May 31st - Luke O'Neill (BA in Journalism, 2006)

What’s your favourite memory of your time as a DCU student?  

"There are far too many to mention! I remember making great friends, learning from some incredibly generous lecturers like the late Eddie Holt, and spending questionable amounts of time in the Hub. As part of our journalism degree, we were lucky enough to study for a semester overseas in Sydney. Soon after, we had to apply for work placements across a range of different media outlets. It was thrilling to work at the Irish Times and see that first byline in print. But above all, those good friends come to mind."

What is your current role? 

"My current role is owner of Genuine Communications."

My current role involves:

"Lots of writing and editing, some content marketing consulting, and plenty of business development. I work with a range of businesses, publishers, and creative agencies to produce content to build brands and convert audiences into customers. Increasingly, this is for fintech companies, legal technology software, and universities in the Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America."

Provide a brief summary of your career since graduating? 

"I began as a reporter and subeditor at the Irish Times, before taking up a scholarship in the press office of the UK Office of the European Parliament in London during 2007. The following year I became a media officer back home at the Courts Service, before moving (back!) to Australia to work in technology PR and newspapers. After a three-year spell as editor of the Irish Echo, I moved into higher education media and PR at the University of Sydney. I opened Genuine Communications here in Sydney in 2018."

Career highlights or achievements you would like to share? 

"I’ve been lucky enough to meet an Australian prime minister, interview a Pulitzer prize-winning author, and learn from countless professional colleagues I admire and respect."

What are the key skills you learned at DCU that have influenced your career? 

"We learned an incredible amount at DCU, both from the lecturers and each other. Learning how to think for yourself and question information and data is one skill I’d pick out. The ability to do solid research and find credible, trustworthy information is another. It’s been invaluable in many roles over the years. I also learned how to avoid paninis, but hopefully the canteen fare has improved since then!"

What advice would you give to current DCU students? 

"Be open-minded about where your degree will take you. Use these years to find out about yourself, your ideas in our world, and what you want to do to improve it. And don’t wait for permission!"