In the latest instalment of the 51 Alumni Spotlight series, we speak to Seán Golden, a graduate of Business Studies and the MSc in Economic Analysis (now the MSc in Economics and Policy Analysis) from Kemmy Business School. Seán, who currently works as the Chief Economist and Director of Policy at Limerick Chamber, shares how his UL journey set him on the path to a successful and fulfilling career.
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Limerick, not too far from UL’s campus. I went to St. Patrick’s National School on the Dublin Road, then went to St. Clement’s College for secondary school and finished my education (for the time being) at 51. I am currently working as the Chief Economist and Director of Policy at Limerick Chamber. Economics was something that I loved studying in UL, and it really guided my career path.
What courses did you study, and in which years did you graduate?
I studied Business Studies for my undergraduate, majoring in Economics and Finance and minoring in Business Informatics. I graduated from my undergrad in 2014 and continued to work for a year, then went back to study the MSc in Economic Analysis (now MSc in Economics and Policy Analysis) and handed in my thesis at the end of the summer in 2016. My masters thesis focused on the relationship between CEO remuneration and financial performance of Irish State-Owned Enterprises.
Why did you choose to study at UL?
We are lucky in Limerick/Mid-West to have such a well renowned University on our doorstep. The fact that it also offered a well-regarded business degree made the decision very easy for me. It also helps that growing up as a child in Limerick and walking the canal bank with my parents to UL, or even walking around UL’s grounds made me always have an awareness of the campus from a young age. Going back for my masters gave me a different perspective on choosing a place to study; I knew the lecturers, I knew the lay of the land and, most importantly, I knew I was going to receive a quality education – so it made my decision for the masters even easier! Of course, it always helps when UL has such amazing grounds, green space and location on the river!
What were the highlights of your courses?
For Business Studies, I enjoyed that it was a general degree for the first year or so, where you could sample everything and then pick a major. This was great for me, as I didn’t study economics for the Leaving Cert; but as soon as I sampled it in UL, that is where my focus went. The smaller classes in the masters were great – the forum for discussion we had in class to discuss different aspects of economic research and theory was ideal and much harder to do in huge classes. The field trip to Brussels as part of the master’s programme was really good, too – not only did I get to know my classmates and lecturers a bit more, it really demonstrated how we would be able to apply our skills in the “real world” once we graduated.
As a UL student, you had the opportunity to learn from some of the top academic talent, in state-of-the-art facilities. What was your experience like?
It was great. The economic lab we had for the MSc was great – it meant being able to work on projects between classes and having a “permanent base”. In terms of top academic talent, I agree. It was real added value to have experts in many economic fields from micro to macro, industrial policy, econometrics, infrastructure, etc; it meant that I graduated with a real good grounding across many areas.
Did you complete Co-op and/or Erasmus? If so, could you share what that experience was like?
I didn't do Erasmus, but I did study for six weeks over the summer at the European Business School in Germany, and I really enjoyed that. As part of it, we had a few workshops with big businesses in Germany, and it was great to see how they worked.
What advice would you offer to students considering studying at UL?
Do your research and ask questions and try to pick a course that you think fits you – not what others think will fit you. There are plenty of people around to offer help and answer questions, be it staff, current students or past students. There’s a whole support network around UL to help people make the best decision for them. Don't be afraid to reach out to alumni or current students on LinkedIn either.
Were there any supports you received during your time at UL that were particularly helpful to you?
Engagement from lecturers was definitely the most important aspect for me, particularly when undertaking my masters. Having lecturers willing to take the time to meet and sit down and discuss a project or answer a question was hugely valuable to me.
What are some of your favourite memories from your time at UL?
International nights on Friday nights were great fun and a nice way to meet new people from around the world. Having guest lectures from industry was great as well as it allowed students to engage directly with future employers. While I was studying for my MSc, I also worked as a teaching assistant and really enjoyed that too. Graduating top of my class in the MSc was also a really proud moment for myself and my family.
At UL, we believe in the power of ‘staying curious’. How important has curiosity been throughout your studies and career to date?
It's hugely important, especially when it comes to self-directed learning like project work, or even revision for exams. In economics and policy, and the world in general, things are constantly changing. Staying curious means having the drive to investigate and understand new things and ultimately stay on top of your game in your career and studies.
Are there any campus locations that hold special significance to you?
The Kemmy Business School is an obvious one, considering I spent so much time there; and of course, The Stables acting as the epicentre of the campus. The castle ruins along the river and even the seating spots along the river are hugely important locations, too, and give people space to sit down and chill and unwind.
How did your courses and your overall UL experience prepare you for entering the workplace upon graduating?
They prepared me well. My studies as well as being able to work part-time throughout my undergraduate and masters meant I was learning inside and outside of the classroom. Project work, particularly in my master’s programme, was particularly beneficial considering how important those skills are in industry but also group projects and working with others – for better or worse. The writing skills we learned throughout our masters is still something that I apply in my writing to this day. We also had to give some presentations throughout my time in UL, and this was a great experience; public speaking is hugely important in the workplace, and to have a grounding in that prior to graduating is great.
Could you update us on where you are now in your career?
Almost a decade on, I think it’s safe to say I like to have a varied sectoral career and will continue to in the future. I went from banking to the civil service, to economic consulting, to working for a state agency and now working in policy and lobbying for a not-for-profit. The grounding and varied education I received in UL allows me to adapt quickly and apply my skills across many different industries.
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
Finding and working in meaningful work, where I can make an impact, like I do now. Continue to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. Ultimately making a difference in whatever I choose to do and living a happy and content life. Winning the Euromillions is also on the agenda (of course)!