Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) facilitated The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment who held a free business event focusing on North-East businesses last week. This occasion concentrated on the opportunities and challenges presented by the green economy and digital transformation.
Richard Curran presenter of The Business radio show on RTE Radio One was master of ceremonies at the event and kicked off the proceedings by welcoming DkIT President Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan to the stage for a few words, this was followed by remarks from Minister Simon Coveney TD and then an address by Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services, and the Capital Markets Union. Panel discussions were presented at the event which focused on the opportunities and challenges of the digital and green transition, and on the experiences of successful SMEs in the North-East.
On the day, Minister Coveney, Commissioner McGuinness along with MEP Colm Markey got to meet a selection of DkIT Graduates from various industries in the region. These graduates gave the Minister a snapshot of their academic and professional career and highlighted what they took from their higher education in DkIT, how it prepared them for the workplace and how it instilled them with the academic know-how as well as the softer skills to succeed in their profession. This session was opened by Aidan Brown, Head of Innovation & Business Development, Regional Development Centre, DkIT and was facilitated by Elaine Cunniffe, Placement Development Officer Careers & Employability Centre, DkIT.
The seven DkIT graduates who gave a description of their careers in the region since leaving DkIT included, Brendan Gallagher, Kaseya, Brianan Johnson, Overhaul, Tiernan Gonnelly, Leinster Rugby, Maureen Hoey, Mojo & Co, Billy Curran, Controlsoft, Orla McDonnell, OMD Consultants, Aoife Traynor, Statsports and Steven Byatt, WuXi Biologics.
Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan, President, DkIT said “This session with the graduates was so on-topic for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and provided a great context for why the staff of DkIT all get up every morning which is to assist in the education of the people of the region, so they can support socio-economic development in our community. This was so elegantly presented by our graduates. It was powerful, and truly authentic”.
Dr O’Callaghan added “The Minister mentioned the warmth and commitment he felt on the campus, I felt it was a fantastic day for DkIT. Many staff were involved in making this day happen and portraying our institute in such a positive way to quite influential visitors”.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment were also catered to by the Culinary Arts and Hospitality students of DkIT who provided lunch.
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