differently. It wasn't just about sharing what I know but it meant revisiting why I know it, and finding ways to make it relevant for someone at a completely different point in their career.
The preparation and reflection ended up benefiting me as much as the mentee. Sharing knowledge goes both ways: it makes you sharper about your own path too!
Brian Mahon - Bachelor of Arts in International Marketing & languages (German/Spanish), 1992
Like so many people I kept putting off being involved in the mentoring programme. I finally signed up this year, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best things I have done in years. It's a fresh challenge for you as a mentor and a great chance to connect with DCU and with other alumni. Most importantly you get to support a student who is starting out on their career and what a privilege that is! Don't put it off any longer!!
Truski Churchouse - MSc in Strategic Learning & Development, 2024
It’s a refreshing challenge to mentor someone new to their career instead of ten or twenty years in. The experience is very grounding and the direction the conversations take can be surprising but also thought provoking for both participants.
Edward O'Reilly - MSc in Internet Systems, 2004
I enjoy having the opportunity to offer guidance to students after spending my career in industry. It also allows me to stay up to date with new developments in education, emerging subjects, and the evolving job market. I think it’s an overall great experience!
Peter Coughlan - MSc Computer Applications, 1999
As my second year supporting the program as a mentor, I very much value my ability to shape & support a young student... in the same fashion that I would hope others would support my own kids when they are at this stage.
Julieanne Fleming - Bachelor of Science in Enterprise Computing, 2012
I cannot recommend the DCU Mentor Programme enough! It's a fantastic opportunity to foster talent and help the next generation navigate the modern workplace. Truly rewarding!
Tony Murphy - Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science & Health, 2009
There is so much help and support there from the Alumni and Careers team as well as other mentors. It feels great to not only mentor a student, but to feel part of something.
Killian O Donnell - Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Politics & Law, 2017
Being able to pass on my knowledge and tips to my mentee. Helping them with their cv and interview preparation for them to get the summer internship they wanted was very rewarding.
Bryan Boylan - Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science & Health, 2009
I really liked the opportunity to mentor students studying similar courses that I completed. As well as this, there was a great opportunity to network with other mentors.
Shane Clarke - Bachelor of Business Studies in Business, 1985
Very rewarding to share knowledge that helps a young person on their career life journey.
Laura Miskella, Mentor of the Year 2024/2025
I highly recommend the Career Mentoring Programme to both alumni and current undergraduate students. As a mentor, I've had the opportunity to connect with many dedicated and driven individuals from all five faculties. It's been incredibly rewarding to work with undergraduate students and watch them grow and flourish throughout the six-month programme. Mentees can be assured they will leave this programme with the confidence and necessary skills needed to both pursue and excel in their chosen career path. As a mentor, you will be supported every step of the way by the Alumni office and have the chance to meet like minded individuals at the virtual mentor monthly meet ups.
Jason McCormac, Mentor of the Year 2023/2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the programme and that is down to the amazing team and having a mentee who has brought his whole self to the programme investing his time and effort in his personal growth.
This programme brings me so much insight into future generations of talent that are being developed in DCU, and it makes me really excited for the future.