Voices 2025 - Giving Back
Having completed a degree in Electronic Engineering – a subject that Neil was interested in since he was a young boy, curious as to how and why components worked in radios, TVs and cars – Neil returned to DCU and achieved an Executive Masters in Business Administration.
“This was an excellent course that provided me with the necessary tools to manage products, teams and clients in an effective manner,” he explains.
Since then, Neil has led a varied and interesting career, which has seen him work as an engineer with Intel, moving into telecommunications and finally specialising in cybersecurity; an area he has worked in for the past eight years.
Today, Neil is Director of Cybersecurity at PwC Ireland, advising clients on how to manage their risks associated with EU regulations and also developing the products and reporting structures that provide clients with ways to articulate their managed risk and benefits to their key stakeholders.
Looking back on his time at DCU, Neil has fond memories on campus and believes that having DCU as his chosen place to study has benefited his career path: “I chose DCU as it was the top technical university in Ireland.
"On the social side, the engineering society was in its infancy, but I was the class rep for first year. Being a DCU graduate helped provide me with good understanding of an industrial environment through the INTRA programme and this led directly to a job on graduating. The course provided confidence to problem solve, mix with different people, and acquire new skills that were directly applicable to the job I took up on graduating.
"Alongside the EMBA, I have made life-long friendships through DCU and, in addition, I have been a mentor for DCU undergrads for the last five years, something that I take enormous pride in.”
On the topic of mentorship, Neil continues: “The mentoring programme is a way of providing insights to undergrads on what the reality of their degree will look like in a future job. As an alumnus, I support the current undergrads and provide insights that are useful on reflection. For example, CV structures, ideal jobs and companies, as well as opening eyes to new industry sectors that may not have been considered.
"On the latter, I believe at least two mentees are now in jobs that they never would have considered if it weren’t for the programme. I have kept in touch with all since their programmes completed. I would strongly encourage graduates to sign up for mentoring and support DCU’s undergraduates.”
Neil also recently joined the DCU governing authority: “My goal is to ensure that DCU continues to excel as a leader in education and research, while fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment for students, staff, and faculty. I come from a risk background and as an alumnus, I can see how the courses that are offered to students will have to evolve in the future to address AI and the evolving use of technology in our lives.”
In a ‘full circle’ moment, Neil highlights that PwC actively supports and engages with DCU students from all year groups and courses: through mentoring, guest lectures, INTRA placements, summer internships, and some also going on to join the PwC graduate programme.
Concluding, Neil emphasises the importance of giving back: “My affiliation to DCU has such a positive impact on my life. By remaining close to DCU, I want to ensure that future generations receive the benefits of a DCU education. It’s crucial we don’t take universities for granted; ongoing support from alumni is key to sustaining their legacy.”
DCU Career Mentoring Programme
Jointly the Alumni Office and DCU Careers Service, the programme matches students with alumni mentors based on shared career interests, DCU courses and professional expertise.
Mentors are encouraged, where possible, to offer a Work Shadow Day to their mentee providing invaluable real-world insight. Mentorship is a powerful way to give back; sharing your experience and helping students build confidence and networks. In return, mentors gain network support and the chance to reflect on their own journey.
You can find out more the DCU Graduate to Student Mentorship Programme here.
Mentor of the year
Laura Miskella is the current holder of the Mentor of the Year award for the DCU Career Mentoring programme. Commenting on why she gives back, she says: “I have always been a very proud alumni, having completed both my undergraduate and postgraduate courses at DCU. The support and encouragement from my lecturers was outstanding and has continued long into my post-graduation years, affording me many opportunities to work on research projects.
"I wanted to show my appreciation to DCU and give back to the university that helped shape my teaching career. It was an honour to be accepted on the programme as a mentor for the last number of years. I have met many inspiring mentors and mentees throughout my time on the programme. To be chosen as Mentor of the Year was a such a privilege. I have thoroughly enjoyed every mentee session and mentor meet up and have made some lasting connections on the programme. I’m very excited for the 2025/26 programme year to begin!”
From the Chair
James Corcoran, Chair of DCU’s Alumni Council, helps to guide and shape the DCU alumni strategy in mission. On the importance of mentorship, he says: “My time in DCU formed and shaped my career. Giving back to the university is a way of expressing my gratitude for all that it gave to me but is also a way of supporting current students to fulfil their potential and to achieve their goals.
"In giving back to the university in my role as Chair of the Alumni Council, and in other roles I have held in the university, I have always received more from the university than I have ever given, through new experiences, friendships, networks and insights into how such a successful university operates and engages with its many stakeholders.”