International Welcome to DCU
On Wednesday 6th of September, it was a privilege for the DCU Alumni Relations office to collaborate with colleagues across the university for the 'Welcome to International students' event
DCU is a home away from home for our international students who form a vital part of our DCU community. The contribution of international students is clear, in the culture and diversity they bring with them to campus and subsequently, the insight and experience they offer as members of our Alumni community. Four decades ago when DCU was established as a university, its mission to transform lives and societies began. At graduation, DCU graduates from all over the world take on this mission and we are proud that it continues to have an impact in every corner of the globe.
An audience of nearly 400 students enjoyed an intuitive and deeply engaging panel discussion with three inspiring international students who have decided to make their life and careers in Ireland. The opportunity to hear their unique and powerful stories is not something we take for granted.
This event was about providing an opportunity for students to chat, make friends, share experience and learn from those who once walked in their shoes at DCU. It was that quintessential university experience of commencing those true life long friendships as chatter and laughter buzzed around the room.
We were treated to three fabulous musical performances by some of our current students. The event was opened to the sound of Irish traditional music, played by Séamus (pipes), Cian (whistle), Leon (guitar) and Gráinne (fiddle), each a member of DCU's traditional music society. For some of our international students who are living in Ireland for the first time, this was a taste of Irish culture and something they will no doubt become accustomed to. Members of the African society Rachel Akano and Iziegbe Osayimwen displayed their own individual singing talents and garnered huge applause. It was an insight into the student experience at DCU, where students can join clubs and societies to meet like minded individuals and experience personal development along the way.
Our panel discussion was hosted by Alumnus and Director of Alumni Relations Ross Munnelly, who was joined by three more graduates. Muskan Sahdev, graduated from DCU's Master's degree in Business Management in 2020. Since graduating Muskan has had an exciting career with Dublin City Council, working as European Programmes and Partnerships Officer, before taking a role as Housing and Community Services Officer. Camila Mello, a graduate of the Masters Programme in Digital Marketing also joined our panel. In October, Camilla was appointed as Marketing Manager with Software Development company Sage. Finally, Sumyrah Khan who recently graduated from the Masters in International Relations Programme joined our panel. After her graduation from DCU, Sumyrah took up a part time position as Youth and Equality officer with the Labour Party and has just completed a part time graduate internship with the DCU Alumni Relations office.
Ross extended a special thanks to Sumyrah for leading this engagement initiative on behalf of the alumni team whilst collaborating with colleagues from the Placement Office and the University Events team to deliver this event. While the journeys and paths taken by our panelists have been different, each of them convey a direct message. Deciding to study at DCU was the first step in their remarkable journeys.
If you are a member of our Alumni Community, who attended DCU as an international student and would like more information on how you can stay in touch, or if you are interested in giving back through volunteer opportunities, please get in touch with us:
alumni@dcu.ie