In the latest instalment of the Alumni Spotlight, we speak to Colette Sexton, a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts, who currently works as Senior Communications Manager at Musgrave. Here, Colette looks back fondly on her favourite memories of her time at UL and shares how her experience as a UL student shaped her highly successful career.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Originally from west Clare, I went to Mullagh National School and St Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point before attending UL for my undergraduate degree. I then went on to study a master’s in journalism in the University of Galway. After living in the UK and in Dublin, I moved home to Co. Clare in 2021.
What course did you study, and what year did you graduate?
I studied a Bachelor of Arts in History, Politics, Sociology and Social Studies (HPSS). I graduated in 2011.
Why did you choose to study at UL?
There were a number of reasons why UL was the right choice for me. Firstly, I had a keen interest in history and politics from a young age, and so the range of subjects offered in [the former] HPSS (the BA in History, Politics, Sociology and Social Studies) really appealed to me. Secondly, UL had the unique offering of both a comprehensive co-operative work placement and a study abroad semester. Finally, in primary school, we spent a school tour in UL, and I was blown away by the campus (I still am).
Choosing to study in UL remains one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life, for both professional and personal reasons. I met my husband while we were both studying in UL, and so it will always be a very special place for us.
What were the highlights of your course?
Studying history and politics in UL opened up the world to me, covering everything from the impact of colonialism on present-day African politics to religious wars of the late 16th century.
I also enjoyed the often-intense debates during tutorials. I remember a specific debate in one tutorial class on the issue of the Seanad electorate. In 2023, I was pleased to see fellow UL alumnus Tomás Heneghan win his case in the Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of how university members are elected to the Seanad. Thanks to Tomás, the franchise for electing university members of Seanad Éireann will be extended to all graduates of institutions of higher education who hold Irish citizenship.
Getting the opportunity to study abroad really was life-changing for me. I went to the University of Malta with a great gang of fellow UL students and there, as well as studying history and politics, I had the opportunity to take a journalism course which inspired me to pursue a career in journalism. The experience of living and studying abroad with many other nationalities was unforgettable, and as happy as I was to return to UL, I still miss that Maltese sunshine.
As a UL student, you had the opportunity to learn from some of the top academic talent, in state-of-the-art facilities. What was your experience like?
I was lucky enough to have Dr Maura Adshead as a lecturer and as my final year project supervisor. She was very encouraging, generous in her time with me, and engaged with my research.
The library has undergone a huge transformation since my time in UL, but having all of those history and politics books at my fingertips throughout my time there was extremely beneficial for my studies. During my student years, most days you would have found me perched at a desk in the history section surrounded by a mountain of books, tapping away on my laptop keyboard. Ireland, 1912–1985: Politics and Society by J. J. Lee was a personal favourite and is required reading for anyone with an interest in Irish history and politics.
What advice would you offer to students considering studying at UL?
I recommend UL to anyone looking to study in any discipline. UL has it all: high educational standards, a fantastic student experience, the country’s best campus and a welcoming community.
Separately, what advice would you offer to students considering studying your course?
While HPSS in its original state no longer exists, I would recommend a Bachelor of Arts to anyone who is unsure of the exact career path they would like to follow. It offers an excellent grounding and develops strong critical thinking and communication skills. With the advent of technologies including AI reshaping the world of work, these skills will be more valuable than ever in the coming years.
What are some of your favourite memories from your time at UL?
I have so many wonderful memories from UL, to list them all would be impossible so instead I will focus on the very beginning, and the very end.
On my first day in UL, I was standing inside the ski slopes of the main building, waiting to register and there I met two people who were also waiting to register for HPSS. We bonded there and then and have been very close friends ever since.
In first year, I was honoured to receive the SOC bursary based on academic performance. The awards were created by Professor Pat O’Connor in honour of her mother and to mark her own appointment as the first woman at full professional level in University of Limerick.
Finally, the joy of graduation day. Walking on stage in the Concert Hall to receive a first-class honours degree in front of my parents and friends was one of the best days of my life. My degree hangs proudly in my office now, as a reminder of four years of hard work (and a lot of enjoyment).
Are there any campus locations that hold special significance to you?
I hold a soft spot for number 16 Kilmurry Village, which was my first UL home, and Thomond Village, where I lived with a brilliant group of friends in second year.
Of course, The Stables was frequented on many occasions, and our beloved “Lodge” was visited to blow off steam after submitting tricky papers or finishing exams (or just because it was Thursday).
How did your course and your overall UL experience prepare you for entering the workplace upon graduating?
The development of critical thinking and communication skills during my four years at UL has been essential in every role throughout my career, as well as the research skills I honed from writing essays and my final year project. However, another stand-out experience was my co-operative placement. Through UL, I secured a junior clerk position in the Houses of the Oireachtas, where I worked closely with TDs, Senators and senior civil servants. This experience gave me a unique understanding into Irish politics and Leinster House and has been extraordinarily helpful in my career since.
Could you update us on where you are now in your career?
After working as a journalist focused on business and politics for several years, I have since moved into public affairs and communications, and I have worked as an associate director for a communications firm and a special advisor to the Government.
In 2021, I joined Musgrave, a 149-year-old family business which supports more than 41,000 jobs, in more than 1,000 stores, offices and distribution centres nationwide through 18 market leading brands including SuperValu, Centra, Frank and Honest, and Donnybrook Fair. In my role, I develop and direct the implementation of Musgrave’s public affairs and government relations strategy across Ireland.
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
I really enjoy the work that I am currently doing, as it encompasses my interest in politics, my love of writing and relationship building, and my passion for supporting SMEs and regional development. And at some point, in the future, I might get around to that PhD.