Man in suit

The best advice I can give to students is to listen, ask questions and work hard. Most of all, be professional, punctual and do not be afraid to stay late if necessary because it will pay off! 

Tim graduated in 1981 from the University of Limerick (then NIHE Limerick) with a National Diploma in Business Studies. Founder of the St Baldrick's Foundation and Arann Insurance Group, Tim says that co-op set him up for his future career. 

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

My name is Tim Kenny from Ballyheigue Co. Kerry. I graduated from UL (NIHE) in 1981 with a diploma in Business Studies. My career started out at Universal Insurance Company of Europe in Shannon Co. Clare where I spent six years after graduation. In 1987 I got a Green Card which gave me the opportunity to come to the United States and continue my work in Insurance and Reinsurance. I was instrumental in establishing QBE the Americas Division and growing the company from 100 million in premiums to over 4.6 billion in 13 years. Subsequently, I started my own insurance business and grew it over 10 years and sold it to the Carlyle Group.

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

In 1979 I worked in the Accounting Department of The Kingdom Tubes in Tralee (High Tech Tubes). My work with the CEO, CFO and Financial Controller granted me great exposure to all aspects of how the accounting department and other departments of the company operated. 

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

The experience I got from co-op set me up for my future career and gave me the experience I was able to use in various positions throughout my career. 

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

The best advice I can give to students is to listen, ask questions and work hard. Most of all, be professional, punctual and do not be afraid to stay late if necessary because it will pay off!