News

DCU's 'Uaneen' module produces 'graduates with a difference'

7 March 2011

Pictured are Melanie Farrell, currently undergoing a masters in Marketing at DCU, Leo Mac Canna, CEO of Ocuco Group and Denise Airlie, International Recruiter at LinkedIn

Despite the difficult jobs market for graduates, IBEC brought together 40 of DCU's top students and some of Ireland's leading companies, all of which are recruiting Irish graduates this year. At the workshop in IBEC offices, Dublin, Diageo, LinkedIn, Google, Accenture, Price Waterhouse Coopers, JP Morgan and Openet provided career advice to final year DCU students enrolled in the Uaneen module.

The module is unique to DCU, which is the only university in Ireland to offer academic credits to students who demonstrate significant learning through their participation in extra-curricular activities. The module is named in memory of Uaneen Fitzsimons who was killed in a car accident in 2000. Uaneen had played a very active role in society and campus life during her years as a student and went on to carve out a successful career as a radio and television presenter. The aims of the module are to recognise and credit the commitment that students give to extra-curricular activity and the personal development and learning derived from this activity.

DCU's Una Redmond, said, "The university believes that academic and personal development go hand in hand. Therefore, through the Uaneen module, we actively encourage all our students to join in the wide range of extra curricular, volunteer and community activities which are available to them in DCU and the community beyond, so that they not only gain a degree but enjoy their time at university and additionally gain skills and competencies which will be of benefit to them in their professional lives".

Speaking at the event, Siobhan Masterson, Head of Public Service Organisations, IBEC, said: "Despite the very difficult jobs market and the increasing numbers of graduates emigrating to find work, there remain high quality job opportunities in Ireland. Many of the the world's tops employers are still recruiting in Ireland and are looking for graduates with a diverse range of skills and experience.

"In addition to academic qualification, employers want graduates who are focussed, creative, mature, socially aware and have proven leadership skills. Students who get involved in extra-curricular activities develop skills that are particularly attractive to employers. IBEC is delighted to endorse the Uaneen Module."