Student Testimonials

Testimonials for SoB PGR Research Programmes

 

Dr. Sinead Mellett:

My name is Sinead Mellett, I completed the PhD programme at Waterford Institute of Technology under the excellent supervision of Prof Felicity Kelliher and Prof Denis Harrington. The programme was exceptional, it was well organised with tremendous research support and mentoring. On graduating, I took up a post-doctoral position at NUI Galway working on an Interreg Atlantic Area project RiskAquaSoil. I am currently a scientific researcher in Athlone Institute of Technology working mainly on an Interreg Atlantic Area project Neptunus.

 

Dr. Noel Murray:

Title of my Research: Strategic Management of Tourism Destinations: A Dynamic Capabilities Perspective.  My research study examined the complex phenomena of strategically managing tourism destinations, as there is no one person/firm in charge. The findings provided insight into the key management capabilities required by specific actors, who play an essential role in managing the wide diversity of offerings in tourism destinations. 

 

Working with and learning from my PhD supervisors and the wider academic team in WIT, had a ‘transformational’ impact on my development. I cannot speak highly enough of the time and effort invested in me by my supervisors, who at all times pushed me to excel. This ensured that I developed the research skills and critical insights necessary to progress my academic career. I feel extremely lucky to have completed my PhD in WIT, as I know it has prepared me for a career in academia. I really enjoyed the PhD programme in WIT, which at times was particularly challenging, but was also extremely rewarding.

On completion of my PHD, I secured a role lecturing in the Department of Marketing & International Business, at Cork Institute of Technology (now Muster Technological University - MTU). After 2 years in this role, I was appointed Head of Department of Tourism & Hospitality at MTU.

 

Dr. Andrea McNamara:

Under the auspices of the AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research within the School of Business at Waterford Institute of Technology, I completed my PhD in the research area of small and medium sized firm financing in 2014. My supervisor was Prof. Sheila O Donohoe. The PhD programme provided the platform to strengthen my knowledge and technical skills in the chosen research area whilst providing the support and encouragement to instill greater confidence. It also facilitated me in taking greater ownership of my own learning.

Upon completion of the PhD, I worked as a post-doctoral researcher in National University of Ireland, Galway. Currently, I am working as a Lecturer in Accounting and Finance in Institute of Technology, Carlow.

 

Dr. David Pasley

I completed my PhD in 2016 through WIT’s AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research. My PhD thesis was entitled, “An investigation of inefficiencies in enterprise supports: A study of the Irish enterprise support system”. WIT offered exceptional supervisors, who achieved the right balance of challenge and support to guide me through the process. Beyond the critical supervisor-student relationship, there is a highly supportive culture among the entire faculty. WIT’s approach meant that I did not just have access to lecturers and researchers, but was part of a community who took a genuine interest in both my research and personal development and went above and beyond to support me. WIT also taps into a global research community which provided opportunities to present my research in different countries and contexts and gain valuable feedback as I went through the process. One of the key features of the PhD programme was the thorough yet flexible approach to generic skills training. This training not only provided practical hands-on training to help me through the programme, but also developed skills across a spectrum of areas which have stood to me in my future career. The flexibility in the approach meant I had access to whatever training I needed, whether part of other programmes in WIT or through other institutions which formed part of WIT’s extensive network.

Since completing the PhD, I joined the civil service and work as an Assistant Principal in the area of police oversight. The role involves dealing with complex areas, from the development of legislation to organisation reform. While this is a very different context to my study and past work experience, going through the PhD programme in WIT gave me the skills I needed to be an effective team member and leader, and advance in my career.