September 2010 - Issue 6

September 2010 Issue 6

Inside NCI The magazine for friends of National College of Ireland

www.ncirl.ie

Discover University Career Boot Camp Free college places for the unemployed O2 Ireland Launch NCI Affinity Scheme News

Features

Interviews

Welcome to Inside NCI and a new academic year; I hope you’ve all had a great summer!

Last year was a very hectic year and although we won’t have Institutional or Programmatic reviews this year, 2010/11 will still be a challenge. We’ll see the introduction of our new MSc programmes, we’ll (eventually) see the Hunt report, we’ve just secured 2nd round funding from the Labour Market Activation Fund, we’ll be presenting our five-year plan to the Governing Body (in late September), we’ll be implementing the recommendations from our HETAC reviews and our Strategy, we’ll be celebrating our 60th Year and we hope to see more international students than we’ve ever had at NCI. And then of course it’s business as usual as well.

The much anticipated Hunt Report on higher education received significant press coverage during August, however it seems that the reporting was not based on the final document itself, for which (at the time of writing) we still have no release date other than before the end of September 2010.

Our marketing activity has been in full swing over the summer and in visits with other University and College Presidents, they have remarked upon our high level of activity. The launch of our MSc’s has been particularly visible and congratulations should go to all involved in our dot conf which was hugely successful in publicising our new MSc in Web Technologies. Everything starts with student recruitment and I’ve been taking a close interest in this over the past few months for both our domestic and international markets. Our international activity has been supported by our Deans of Business and Computing who have made trips to China and India respectively to lay the foundation for years to come.

This year, for the first time, we had a group of students from Duke University who came to us for the summer to work with our Discover University programme. The feedback from both Duke and the students was fantastic and I hope we see some familiar faces in a couple of years time as a result.

Finally the 60th Year Anniversary Team has identified a number of events and initiatives to mark our 60th year.

We’ve just assigned teams to the proposed projects which will kick of in the New Year from February onwards, which I hope will make it a year to remember for NCI and all of its friends.

Dr. Phillip Matthews

President

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to the 6th edition of Inside NCI, your regular roundup of news, views and events from across National College of Ireland.

4

This is always an exciting time for the college, with new and returning students bringing the building to life after the relative quiet of the summer months. We’ve still had plenty of activity though, as you’ll see from these pages! And for the latest NCI news and events, keep an eye on our website, www.ncirl.ie, or join our email list by dropping a line to ehenderson@ncirl.ie.

2

23

To really be in the know, you can also follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/ncirl), join our LinkedIn group, or become a fan of our Facebook page.

Or just drop in for a chat!

Thanks for all the feedback – keep it coming by emailing inside@ncirl.ie or write to:

8

11

8

Emma Henderson National College of Ireland Mayor Street Dublin 1 Special thanks as always to the contributors to this publication: Editor: Emma Henderson Editorial: Beatrice Cantalejo Mike Goldrick Emma Henderson Thomas Mallon Lindsey McQuaid Neal Newman Mayowa Soyingbe

12

Design: Grainne McElroy

In this issue 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 16

2010 so far in pictures The dot conf Help raise funds for NCI’s Disability Support Service, with O2 Alumni News: Lorcan Birthistle, CEO, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital How to get the most from your first year in college NCI welcomes all our new students Winner announced of life-changing prize fund Biz Bites Career Boot Camp helps jobseekers kick-start their search Cover story - Discover University NCI Noticeboard Foundation News

Photography: Bonnie Cullen Deryck Tormey Sarah Vanden Broeck Fennell Photography NCI: 01 4498 500 www.ncirl.ie Cover Image: 21-year-old Alex Klein (left), a Duke University student, is pictured with NCI student Sarah Geraghty, aged 19, from the Dublin Docklands, as part of this year’s Discover University programme.

2010 so far in Pictures

Well done to Ciara McDonald, pictured right, with Prof Jimmy Hill, NCI’s Dean of School of Business. Ciara was the winner of NCI’s recent competition with the Last Word on Today FM, to promote our new Masters in Management, Marketing, Web Technologies and Human Resource Management. She will commence the MSc in Management at NCI this month.

The dot conf web technology event on July 22nd included the launch party for NCI’s new MSc in Web Technologies.

And we’re firm believers that a party’s not a party without cake…

Pictured above is the latest group of Progressions students to complete a work placement at Citi. Progressions is a workforce development initiative at NCI in partnership with twenty international banks, financial services and insurance companies, FAS and the Dept. of Social Protection. Pictured, back row from left to right, are: Anthony Clarke (Citi); Damien Kellegher (Citi); Jeena Elliott (Citi), and Robert Hennigan (Citi). Pictured front: Amy Hevey (Progressions student); Lyndsey Hevey (Progressions); Darren Farrell (Citi); Bisi Banks (Progressions); Robert Manley (Progressions).

An advertising campaign for NCI’s part-time programmes has been running throughout the Summer, including outdoor advertising on buses and at LUAS, DART and bus stops. The campaign included two television ads - one geared towards the full range of part-time courses and one specifically focusing on the new range of Masters – as well as radio and print advertising.

Over 50 people came to the latest meeting of the Dublin OpenCoffee Club took place in NCI on the 5th of August. These free networking meetings are held in over 73 cities around the world to encourage entrepreneurs, developers and investors to network, make contacts and talk about their work. The next event is Thursday 7th October from 10.30am

2

Congratulations to Dr. Mike Goldrick, NCI’s Learning Support Tutor, who was awarded his PhD from DCU in August.

Mike’s PhD was titled 'Effective Learning Support in Higher Education: My living theory of student-centred learning support in National College of Ireland'. His research focused on the history of learning support, and described his journey to improve and standardise learning support pedagogy and materials in Irish Higher Education.

More than 300 of Ireland’s internet movers and shakers gathered at National College of Ireland in July for the dot conf, a free one-day web technology conference for people who work, rest or play with the internet. NCI hosted the conference in partnership with the Irish Internet Association and Silicon Republic.

The event, which also had a waiting list of more than 100 people, booked out in record time after a tongue-in-cheek promotional video was released on YouTube.

Keynote speaker Mark Little, journalist and CEO of Storyful, was joined by a diverse range of speakers including rescue workers (Robin Blandford and Donnchadh MacCabe, Decisions for Heroes), gardeners (Peter Donegan, Donegan Landscaping) educators (Keith Maycock NCI, Bernard Goldbach, Tipperary Institute), and other industry experts from Facebook, Sysco and more.

NCI’s Business Incubation Centre was well represented with several resident companies involved in the day.

Along with Mark Little, Dermot Daly - who talked about the mobile web - has based his company, Tapadoo, in the Centre. Practical, hands-on sessions were led by, among others, Webstrong’s Iarhflaith Kelly and Adrian Skehill of Calom Technologies, who are both also housed in the Business Incubation Centre.

Keith Maycock, lecturer in NCI’s School of Computing, said: “We were delighted with the reaction to the dot conf. There was a real buzz around the event with people blogging and tweeting about it as well as joining up to the LinkedIn group. Ireland’s internet community have welcomed this initiative with open arms as a chance to come together, develop relationships, pick up some new skills and learn about the latest technologies, developments and industry news.”

The day also included the official launch of NCI’s new MSc in Web Technologies, an exciting new course that will encourage an entrepreneurial culture of innovative product development. With a unique focus on web entrepreneurship, user experience, and web security, graduates of the course will combine the business know-how with advanced technological expertise.

as Silverlight, Flex and HTML 5, and has been designed with industry needs in mind. It focuses on Ruby as the main scripting language and Ruby on rails as the web application framework. It will also examine real-world case studies to learn what works, what doesn’t, and why. And NCI’s unique start-up simulation game will further develop your business awareness and skills.”

The programme will appeal to the IT community and anyone with an interest in applying web technologies to their organisation. For those not so technically inclined, NCI has also introduced both a Certificate and a Higher Diploma in Web Technologies. All three programmes are practical in nature and will provide students with an opportunity to develop expertise in an important growth area of IT. From September, the MSc is available as a full or part-time programme, while the Certificate and Higher Diploma are both available on a part-time basis. For more, call 1850 221 721 or visit www.ncirl.ie.

Thank you to dot conf attendee and self confessed ‘webjunkie’, Sarah Vanden Broeck, for taking these pictures of the day. Sarah won the photo competition for her doodle of the dot conf alien, above. Check out her social media blog, Notes by sNarah, at http://snarah.wordpress. com or find her on twitter at twitter.com/ sNarah

Keith Maycock is the Programme Director for the MSc and said: “The course covers all of the latest technologies such

3

Help Raise Funds for NCI’s Disability Support Service with O2 has launched a new scheme whereby O2 customers can help raise funds for NCI’s Disability Support Service by becoming a member of the NCI Affinity scheme.

Through the NCI Affinity scheme O2 will donate up to 5% of eligible O2 customer’s monthly spend to NCI. All money generated through the NCI Affinity scheme will go directly towards the student disability support services in the college.

Signing up couldn’t be easier and it doesn’t cost you a thing. All you need is your mobile phone! Free text NCI to 50308 between Monday 20th September and Friday 19th November and you will be automatically signed up to the NCI Affinity scheme. O2 will then donate up to 5% of your monthly spend to the NCI disability support services. New customers who wish to join or switch to O2 in order to avail of this offer can contact their local O2 Retail store. Some terms and conditions apply and you can check them out on www.o2.ie/legal.

Look out for special NCI Affinity sign up deals and draws in September for all who enter including a round-the world cruise on a private yacht (in your dreams!), a month-long holiday in Bali (are you kidding?) or free pizzas from Four Star Pizza in Fairview (now, we’re talking!!).

O2’s support will enable NCI to provide academic and personal support on an intensive one to one basis to students with disabilities. The services are headedup by Stephen Kennedy whose role as Student Support Officer will be to guide, encourage and support students with disability in their journey through higher education.

Disability Services at NCI

By Dr. Mike Goldrick, Learning Support Officer Here in National College of Ireland our goal is to increase access to education for students from under-represented groups and to provide an innovative and supportive learning environment in which all students can realise their true potential.

We achieve this goal through progressive policies, proactive support services and participation at a national level, which has helped us to tackle marginalisation and social exclusion for individuals with disabilities.

As a key factor in this process, NCI’s Disability Service coordinates supports and accommodations for students with disabilities by determining the level of support required and the types of accommodations which may need to be introduced. These supports include but are not limited to, sign language interpreters, note-takers, learning support and academic tuition, assistive technology, reading materials in alternative formats, library supports and exam accommodations.

Since receiving funding from O2, the college has been able to provide additional academic and personal support, which has led to many great enhancements to the service. One of the most impressive developments to date has been the earlier completion of Educational Needs Assessments (ENA’s).

This earlier completion means that students are now receiving assistive technology six weeks earlier than before and that the Disability Officer has more time to interact with students and foster greater collaboration with other departments involved in the provision of support.

4

Alumni Interview: Lorcan Birthistle

L

orcan Birthistle holds a BA in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the National College of Industrial Relations (Ranelagh). Currently Chief Executive Officer in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital (Crumlin), Lorcan previously held the positions of CEO in St Luke’s Hospital and Deputy CEO and Human Resources Manager in the Dublin Dental School & Hospital. Lorcan is a member of the NCI Alumni Leadership Council.

What encouraged you to enroll on the BA in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations?

What makes the National College of Ireland different?

The term ‘second chance’ education is often used to describe mature students when the reality is that certainly when I was a student it was in fact our first chance. We came from an era when if your family didn’t have the money then you didn’t go to university. The then NCIR now NCI gave me and thousands of others that chance. That history and culture has not been lost.

What are the main objectives of the NCI Alumni Leadership Council?

Our aim is to ensure as many graduates of the NCI as possible retain an active association with the college so that they can support the college and in turn the college can support them.

What role can education play to overcome these recessionary times?

In 1989 I was appointed as a Personnel Officer and I saw the need to obtain a professional qualification. I needed a night time course so two nights a week for five years seemed like a good deal at the time. Not so sure I would have the energy for it today.

We can not pretend to compete for labour intensive industry instead we must concentrate on the higher end of the economic food chain.

This can only be supported by a well educated and flexible workforce. Education will prepare us for the upturn when it arrives.

Do you have any abiding memories of the college and the course?

In your opinion, what could be done to overcome the current economic difficulties?

The number of students, myself included, for whom this was the first chance for third level education and how much we appreciated the opportunity to educate ourselves.

Don’t panic and work hard. We got ourselves into this mess now we have to steadily get ourselves out of it.

Tell us about your professional journey.

What do you most like doing when you’re not working?

I started off as a porter in the Mater Hospital for a year at the start of the 80’s moving on to clerical roles in Jervis St and Richmond Hospitals. I then spent 15 years in the Dental Hospital ending up as Deputy CEO. In 2001 I joined St Lukes Hospital as CEO and in 2007 moved to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital as CEO. Over the course of the journey I accumulated the BA at NCI and an MSc from TCD.

What would you regard as your finest achievement to date?

I think I have been able to help a number of very talented people develop and deliver on their potential, occasionally when they have not been able to see the potential themselves. In doing so I hope I have impacted positively on the delivery of services to patients.

Can you tell us about some of the projects you are currently involved in?

The biggest challenge we face in Our Lady’s is trying to protect and improve services to our patients and their families in an increasingly difficult resourcing environment both financial and staffing. The reality is the sickest children need highly complex care in specialist environments from highly trained staff and it doesn’t come cheap.

Worry about Arsenal FC, the world’s greatest football team.

Who have been your biggest influences, both personally and professionally?

My wife Lucille who has encouraged and put up with me for more years than should be reasonably expected.

If you could start again, what would you do differently?

Learn to play the guitar and convince Bruce Springsteen that I would be a great addition to The E Street Band.

Something that made you smile recently…

Dara O’Briain at Vicar Street provided lots of smiles, and even more laughs. Intelligent comedy…you cant beat it!

Did you study with the National College of Ireland? Perhaps you knew it as the College of Industrial Relations, National College of Industrial Relations or even the Catholic Workers College? If so, you’re in demand! Ahead of its 60th anniversary celebrations in 2011, National College of Ireland launched an Alumni Online Community to help its alumni to reconnect with their college and with their old friends and colleagues. Join the alumni online community now to keep in touch and to take part in our 60th anniversary celebrations!

http://alumni.ncirl.ie/

5

How to ge from yo t the most ur first year in colle ge!

Keep safe:

Going out at night can be dangerous, so here is my advice for keeping safe: if you are going out make sure someone knows where you are going, and where you will be. Ensure that your phone battery is full and you have credit. Before you leave the house, plan how you are going to get home that night, and make sure you have money on you. When you get to your destination and you order a drink, never leave it unattended so you minimise the risk of someone spiking your drink. I hate to state the obvious but don’t accept drinks from strangers and don’t drink and drive. And finally, try not to drink too much as being drunk is not a good look for anyone; you end up regretting things in the morning.

Lectures:

By Mayowa Soyingbe, President, NCI Students’ Union

O

n behalf of all the sabbatical officers in your Students’ Union and your fellow students, I am delighted to welcome you to NCI. Your college years should be the best time of your life and to help make this happen, your Students’ Union is here to help and support you in any way we can. You’re going to enjoy the next few years – NCI is small and welcoming, with a whole host of social activities and sports facilities. You will get to know people quickly and make lifelong friends, and to make sure you do, here are my 5 top tips for getting the most from your first year in college.

Friends:

It is commonly said that ‘the friends you make in college are your friends for life’. My experience has shown this to be true. My advice is to make as many friends as you can, both inside and outside your own class group.

Remember everyone is in the same boat and will more than likely be feeling the same way you are, so don’t be shy.

Stay healthy:

College life can be very stressful at times so it is important that as a student, you try to lead a well balanced life.

Try to form good habits from the beginning like eating right, exercising, and positive thinking. Remember that all students have access to SV fitness, the gym at NCI. Exercising regularly can help relieve the daily stress of tests, exams, grades, parents, relationships, etc.

Getting the right amount of sleep in college is also very important. Pulling "all-nighters" is practiced by many students, but studying is much more difficult with little or no sleep.

6

Please, please and please go to your lectures. You’re bound to learn a thing or two from sitting through even the most boring of lectures. And regular attendance is beneficial for you in the future. Why? Because in my experience you can’t rely on textbooks, the internet or course notes alone. Regular attendance meant that I got advice on studying and how to structure my projects, and it made it really easy for me to approach my lecturers for a reference, or with any questions on my course.

Students’ Union:

The SU is a place where memories are made throughout the year. It’s great fun and has fantastic facilities too. Join a club or society or two - you meet new people and enjoy trips, sports and activities, and you could make a real difference too by working with various charities. If you’re interested in setting up a new club or society just talk to Colum O’Kane, our Clubs & Socs Officer, who is here to help you out. And in case you didn’t know, every registered student is automatically a member of the SU. We are here to protect students’ rights and promote your interests. Contact your elected officers at any time and for any reason. As well as talking to us face-to-face, check out our new website, www.ncisu10.wordpress.com and find us on facebook.

Best of luck in the year ahead and I will definitely see you soon.

NCI WELCOMES ALL OUR NEW STUDENTS Name: Mayowa Soyingbe Age: 20

Position: President Email: president@ncisu.ie / tel 016720873

Describe yourself in 3 words: Fair, smiley, easy to talk to Course studied at NCI: Human Resource Management Favourite thing about NCI: Everyone is approachable Advice to new students: The SU is here to make your time in college as enjoyable and successful as possible. So get involved: join a club or society, go on the nights out, make the best of the year. Most importantly find a way to balance both your academic and social life and make as many friends as possible. Make sure you come down and see us in the Students’ Union, we’re here to help you and also to make college as enjoyable as possible. Remember we work for you!

Name: Suzie Cuddy Age: 21

Position: Vice President, Education and Welfare officer Email: vicepresident@ncisu.ie

Describe yourself in 3 words: Approachable, outgoing, fun Course studied/studying at NCI: Human Resource Management Favourite thing about NCI: It’s a small close-knit community Advice to new students: Have fun and get involved!

Name: Aaron McGee Age: 22

Position: PR Officer Email: aaron.mcgee@student.ncirl.ie

Describe yourself in 3 words: Fun, easy-going, approachable Course studying at NCI: Business Information Systems Favourite thing about NCI: Because its so small you get to know much more people than you would in other colleges

Advice to new students: party, party, party then study, study, study!!!

Name: Aideen Blake Age: 24

Position: Welfare Email: aideenblake@yahoo.com

Describe yourself in 3 words: Outgoing, loud, fun Course studying at NCI: BA in Mangagement of Technology in Business Favourite thing about NCI: The people Advice to new students: Don't just go to class. Get involved!

Name: Colum O’Kane Age: 22

Position: Clubs & Societies Officer E-mail: clubsandsocs@ncisu.ie

Describe yourself in 3 words: Approachable, friendly, efficient Course studied: BA in Management of Technology in Business Favourite thing about NCI: The friendly atmosphere Advice to new students: Get involved in as many clubs & societies as possible, as this is the best way to meet new friends and enjoy college.

Name: Gavin “the Situation” McSweeney Age: 20 & 3 quarters

Position: Entertainments Officer (ENTS) Email: Nci-ents@live.com

Describe yourself in 3 words: Sleek, sexy, sophisticated Course studied/studying at NCI: BA (Hons) in Business Favourite thing about NCI: How everyone knows everyone: because it’s so small, we’re like a big family!

Advice to new students: Make sure to get involved in as much as possible and go to all the nights out: that’s how you'll make friends because ‘technically’, you’re not supposed to talk in class.

7

Winner announced of life-changing prize fund

F

rom more than 400 entrants and 6 finalists, the winner of the 2010 Change Your Life Education Fund has been revealed.

23-year-old Danielle Boylan from Clondalkin in Dublin will win a prize package worth €35,000 from National College of Ireland, Metro Herald and Ireland AM. She will receive an educational fund worth €20,000, along with other supports like a laptop, software and personal style package.

Danielle will also receive mentoring which will be provided by international financial services company Citi.

Entrants were asked to submit their personal stories and answer the question: Why do you want to change your life, and how could education help?

Danielle impressed the judges with her determination to succeed against the odds.

Born into a big family in a difficult area of Dublin, poverty prevented Danielle from following her educational dreams when she finished school. She also suffered two bereavements when her brothers, Sean and Gavin, died while she was in her teens and early twenties, respectively.

These experiences made Danielle determined to live her life to the fullest, as you never know what’s on the horizon. She also dreams of being a role model to her nieces, nephews and wider community.

Commenting on winning the competition, Danielle said: “I cannot believe I have won, I am so happy and excited about the next few years to come with going back to college. I am over the moon. I want to thank NCI, Metro Herald and Ireland AM for giving me this amazing opportunity. I am truly grateful and will work my very best.”

Kieran Forde, Marketing Manager of Metro Herald, was on the selection panel and commented: "Danielle stood out as the winner due to her unrelenting ambition to use education to fulfil her potential. Here was a young woman, from a tough part of Dublin, who has taken the knocks that life gave her but has always been totally focused on achieving success in both her educational and professional life.

8

This prize will now allow her to realise her dream of obtaining a degree and possibly more! She will also be the first person from her family to attend college, so let's hope she's an inspiration for generations to come.”

Stephen Kennedy, O2 Student Support Officer at NCI, was also on the panel and added: “ From an early age Danielle understood the power of education and over the years, against all the odds, she’s been slowly but surely working towards her goal.

Danielle is someone with enormous potential, a trailblazer for the future, and this opportunity could be the first step towards a very bright future. She will be the first in her family to go to college and I see her as a very positive role model, not only for her family but also for her community.”

Danielle takes up her place on NCI’s BA (Hons) in Business in September.

Above right: Danielle Boylan Above centre: Danielle on the Ireland AM couch. All finalists were interviewed on the show.

RUNNER UP SCHOLARSHIPS Each of the finalists who progressed to the interview stage of the contest were determined, inspiring people with fantastic drive. So much so, in fact, that the judges were motivated to award them all a scholarship that will cover up to 75% of the cost of their chosen course.

Commenting on the scholarship, Robert Ward, NCI’s Director of Student Recruitment, said: “At National College of Ireland we want to help as many people as possible to fulfil their educational ambitions. We will work with each of the finalists to help them achieve their potential, regardless of their financial situation.

We hope the scholarships will encourage all of the runners up to achieve their dreams of changing their lives through education.

We also invited everyone who entered the competition to a special advice clinic at the college, where experts provided one-to-one sessions on how people can move forward with their The five other finalists in the competition were:

Mohamad Issah:

Mohamad Issah is 21-years-old and originally from Egypt. He lost his family at an early age and ended up in Ireland to make a better life for himself.

Currently he is working as a car clamper on the night shift, but Mohamad has always dreamed of further study. The judges will offer Mohamad a suitable educational programme at NCI that will help him to achieve his dream.

Grace Prior:

23-year-old Grace Prior is from Tallaght in Dublin and has been working in a newsagents since she was 15 years old. Through her work she has discovered skills and attributes she never knew she possessed. The NCI scholarship should bring Grace closer to her dream career in retail management.

Paula

Hughes: 24-year-old Paula Hughes lives in Ashbourne Co Meath, and was nominated by her big sister, Sharon. In October 2006 Paula suffered an accident which dislocated her knee and severed the nerve in her leg. The judges were struck by Paula’s desire to start her own business and feel that her runner-up scholarship will provide her with the skills and knowledge to make this a reality.

Brendan McIvor:

Brendan McIvor is 45 years old from Old Bawn, Tallaght. Brendan has been caring full time for his wife Catherine, which caused him to give up his business as a cabinetmaker. He hopes that a college qualification will help take his career in a different direction and NCI will work with Brendan to identify the best possible option for him.

Tara Keane:

In 2008 and aged 36, Tara Keane almost lost her life. She contracted a viral infection that attacked her heart and left her in a coma on life support. After further complications she was recently discharged from the Rehab Hospital in Dun Laoghaire. Tara is determined to take back control of her life and the judges felt she was an exceptional candidate. Tara has decided to take up a place on the new MSc in Web Technologies.

BIZ BITES 3 innovative new companies have taken up residence in NCI’s Business Incubation Centre.

Braincloud Braincloud is a cheeky little company with big goals... they want to help businesses move into the cloud. Many companies today are using costly server-based solutions to run their websites and applications. By reworking their current products to take advantage of new cloud computing technologies, Braincloud hopes to help these companies save money while taking them into the future of computing.

RazorCoast was founded in 2009 to provide consultancy, training and product development services in the areas of social media and Internet Marketing. We have recently launched our product which is social widget technology that allows companies to distribute the sales of products and services across the web and it takes full advantage of the benefits of social media.

Tapadoo was formed in 2009 to focus solely on mobile application development. They have quickly cemented our position as Ireland’s top iPhone development company, working on products for companies such as Ammeon, Zapa Technology, Openet and MTV. Their firepit product, launched in January this year saw its first release, a virtual tour programme iPhone app for Ultravox.

Tapadoo was formed by Dermot Daly, who has 20 years development experience, and has expended into a team of Ireland’s brightest iPhone developers.

9

Free Career Boot Camp

helps jobseekers kick-start their search

C

areer Boot Camp returned to National College of Ireland from 16th to 21st August this year. More than 1500 people attended throughout the week to receive free advice from many of Ireland’s leading career and employment experts.

The programme included CV clinics, mock interview workshops, networking events and more.

Before the recession hit, Gerard Spierin had worked in construction services for most of his working life.

Robert Ward, NCI’s Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment (right), co-ordinated the programme. He explained: “As a college we wanted to do something practical to help people combat a very difficult jobs market. Times are tough but with updated skills and knowledge jobseekers will be better equipped to kick-start their career”. Certainly the feedback from last year’s participants was that many of them found the programme helpful in getting back into the workforce.”

One good news story from last year is Ciaran McDonald, who said: “I found last year’s event at NCI a very valuable experience. I learned a lot about how to job hunt, and to identify the transferable skills that I had already acquired.

I put these to good use and am now back in employment with Terex in Northern Ireland.”

He said: "Having worked for one company for 37 years I had no information on current job searching methods, no CV and no introductory letter.

These sessions really helped me to learn what's required."

Valerie Andrews previously worked in the retail sector and specialised in beauty and cosmetic retail.

She commented: "The speakers covered a really broad spectrum. Sessions on things like dealing with recruitment agencies and learning about the hidden job market were very useful.

The great thing about Career Boot Camp is that it covered every aspect of the job search. The speakers really know their stuff and the short, punchy sessions are great. It is clear that the college is really interested in helping people."

Emily Finn went travelling after graduating in Digital Media. On her return she was unable to find work and has been unemployed for the past year.

Emily said: “Boot Camp was really helpful. It was so much more practical than any other similar session I have seen. The presenters really know where you are coming from. It is also great to know that you’re not on your own and to meet other jobseekers in a similar situation.”

10

Valerie Andrews (left) with Emily Finn at the Boot Camp

Jerry Flynn also found last year’s Boot Camp beneficial. At the event he heard about Progressions, a free course for the unemployed that includes a work placement with a leading financial services company. NCI introduced the course with founding sponsor State Street Foundation along with 19 other financial services and insurance companies, FAS and the Department of Social Protection. Following his work placement, Jerry was subsequently taken on

by Citi and now works full-time from their IFSC offices.

We would like to thank our partners in the event Irish jobs.ie. The Sunday Times and Dublins 98FM and all the speakers who give their time for free.

Faculty

Development DAY 3rd September 2010

7

6 Associate Faculty members, full-time faculty, our President, Phillip Matthews, guest speakers and several NCI support staff got together for the NCI Faculty Development Day on Friday, 3rd September.

The day was a huge success achieving its aim of giving everyone an opportunity to meet one another face to face and develop relationships with colleagues. The day also offered hands-on, practical learning sessions on Moodle, QuercusPlus, Library, IT/My NCI staff portal, and Learning & Teaching. Dr. Arlene Egan delivered a powerful presentation on ‘Developing Critical Thinking in Students’ and one of our Teaching Fellows, Rachel Doherty, facilitated an interesting session on how we can improve our teaching style for the benefit of Off C a our students. Abi Reynolds also gave an update on Manag mpus M ana e r Lor blended learning at NCI and each School held their first desk raine ger Ros a C Inglis 2010/2011 School Meeting. man allery an the r d HR egist ratio We recognise that while a lot can be covered in one n day, it’s simply not enough when it comes to the development needs of our lecturers. Therefore, further development sessions will be running throughout the academic year where we hope to generate the same level of engagement, energy and enthusiasm that was evident on 3rd September!

76 faculty members took part in the development day

alsh ond W

sm nd De ariz a d n e m Ar Fabian r coffee e v o t cha

The group enjoy a well earned lunch in the college restaurant

Colin Whits Matt Clark ton, Ashl ey O e ’Don

oghu

e and

11

International approach to ‘Discover University’ this year at NCI

T

his summer, National College of Ireland teamed up with Duke University, USA, to deliver a unique thirdlevel taster programme, called Discover University.

The programme provides a taste of college life to teenagers from disadvantaged and migrant communities in Ireland, who might otherwise have difficulty accessing information and support around further and higher education.

Students from the DukeEngage Programme at the North Carolina institution travelled to Ireland to act as team leaders throughout the summer. Along with current NCI students, they provided support and advice to more than 40 young people, who were aged between 14 and 17 years old.

Dr Josephine Bleach, Director of the Early Learning Initiative at NCI, said: “The theme for this year’s Discover University was community living. Young people from a variety of different backgrounds came together and learned about being active citizens, about working in partnership and about the joy of learning together at third-level. There was great satisfaction in watching the young people enjoy the week and, perhaps more importantly, realise that making the journey to higher education and improving their life chances was actually possible.”

Taster programmes were provided in NCI’s core subjects of business, computing and community studies. A busy events programme also took place with scheduled company visits and a range of fun extra-curricular activities ranging from drama to sport.

Keziah Aguila (17) from Pearse Street, Dublin 1, commented on her experience: “I really enjoyed the group work. I liked my team and the activities.

I met lots of people from different areas and backgrounds and made a bunch of new friends. I like how they help you build up your confidence and teach you stuff that is helpful in real life, like talking in public.”

17-year-old Sarah Barrett from Ballymun in Dublin, described the programme as “a good laugh” and said she had “learned new stuff, like how to start your own business.” She said the programme “made college seem more fun”, and she had improved her communication skills, as well as “learned how to work as part of a team”.

Ryan Tierney, aged 16 from Ringsend, said: “I enjoyed the Discover University programme because we did a lot of good exercises and I got a good idea of third-level education. I made some new friends and I learned a lot more about subjects like HR than I knew before.”

The programme ran between Thursday 24th of June and Wednesday 30th June, with an extension programme taking place until the end of July.

The extension programme involved young people working in groups to create a series of short films that highlighted contemporary community challenges in Dublin. The films focused on communities including the Liberties, East Wall and the Nigerian community in Dublin. As part of their work, the teams interviewed newspaper editors, youth workers, educational leaders and community members.

“I really enjoyed the group work. I liked my team and the activities. I met lots of people from different areas and backgrounds and made a bunch of new friends.”

Keziah Aguila Miatta Echetebu (left), from Duke, and Sinead Thompson (right), from NCI, are pictured at the Discover University short film showcase at the Chester Beatty Library.

University

12

National

College of

Ireland

L-R Ashley Maughan, aged 14 from Ballymun and Keziah Aguila, aged 17 from the Dublin Docklands, who both took part in the programme.

Under the direction of faculty from Duke and from NCI, the third-level students taught the participating teens how to create internet web sites along with techniques for successful and ethical interviews, video filming and editing, and problem solving skills in maths that will help them prepare for the leaving cert.

Professor Suzanne Shanahan, Associate Director of the Kenan Institute of Ethics at Duke University and Co-Coordinator of the Discover University Programme said: “I have been so impressed by the focus, creative energy, leadership and sense of social responsibility the students have shown in their community projects. By engaging with social problems from intergenerational distrust, to racism and social exclusion to the relationship between drug addiction and lack of opportunity, the students have demonstrated a keen understanding of what it means to be active citizens in an increasingly diverse Ireland.”

Dr. Bleach added: “Together, they have explored serious social issues and through their interactions with the communities involved, they have come up with interesting and innovative solutions. This is active learning and citizenship at its very best.”

(L-R) Pictured at the DU Showcase are: team leader and Duke University student, Alex Klein; Prof. Suzanne Shaw, Associate Director of the Kenan Institute of Ethics at Duke University; team leader and Duke University student Miatta Echetebu; NCI President Dr. Phillip Matthews, and Dr. William Tobin, Duke University.

13

NCI NOTICEBOARD

Fee Free College

Places for the unemployed

400 free college places for the unemployed were recently announced by National College of Ireland under the Labour Market Activation Fund 2010, managed by the Department of Education and Skills. The programme is government funded and supported through Ireland’s EU structural funds and the European Social Fund.

The courses covered by the scheme include the FETAC Certificate in Business Studies, Certificate in Web Technologies, Diploma in Web Technologies and Certificate in Entrepreneurship. All will be run from the college’s Dublin campus and some will be offered at selected locations around the country.

The places are available to anyone who has been unemployed for 3 months or more and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. For more information call 1850 221 721 or download an application form from the NCI website, www.ncirl.ie.

Due to the limited number of places available, eligible parties should submit their application as soon as possible.

60th

es and M a tch es tch H aCongratulations to

Birthday Watch this space!

NCI celebrates its 60th birthday next year so get ready to join the celebrations.

Rosa Callery, Off Campus Manager on the birth of Darcy on 4th November.

Lorraine Inglis, HR Manager, on the birth of baby Zoe on 20th August last year.

Magdalene Berezowska in Accounts, on the birh of baby Nina on 14th August 2010

Aisling Gorby from the IT Department who married Ian on Saturday 11th September 2010 Celine Daffy of NCI ‘s School of Community Studies, on the birth of baby Sam on August 3rd 2010

14

Harry Gough: Celebrating 20 years of service!

NCI’s Premises Supervisor, Harry Gough, celebrates 20 years of service at NCI this year.

A Dubliner through and through, Harry was born and has lived all his life in Drimnagh, D12. He started with the college back in 1990, having held a number of previous jobs including a store man for Hugh Motors, and apprentice rigger for a ships chandlers. He also spent time travelling in Greece, Turkey, Israel and India before starting work at what was then the National College of Industrial Relations.

Harry said: “The time seems to have gone so fast. I remember my first day as if it was yesterday; I was very nervous at the time but was put at ease very quickly by how welcoming and friendly everyone was.”

2 MINUTE INTERVIEW Mary Buckley Librarian

Harry Gough, Premises Supervisor

Talking about his biggest influences, Harry said: “For 18 years out of the past 20 I worked with a man called Tony Morgan, NCI’s premises manager. He was a pleasure to work alongside with and made the chores seem easier. NCI has a series of lectures now called Legends in your Lunchtime, but for me Tony Morgan is the biggest legend I know.”

Harry has seen a lot of changes over the past 20 years, especially since the college moved to the IFSC. His role has changed and developed as the college has increased both in size and in student numbers, but his favourite parts of his job have stayed the same: “the friendliness of the staff and the relationship I have with the students.”

1. A common misperception of me is...

I don’t really want to think about that too much!

He continued: “I am proud to be here 20 years and be a part of all the changes that have happened over the years.”

2. I'm good at...

Reading

Early Learning Initiative Book Launch Dr. Josephine Bleach’s first book, ‘Parental Involvement in Primary Education in Ireland’, was successfully launched in July by Professor Áine Hyland of NCI’s governing body.

In the book Josephine, the Director of the Early Learning Initiative at NCI, examines the involvement of parents in their children’s education, and how as parents they are influenced by the changing society in which they live, and is the first book of its kind to be launched on the market.

3. I'm not-so-good at...

Shutting up 4. The ideal night out is...

Beer & Friends 5. The last book I read was…

The Missing by Jane Casey 6. The last cd I listened to was…

Jack Johnson ‘In Between Dreams’ 7. My favourite part of my job is… providing a good service to library users 8. It frustrates me when… people lie (and it is obvious)

Her research evaluates the implemention of the national policy of parental involvement in children’s education and schools (homeschool partnership), and explores, among other areas, how the implementation of this policy tends to differ between schools from middle class and disadvantaged areas.

Above: Jilyn McLoughlin, a Parent Child Home Programme facilitator at NCI, attended the event with her daughters Seana and Caitlin Above right: Author Dr. Josephine Bleach

9. A phrase I use far too often is...

‘If that’s what makes her/him happy’ 10. In a nutshell, my philosophy is… what goes around comes around

The event was a great success, and was attended by a range of local parents, NCI stakeholders, and community partners.

The book is expected to become a key resource for all involved in raising educational aspirations and fostering educational achievement with families and schools throughout Ireland.

15

In Profile

National College of Ireland

Foundation Progressions NCI’s newest workforce development strategy for the financial services sector is a partnership with nearly twenty international banks, fund managers, insurance companies, FAS and the Department of Social Protection. Over 40 months, 300 unemployed people will benefit from an in-classroom experience plus a two-week work placement aimed at helping increase job prospects.

Bernard McEvoy Founder & Managing Partner of McEvoy Solicitors and member of the NCI Foundation Board

BNP Paribas Partnership

• What was your first job?

I worked in the cattle yards in Dublin Port (now part of the IFSC and not far from where NCI is) tending cattle before they were shipped to the UK for slaughter.

BNP Paribas is a European leader in global banking and financial services and one of the six strongest banks in the world (Rated AA by Standard & Poor's). It has one of the largest international networks with operations in 84 countries and 201,100 employees. BNP Paribas is one of our newest partners in support of Progressions.

• What inspires you?

The life of Nelson Mandela • What is something you would like to see happen in Ireland in the next 10 years?

In the immediate future a National Government to deal with the chronic economic circumstances the country is in. We all need to pull in the same direction for the sake of all of our citizens. There is no time or place for political posturing.

• What are you most proud of professionally?

A Chambers and Partners shortlisting for our firm as Irish law firm of the year 2006.

• Where would you like to travel if money were no obstacle?

South Africa • What does NCI mean to you?

Having been involved with NCI since its Ranelagh days it was an enormous achievement to see it become the wonderful college that it has, reaching out to people of all backgrounds.

• As a member of the NCI Foundation Board, what do you hope to achieve?

To support the Board in its efforts to raise the funds the College needs and the public awareness of the College generally.

• What makes NCI special?

Its open door and everyone must get a chance philosophy.

16

Andrew Hastings, CEO of BNP Paribas in Ireland said: “We are pleased to support Progressions at the National College of Ireland. Through our various Investment Banking and Investment Solutions activities we employ over 200 people in Dublin and are committed to working closely with our local community facilitated by Progressions and also the BNP Paribas National TennisAcademy.”

Citco Financial Services For over 65 years, The Citco Group of Companies, a global organisation of financial services companies, has provided hedge funds, private equity and real estate firms, institutional banks, Global 1000 companies, and high net worth individuals, with niche financial services in hedge fund administration, custody and fund trading, financial products, and corporate and fiduciary solutions.

Citco is NCI Foundation’s newest partner in Progressions, having made a €30,000 pledge to the programme. Declan Quilligan, Citco’s MD said “Progressions is a wonderful opportunity for us to get involved in the local community and help people develop their skills and return to the workforce. We are very happy to support NCI in their efforts.”

New Faces at NCI Kacie Desmond Tim Hamilton Research Fellow in Social Justice, School of Community Studies Joining NCI from: An MSc at Oxford University What excites you most about your role: Getting to spend my days researching interesting and relevant topics whilst also contributing to work that will hopefully have a positive impact on people.

Describe yourself in three words: Adaptable, driven, international How do you spend your free time: At the moment, overwhelming myself trying to learn Spanish and calming myself through yoga and weekends away.

Lorna Ní Chéirín Early Years Co-ordinator in the Early Learning Initiative (ELI), School of Community Studies Joining NCI from: PAUL Partnership Limerick Position held: Incredible Years Limerick Training & Development Coordinator What excites you most about your role? Empowering parents & professionals to develop infants & toddlers social emotional wellbeing & academic learning. I passionately believe this is key to unlocking future potential & to creating real equality of opportunity.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Enthusiastic, creative and productive How do you spend your free time? Practising and teaching Kundalini yoga, beach walking, dancing, cooking, reading, researching and drinking white wine..but not all at the same time!

Michelle Lyons Accounts Assistant - Finance Department Joining NCI from: Linde Refrigeration Ltd Position held: Accounts Assistant What excites you most about your role? Tackling the new challenges that the role brings.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Loyal, easygoing and energetic.

How do you spend your free time? Walking and helping out with local Cycling Club.

Toby Breaden Administrative Assistant, School of Community Studies.

Joining NCI from: The Integration Centre (formerly Refugee Information Service) Position held: Information & Advocacy Officer What excites you most about your role? The chance to work with students, reliving my college days by proxy!

Describe yourself in 3 words: Wicklow and proud.

How do you spend your free time? Cooking mostly. Also reading up on the Middle East, attempting to learn Arabic, hiking and the odd quiet evening in my local in Kilmacanogue.

Aoife O Gorman Síolta/Aistear Facilitator, Early Learning Joining NCI from: Department of Education Position held: Early Years Teacher What excites you most about your role? I look forward to working with Early Education Settings in the Docklands on their journey towards implementing Síolta: the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. It is an exciting time of innovation and progress in these settings and it will be great to be part of that.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Genuine, curious, creative How do you spend your free time? I love cooking, reading cookbooks and food blogs. I am passionate about travel - if only that was free!

Contact details for all NCI Staff are available from www.ncirl.ie