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Quick Fire Five – Niall Kelly, Project Manager

13 Dec 2024

Meet Niall Kelly, who joined UCC Academy’s Project Centre in 2023. Since then, he has worked on a variety of projects at UCC. Niall has a gorgeous black labrador named Lexie, who he loves to walk in the countryside with.

Read on to learn more about Niall and his work at UCC Academy.

Niall, tell us a little about your background and what led you to a career in project management.

My family has a long history of teaching, and I was always convinced that I would follow that tradition and become a teacher. However, I did some placement work at a school during TY in secondary school, and I quickly realised that teaching would not be for me!

I studied for a BA in English and Geography at UCC, and I loved my student days here. My final-year thesis was on the Environmental Impacts of Food Waste. That led me to UCD, where I studied for an MSc in Environmental Policy. During my studies, I had some exposure to project management, and I found I was really interested in it.

In my career to date, I’ve worked in Project Management across industries, including Transport, IT, Utilities, and Business Optimisation. Before I joined UCC Academy, I worked in Dublin for the National Transport Authority, where my last role was Junior Project Manager.

What projects have you worked on at UCC Academy?

Since joining the Academy, I’ve supported and led a variety of projects across UCC, including Integrated Research Governance, HEA: Building and Estates Space Utilisation Survey, the UCC Library five-year plan and strategic development, the launch of the Business Engagement portal, and COMH Cancer Centre.

I’m challenged and energised by the diversity of projects in the education space here at UCC. Moving between projects means pivoting your thinking while examining the best approach to supporting clients from different areas of the university in delivering their projects. Being exposed to the diverse range of projects the Academy works on was a very attractive transition for me.

For example, working on the Library project with their team and Donna O’Regan, Project Manager at the Academy, was so different from working with the team on the Space Utilisation Survey, where student help is a large and integral part of the project. Both are exciting, future-focused, and necessary projects, and I am delighted to have had the opportunity to be part of the project teams.

What is it like being part of the Project Centre at UCC Academy?

The Project Centre environment is supportive and friendly. When I joined as a Project Officer, I was immediately welcomed into a group of other Project Officers. That cohort is fantastic at leveraging advice and bouncing ideas and project experience off each other. It’s not something I had experienced before, so it was an adjustment for me, albeit a very positive one.

Earlier this year, I was successful in an application and subsequent interviewing process to be appointed to a Project Manager role. Again, everyone has been very supportive and friendly. I’ve learned so much from other project managers, project officers, and my line manager. In particular, I really value how I can have input into my future training to enhance my skillset in a way that will benefit both myself and the Academy.

Niall, we know you are enjoying being busy at work. What is currently keeping you busy outside the office?

My partner Evan and I will shortly officially break ground on our new house. It’s an exciting time for us, but as everyone knows, it does take a lot of time and planning to get to this stage. We are fortunate that Evan works in the building industry, so the knowledge and experience he can bring to our project is fantastic.

Wow, you are incredibly busy right now! What do you do to relax and switch off?

I love walking with my black labrador, Lexie. We are fortunate to live near the Ballyhoura Mountains, where there are many gorgeous walks. The Canon Sheehan Loop is a particular favourite. I head off with Lexie, pop in my earbuds, and enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful scenery. I enjoy listening to podcasts, especially about true crime or fraud. I’ve recently listened to The Missing Cryptoqueen, and I can really recommend it.

UCC Academy

UCC Academy DAC, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building 2.02, Western Road, Cork. Registered Charity Number: 20141431 ,

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