You completed the IAPI / TU Dublin Post Graduate Diploma in Creative Commercial Communications, what made you sign up for the course in the first place?
At the time, I was looking for something to help me zoom out and better understand the strategic side of creative commercial work. Coming from a background in design, I wanted to deepen my knowledge in areas like communications planning, leadership, and effectiveness. The course felt like the right bridge between creativity and strategy, and it delivered on that promise.
What made you decide to continue from the Post Grad Diploma to completing the MSc. in Creative Commercial Communications?
The Diploma gave me real momentum. I found myself increasingly curious about the deeper forces shaping our industry, particularly around sustainability and how we communicate social impact. Continuing to the MSc gave me the chance to explore that in more depth while building a research-led approach that has been hugely valuable to my day-to-day work.
How was the experience of managing your work/study balance while completing the Masters?
Challenging, definitely. I was working full-time and made a significant career move during the MSc, so time management became crucial. But it also made the experience more meaningful. Studying alongside work gave me an immediate way to apply what I was learning. It wasn’t just theory, it was something I could bring directly into conversations and projects.
What was the top learning you took away from your education journey?
That creativity and strategy are at their most powerful when they work hand in hand. The course gave me a richer language to articulate the value of creative work, not just in execution but as a key driver of broader communications and business goals. That shift in perspective has been genuinely transformative, and I am excited to carry this thinking into my role as Commercial Designer at RTÉ, where there is real momentum and innovation happening in this space.
Would you recommend the Creative Commercial Communications programme to other people considering re-engaging with education and training?
Absolutely. It is a unique programme that meets the real demands of the industry today, but more importantly, it gives people the tools to evolve their thinking and expand their practice. Whether you are a strategist, creative, or somewhere in between, it offers a space to step back, reframe and reconnect with what makes great communications work.
What advice would you give to anyone considering re-entering education while working?
Go easy on yourself and take it on piece by piece. It is easy to feel like there is no time, or that work will always take priority, but investing in your own development can actually sharpen the way you show up professionally. The balance is not always perfect, but the payoff is worth it. Find a rhythm that works for you and do not be afraid to ask for support when you need it. I received it in droves from the wonderful team at TU Dublin, including Dr Rosie Hand and Course Supervisor Dr Emma Sweeney. Dr Margaret-Anne Lawlor, in particular, was a great support and encouragement in the time leading up to our submission date.
You completed the IAPI / TU Dublin Post Graduate Diploma in Creative Commercial Communications, what made you sign up for the course in the first place?
I signed up to the course for a couple of reasons. I work in Civil Service comms and always looking at ways to do things better. The course looked ideal as it has a good mix of academic teaching as well as real-world work to get your teeth into. Also, I’m a big believer in continuous learning to find out what professionals in the field are up to, and learn from them. The last reason is career. I did my last degree a long time ago, so there was a big gap in my CV. This Master’s showed you can teach an old dog new tricks!
What made you decide to continue from the Post Grad Diploma to completing the MSc. in Creative Commercial Communications?
My feeling is that you’ve gone so far, why not continue on? Knowing me, if I left a gap, I’d probably never go back to it. It’s a bit like match fitness - if you’re in the groove, it’s less painful to just keep going. A recognised qualification like a Master’s is a huge asset to anyone in the advertising/marketing/comms field and it’s nice that the course is so relevant to the workplace.
How was the experience of managing your work / study balance while completing the Masters?
It’s very tough if you’re a procrastinator like me. What I found though is that it’s a fantastic discipline, and learning time management and avoiding the faffing around was an education in itself.
What was the top learning you took away from your education journey?
Top learning? What impressed me was the modern way of teaching a subject - it really made learning a fun process. I loved how the course challenged my assumptions about leadership and creativity. I had strongly held views on both, and the course challenged these views, forged in a career of 25-plus years. This isn’t learning by rote - it’s about expanding your knowledge and acquiring new ways of doing things that are 100pc practical in your job.
Would you recommend the Creative Commercial Communications programme to other people considering re-engaging with education and training?
I’d definitely recommend the course. It works on many levels. Maybe you just want recognition academically to give you an edge in an interview. Maybe you want to try a new role in your field, and need insights into new thinking. Maybe you just want a challenge in your life. Whatever the reason, it’s a great way of dipping in by module or going the whole hog. I expected some of the more numerical stuff to be heavy-going, but found it easy. If I can do it (and I’m useless with numbers), anyone can.
What advice would you give to anyone considering re-entering education while working?
The best advice I can give is to prioritise what’s important to you. You won’t be able to do the 9-5, hit the gym, play a match, binge-watch TV and go for pints every weekend. So you’ll have to cut back somewhere. There’s no one big exam, so just keep up with the assignments and you’ll be fine. Time management is a skill you’ll learn it and it’ll make everything much easier. Also, let your loved ones, managers and colleagues know what you’re up to. Those support systems are vital, and people will give you breathing space work-wise when you most need it.
