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New Enterprise Development Mentoring Programme
Monday 12 December
This academic year the DCU Educational Trust has co-ordinated the development of a student mentoring programme sponsored by Citigroup. The mentoring programme is delivered as part of the New Enterprise Development module run for final year business students by Dr Sarah Ingle from DCU Business School. In order to maximise the value derived from the module assignments, students engage with guest business leaders as mentors as part of the module. Mentors are invited to give a talk to students on their story and achievements, participate in Q&A sessions with the student group and provide constructive feedback on their work.
On 8th December 2005, Brody Sweeney, founder of O’Brien’s Irish Sandwich Bars made a presentation on his business ideas and experiences as an entrepreneur to almost 200 students in the Terence Larkin Theatre and fielded a variety of questions from the floor following his talk. He then met with 30 students for lunch for a more informal question and answer session which was a great opportunity for the students. The DCUBS/Citigroup Mentoring Programme has been very helpful in assisting the practical work that students carry out in the module. They work in teams to generate a new business idea resulting in a comprehensive business plan at the end of the year which is their main assessment document.
O'Brien's Sandwich Bars are one of Ireland's most visible and successful brands, both at home and abroad. Since the opening of the first store in 1988, Brody has successfully opened over 270 outlets in Ireland, UK, the US, Denmark, Australia and Asia. Brody attended DCU himself and currently sits on the Board of Trustees, DCU Educational Trust.
Brody is also author of “Making Bread: The Real Way to Start Up and Stay in Business” and during his visit to campus held a well attended book signing in the DCU campus bookshop, Hodges & Figgis.