Tell us a little bit about yourself and your current role.
Hello, I’m Eimear Dwan, a Tipperary lady, and proud member of the TUS alumni. I love making connections and networking, there’s lots to be said for it! My current role is Marketing Manager at Crescent Shopping Centre Limerick. I’m in this role for almost 2 years and I adore it. My day-to-day includes the management of all marketing related activities here in Crescent including – Managing our 90stores in terms of their marketing needs, content creation, social media management, events (ideation and execution), PR activity, influencer activity, sponsorship, supplier management and outreach, general maintenance of our channels. I have previously worked in Dublin in various industries from advertising, pharmaceuticals and luxury retail and have loved every second of my career to date!
What path led you to where you are today?
My path has certainly not been straight forward. The path that led me to where I am today was networking and making the first move. A former lecturer name dropped his friend, who was Head of Accounts for a well-known advertising agency in Dublin and said that a lot of his students have been considered or have worked there. I didn’t waste any time (as knew I wanted to move and work in Dublin after college), so I reached out to this person on LinkedIn. I didn’t exactly know what the different between advertising and marketing was at the time, but had watched ‘Mad Men’ and thought, this is something that I could be good at. Three days after initial outreach and an interview, I had gotten myself a job. Within 5 days of outreach, I had found myself a room, packed up everything at home, said my goodbyes, and moved to Dublin! Looking back, it was scary, but at the time it made sense.
What do you love most about the work you do?
Connections. Be that connecting with someone on a professional level, or connecting with a customer who your work reached, it’s what I love most. I also like the fact that the marketing landscape currently is all about positive sentiment, impact, experiences, and connections. In my opinion, everything is about emotion and connection. People buy people ultimately, it’s what communication is all about – that warm, fuzzy feeling.
When you’re not working, where would we find you?
I would like to say working out but realistically, it would be in a café, sipping an americano, with a good podcast in my ear – I’m working on doing more freelance projects in my spare time, it’s something I’m passionate about. I also enjoy cooking (and eating) so trying out new food spots and cooking spicy food, again – that warm fuzzy feeling, literally.
Looking back, how did your time at TUS influence your career or outlook?
It helped me not be afraid to ask questions and gave me confidence in my own abilities. I found that ‘Marketlink’ which was a live group business project in 1st year, really gave me reassurance that it was marketing that I wanted to pursue as a career. I enjoyed all touchpoints, from initial ideation phase to creative work, to going live, pitching our ideas and launch date. The buzz and energy I got from that was a huge influence. I also think that the hands-on natures of the teaching staff at TUS helped a lot. There was never a ‘silly question’ so made it easier to speak freely.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates from your field?
I would say that work experience is vital, preferably in the disciple you intend to work in full-time, but anything at all helps. I’ve been in a few different marketing related roles in various industries, and it has shaped the person I am today. Within those roles, it was my interaction with the other teams so the cross-functional side of the job that helped me greatly. I found that getting to know the people on the ground is crucial. Working from a head office or corporate setting is fine but getting to know the working unit as a whole as well as your customers, that’s where the magic happens! Another piece of advice is that moving forward in any shape or form is positive. That could be getting some insight from a colleague, learning from a podcast, free online courses, attending some networking events, anything that can shape your understanding of the industry is a help.
What’s one memory from your student days that stands out to you?
I don’t have one core memory, a few stand out. The canteen, where you met everybody from other years and courses. Playing table tennis in the student union on break times was fun. I always remember the week or two before exams start, and the whole year just become super close, studying together and sharing notes, in complete panic!
How do you stay connected to the TUS community, if at all?
I keep an eye on socials and LinkedIn. In my current role, I’m actively working with TUS on live business projects so that keeps me connected.
What does the idea of an alumni community mean to you?
It means a group of people with a shared experience. It also means, commonality and reminiscing on important years that shaped our future.
Finally, what’s next for you?
I’m hoping to dive into more marketing consulting freelance work in my spare time! I have a passion for what I do and hope to inspire others and help business reach their full potential with me, whilst enjoying the journey.