Alumni
The UCD College of Social Science and Law alumni wall showcases the personal and professional achievements of our graduates.
We hope that this sample range of alumni leaders at various stages in their careers will inspire the next generation of UCD graduates.
Check out the UCD Alumni Awards to learn more about our graduates making a difference at all levels; across business, industry, society and culture in Ireland and right round the world.
Erika Valiukaite
BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology 2022
Master of Public Policy
Current Employer: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Erika Valiukaite is currently working as an IGEES policy analyst in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. After her degree in Social Policy and Sociology she also completed a Master’s of Public Policy in UCD.
She tells us more about the highlights of her degree and her advice for prospective students.
Clare Dolan
BSc in Psychology 2021
"I graduated from UCD in 2021 with BSc in psychology. Since graduating I have been studying and working in the clinical field. I completed a master's degree in 2022 and went on to start my first Assistant Psychologist role in an outpatient adult service."
Jamie O'Sullivan
BSc Economics and Politics 2021
Current employer: Meta
We caught up with Jamie O'Sullivan, UCD graduate of the BSc in Economics and Politics. Jamie is currently Enterprise Growth Lead for Meta.
Sadhbh Price
BA (International) in Politics and International Relations and French 2020
Current employer: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Sadhbh is a civil servant (Administrative Officer) who has been working for the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage since May 2022. Her work primarily focuses on the EU, leading to her spending several of her in-person working days in Brussels. This is her first full-time posting but she has previously worked in the fields of education and disability support.
Holly Cullen
Bachelor of Social Science (International) 2021
“My degree from UCD has opened many doors for me in my career. A social science degree has given me a unique insight to tackle challenges in the workplace and allows you to have a broad understanding of many different fields. The sky is the limit!”
Olivia Flanagan
BA in Psychology 2018
MPsychSc Psychological Science 2019
Olivia joined EY Dublin in 2019 and completed its Consulting Graduate Programme, specialising in Change and Project Management. Seeking a change, Olivia then joined Salesforce Dublin in 2022 as a Salesperson. In 2023, Olivia was promoted to an Enterprise Account Executive role in Salesforce London.
Darragh Moriarty
BA Geography and Politics & International Relations
Current Employer: Focus Ireland
We caught up with Darragh Moriarty, UCD BA Geography with Politics and International Relations as well as MA in International Relations and Affairs alumni. Darragh is currently Communications Officer for Focus Ireland.
Elfrieda Carroll
Bachelor in Social Science (Social Policy and Sociology)
Current Employer: Health Service Executive
Having developed a desire to help others from a young age, Elfrieda talks to us about her journey so far, including her current roles as Drug and Alcohol Task Force Co-ordinator at the Health Service Executive (HSE), and formerly of Sign Language Interpreting Service as well as CEO at Relationships Ireland.
Brian Fox
BA History, Politics & International Relations
Current Employer: J.P. Morgan
UCD History, Politics & International Relations alumnus Brian Fox is currently Vice President at the multinational investment bank, JP Morgan in Brussels. When deciding on what to do, post leaving cert, at Firhouse Community College, Brian was aware that he was among a minority from his year aiming to go on to third level. Brian shares his experience of entering UCD, with support from UCD Access and Lifelong Learning via the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) and making the most of the opportunities he was presented with during his time here.
Rebecca O'Keeffe
BA Politics and History
Current Employer: Her.ie
"Even though politics was something I was always interested in, I didn’t want to do it on its own, I needed back-up and because I enjoyed history so much I felt it was a great fit to combine this with politics. I chose the BA in History and Political Science at University College Dublin".
Recently we caught up with UCD Politics and History alumna Rebecca O’Keeffe, who graduated in 2013, on her journey from politics and history to Beauty Editor at Her.ie.
Ciara Sheehan
BA Psychology
Current Employer: EY
"I have found my degree helpful in many different ways. It has helped me to have a much better understanding about other people as well as self -awareness. I learned a lot about communication, planning and being organised through different tasks and working groups. I also learned how to work with different people with different interests, skills and abilities".
Eoin Mulhall
BA Economics
Current Employer: Google
"Don’t panic if right now you don’t know what you want to do with the rest of your life. With any of the social sciences, you are learning about how people work, how society works, how the world works, and that is valuable in any career path. You will have loads of options, and loads of time, during university, and after you graduate, to make these choices, and to change your mind, multiple times probably. That's normal - don't sweat it".
Marcus Casey
BA Geography & History
Current Employer: EY
"What enhanced my interest in geography at university level was the choice that exists. You'd be forgiven to think geography is only about how the planet works, but this couldn't be further from the truth. I studied topics such as US Foreign Policy, Globalisation and Political Geography - subjects that I find incredibly interesting. If physical geography is your thing then great, but mine was human geography and that wide spectrum was what attracted me".
Sophie Murphy Byrne
BA Politics, International Relations, Classical Studies and Social Justice
Current Employer: Logically AI
"My interest in Politics and International Relations stems from my participation in Model United Nations conferences throughout my school years; I became fascinated with the work of international organisations such as the UN or WTO. It felt inspiring that there were higher authorities outside of Ireland who sought to make a long-term positive impact on the world as a whole".
UCD Alumni
Your relationship with UCD doesn’t end at graduation as UCD Alumni have the opportunity to remain involved with the UCD Community. The (opens in a new window)UCD Alumni Office hosts class reunions, guest lectures, the UCD Festival, the UCD Choral Scholars concert and many other events. Visit the (opens in a new window)UCD Alumni Office website for further information on to remain engaged with the university.
What are your fondest memories of UCD?
My great circle of friends, the state-of-the-art facilities, along with the campus atmosphere, all combined to create something special! Not to be overlooked is the lively Thursday market, where the delectable combination of Burger Republic's peppercorn sauce chips and a juicy burger never failed to disappoint!
What first sparked your interest in Economics & Politics and what did you enjoy about them?
Economics, with its pervasive influence on all facets of life drew me in. The Economics of Financial Crises module, taught by the engaging Morgan Kelly, brought theory into the stark reality of the 2007 US Financial Crisis. Writing an essay on the crisis’s causes further deepened my interest, turning me into a self-proclaimed expert, especially when dissecting films like "The Big Short."
Surprisingly, politics became an unexpected fascination. While initially envisioning Irish politics and Brexit, I discovered a broader political landscape. Dr. Vincent Durac's modules on Middle East Politics and Terrorism & Political Violence in my final year proved particularly captivating. His openness to discuss diverse topics and the exploration of issues like the impact of oil on democracy in the Middle East fuelled my interest. These modules became the breeding ground for honing my essay-writing skills and conducting extensive research.
What career trajectory have you pursued since graduation?
Currently, I find myself fortunate to work with Meta, specifically in the Reality Labs division. In my role as an Enterprise Growth Lead, I engage in extensive outreach to expand our client base, build relationships, and manage existing accounts. Partnering with major enterprises like Volvo and Walmart for example, we leverage VR/AR technology to revolutionize their operations. It's a dynamic role that allows me to be at the forefront of pioneering technology.
How has your degree shaped your professional journey?
My degree has bestowed upon me valuable business acumen, a crucial asset in my current role. Additionally, the emphasis on robust writing, attention to detail, and advanced research skills have proven instrumental. Pursuing a Master's in Management at Smurfit further refined my capabilities, laying a strong foundation for my career.
What advice would you share with current students contemplating a similar career path?
- Choose a career path that genuinely excites you. Avoid pursuing roles solely based on societal expectations. I remember applying to lots of finance jobs because I liked the image of it. I had never been hugely enthusiastic with maths, so I am glad I went with tech sales. It is second nature to me and truly gets me excited to work every morning.
- When I was in my first and second years in college, I had no idea of what I wanted to do. That’s okay, but if I would change anything it would be to think ahead and try to set yourself up as best as possible - whether it be an internship or doing well in your exams! It is competitive out there and I made it more difficult for myself, but we got there in the end!