Deirdre Deery
Educational and Skills Development, Directorate of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA)
Deirdre is a Senior Careers Advisor based within Educational and Skills Development. The Unit is made up of four areas - Student Development, Placement Learning, Employer Engagement and Educational Development - all of which support the academic, personal and career development of students and help them compete in the ever changing graduate market.
About Deirdre
Who or what inspires you?
Working with students and enabling them to not only make the most of their higher education experience but raise their aspiration and develop skills to help them compete in an ever changing graduate market.
Who influenced your choice of career?
My parents. Not on my choice of career, but in realising the power of education to transform lives and personal fulfilment. My father’s immortal line was ‘Education is easily carried’.
What are you most proud of?
My 3 children and 7 grandchildren fill my heart with glee but in a work context I am proud of maintaining my own employability for over 30 years in an area of work that I love and which continues to offer challenge and diversity.
Tell us something about yourself which might surprise your colleagues
I was on the guest list of Roger Daltrey and The Who at the Royal Albert Hall when they performed their rock musical ‘Tommy’.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to the 21 year old Deirdre?
No one owes you a career, you owe yourself one. It is your responsibility and all the actions you take will influence your career direction. Direct your energy and enthusiasm towards what is achievable. If you don’t have the right skill set or experience, then do something about it!
