DCU Voices

DCU VOICES 52 Emerging leaders A new leadership programme for DCU alumni was launched last February with 12 participants from across the university’s five faculties participating in a six-month series of formal and informal learning events. The inaugural DCU Alumni Emerging Leaders Programme brought together 12 outstanding DCU alumni, who are moving into or aspiring to leadership roles in their organisations, to engage in an innovative professional development and leadership programme. Launched last February, the series of formal and informal learning events supported participants on their leadership journeys through reflective learning and sharing. Programme Leader, Katie Keogh, said the platform allowed graduates from all five faculties to collaborate and learn and also provides opportunities for collaboration with some of DCU’s partnership universities including Arizona State University and the University of Notre Dame. “This programme nurtured and developed our next generation leaders which is critical to DCU’s mission to transform lives and societies,” she commented. Throughout the six-month programme, participants shared their experiences with and learned from DCU’s senior leadership team as well as each other. They explored their own leadership styles using the Insights Discovery tools led by Gay White, a Chartered Work and Organisational Psychologist, who is also an Alumni Council member. White said that “the relationship between a graduate and DCU can be a lifelong one as graduates remain a part of the DCU family. The Emerging Leaders programme enhanced that relationship by supporting graduates who are transitioning into leadership positions, recognising that some will face challenges new to them.” DCU Director of Alumni Relations, Ross Munnelly noted that “this programme is another example of our mutually supportive relationship with DCU graduates. The participants developed their leadership skills, and in turn, will volunteer and give back to the university through many more engagement opportunities. We are lucky to have such loyal alumni.” A highlight of the programme was an engaging and interactive evening with DCU Chancellor, Dr. Martin McAleese. Sally McGuire (MSc Management of Operations 2011), a Clinical Psychologist with the NHS Mental Health Trust, said “the programme provided a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced leaders and to reflect on how I can develop my leadership skills. I’ve also ‘virtually’ met a great group of people!” Abdul Hassan (BEng & Meng 2013 & 2015), an Assistant Engineer with Dublin City Council, said that the programme was “a great stepping stone to learn from your fellow DCU Alumni peers/industry emerging leaders in a structured and informal collaborative approach. It takes you on a path to understanding yourself and others in building good leadership behaviours and relationships.” More information about the Emerging Leaders Programme is available at www.dcu.ie/alumni/ emergingleaders. “The programme provided a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced leaders and to reflect on how I can develop my leadership skills.” DCU President Prof Dáire Keogh and DCU Alumni Council Chair Ms Marian Corcoran formally launch the inaugural DCU Alumni Emerging Leaders Programme Katie Keogh, Programme Lead, DCUDoctoral Research Candidate and Community Volunteer