50 Years of Co-op: Cian O'Donnell

Tell us a bit about yourself, what course did you study in UL, what has your career looked like to date?

My name is Cian O'Donnell, a 24-year-old originally from Limerick, Ireland, currently residing in the United States. I hold a degree in International Business from the University of Limerick, where I specialized in Organizational Behavior and minored in French. My professional journey has been diverse and enriching. I began with an internship at Accenture as part of UL's co-op programme, working within the Global Ventures & Acquisitions Communications team. This experience offered me valuable insights into global communications, innovation, and due diligence. Following the internship, I was extended a full-time offer to join Accenture as a Management Consulting Analyst, where I honed my skills in problem-solving and delivering client value.

A year into my role, I was awarded the prestigious Father John M. Conlisk Scholarship, which brought me to Fairfield, Connecticut to pursue a Master's in Business Analytics. During my time here, I gained experience as a Business Analyst at a major retail bank and later transitioned into the commodities trading sector, where I held a role as an Operations Analyst. Recently, I embarked on a new chapter as a Compensation and Talent Analyst, where I continue to expand my expertise in talent management and compensation strategy within a dynamic environment.

Tell us a bit about your co-op placement, what organisation did you work with and what year it took place?

In 2021, I completed a fully remote co-op placement with Accenture, adapting to the challenges of the Covid era while still gaining a rich, educational, and immersive experience. Despite the virtual setting, the firm ensured that my work was both meaningful and impactful. I had the privilege of working under one of the best managers I've had to date, who imparted invaluable lessons on building a successful career. During my time at Accenture, I contributed to the Communications stream of the company's acquisition efforts, at a time when Accenture was the most acquisitive company in the world. This period of tremendous growth allowed me to participate in several high-profile deals, providing me with invaluable insights into global business dynamics and corporate strategy

What impact did your co-op placement have on your future career?

My co-op placement laid the foundation for my career, allowing me to sharpen essential skills in communication, business etiquette, and analysis. It was during this time that I learned the fundamental aspects of navigating the workplace—how to engage with various stakeholders and not just survive but thrive in a professional setting. I often reflect on those early lessons, especially when I was still finding my footing, as a reminder that everyone starts somewhere. The insights I gained during my co-op continue to guide me in every professional challenge I encounter, and I’m committed to paying those lessons forward whenever I have the opportunity.

What piece of advice would you give to students going on co-op now?

My advice would be to stay open to learning new things and not limit yourself based on your perception of your abilities. If you had told me before my co-op that I would go on to pursue a Master's in Analytics, I wouldn't have believed it. It's through exploration and perseverance that you often discover the most unconventional paths to success. Embrace new experiences, say yes to every learning opportunity, and make the effort to connect with your colleagues. Most importantly, enjoy the journey—you never know where your co-op might lead you! (I certainly would have never guessed Connecticut)