MTU Alumni Podcast Series

After years of struggling in school, Robert James Gabriel was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 16.  Upon graduating with an a degree in computer science Robert went on to develop Helperbird, a browser extension that makes browsing the web easier for individuals with dyslexia. Robert also featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 alongside notable figures like climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg (17) and chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen (29).

Donna O'Shea is an alumna of Munster Technological University (MTU) and is also Chair of Cybersecurity at the University which is professorial level post and the first to be awarded nationally under the Senior Academic Leadership Initiative (SALI).   In this episode Donna shares with us the role she has at MTU and the steps that she is taking to encourage women into the Cybersecurity and Computer Science industry.  She also shares her memories from MTU as a student.  

Alison McCormack is an actor, singer and director from Kilworth, Co. Cork who graduated from MTU Cork School of Music in 2020.  She is one of founders of Four Faced Theatre Company which is a new theatre production company based in Cork.  The first show of this new theatre company entitled DNA is in the Cork Arts Theatre on 3rd February 2022.  DNA is a poignant and, sometimes, hilarious tale with a very dark heart.

In this week's episode we are talking to Stephanie, the founder and CEO of OnTheQt, an award-winning tourism and digital media website. Stephanie studied TV, Radio and New Media broadcasting in MTU (Kerry), and has an extensive background in Irish television, working with both RTE and TV3.

Tracey Ryan, CEO and Founder of Bia Beauty and Managing Director of Codex Beauty shares her fascinating story and tells us how she got her start in the cosmetics industry with her natural range of beauty products Bia Beauty after studying at MTU - Cork Campus.

Ethan is a MTU alumnus who graduated with an Honors degree in Health & Leisure where he specialised in the area of Adapted Physical Activity (APA). After graduating, Ethan participated in the Student Inc. Programme which launched him towards the journey to creating his business The Sequel Way. Join us and hear Ethan talking about his business venture which is addressing an untapped & unique market in the fitness industry. 

An interview with Chef Martina Cronin as she takes us through her culinary journey. She discusses her inspiration and the story behind the The Square Table restaurant she co- owns with her twin sister Tricia. 

Multimedia graduate Will Sliney is an award-winning comic book artist who's worked on well-known characters such as Spider-Man for Marvel Comics. During the pandemic, Will presented We Will Draw on RTE's Home School Hub, showing children all around country how to draw impressive characters using simple shapes and techniques. Will joined us over Zoom to talk about how he developed his skills, landing his dream job with Marvel, and his belief that practice really does make perfect. 

CIT alumni (and father and son) Dave and Darren Murphy, like many of us, have been sharing a home and work space during the pandemic. As CEO of PM Group, Dave’s been leading a large company through this dynamic period, and sharing his insights with Darren, whose role as an Account Manager at Indeed.com has equally provided him with learnings to share with his father. Dave and Darren joined us to discuss their different experiences of CIT, how they learn from each other, and the highlights of their respective careers so far.