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Image of Marie-Louise O'Callaghan

Name: Marie-Louise O' Callaghan
Trinity Qualification: B.A. (2019) Business and French
Title:
Head of the Women in Business Group at the Trinity Student Managed Fund (TSMF)
About:
TSMF was founded in November 2010 and currently has a membership base of over 400 students. It set a precedent in Europe as the first student managed fund established in the region. The primary goal of the fund is to create a resource for the educational development of Trinity undergraduates within a professional governance structure, bestowing upon them experience in equity analysis, investing and risk management. Operating a real-life financial portfolio under the guidance of industry experts, the TSMF is a non-remunerated organisation managed by students.

What is your fondest Trinity memory?
My fondest Trinity memory was this year when I was asked to introduce Fiona Dawson (Global President at Mars) at the Trinity Global Business Forum. The opportunity to be part of such a fantastic event and meet Fiona herself was a very proud moment for me.

How did you get involved with the TSMF?
I got involved through word of mouth. It was in the first couple of weeks of my first year in Trinity, I was the typical eager “Fresher”. I heard my class mates talking about applying to be an analyst in the TSMF and I became interested. I really got on with the people in the society and over the course of the year got more and more involved in the events, competitions and one thing led to another. Prior to joining this society, I had no intention of pursuing a career in finance but that has all changed.

What has been your greatest challenge during your involvement with the TSMF?
Time management is the biggest challenge when one is involved in a few societies and at the same time managing to keep up with academic work and social life. Organising the WIB conference was a big challenge as there were many elements that had to be coordinated. In addition, I was the Ladies Tennis Captain and this year was Trinity’s turn to host the tennis intervarsities. I was fortunate to have a room on campus this year which was a great help but this year really forced me to priorities my time in the best way possible.

Tell us about the first student focused Women in Business Conference, Stronger Together that you established?
On November 2nd, we hosted “Stronger Together” in Trinity’s Dining Hall. Sponsored by Davy, the Trinity Business Alumni and Pearson Partners the aim of the event was to bring together business leaders, Trinity alumni, and current students to network and to gain exposure to successful business people. The Dining Hall was packed to capacity with over 350 people in attendance and we had some special guests such as Mr. Burke the Dean of the Business School. It was a fantastic evening with a phenomenal panel of speakers including Cathriona Hallahan (MD of Microsoft Ireland), Ina De (Co-Head of UK Investment Banking at J.P.Morgan), Brenda Trenowden (Global Head of the 30% Club), Stephen Donnelly (TD and former partner at McKinsey), Anne Heraty (CEO of CPL Resources) and Dearbhail McDonald (Independent News & Media and former Trinity Alum) chaired the evening. The general consensus was that the event was a very successful, thought provoking and inspirational evening. The feedback was so positive that it is now going to be an annual event for the TSMF and we are running our second event on November 15th at 6.30pm in the Dining Hall.

Tell us something we didn’t know about the Student Managed Fund?
The TSMF has over €80,000 assets under management. We manage real money that we receive from our sponsors and invest it in stocks that the Sector Managers pitch to the Investment Committee.

What ways can alumni get involved with the Student Managed Fund?
Sponsorship is always a big one for us so sponsorship of the fund or an event would always help. In addition, we are always looking for interesting speakers and having TCD Alum would be represented at an event would be fantastic.

What advice would you have for students entering the world of business?
I’ve just completed my second year here in Trinity so I still have a long way to go but one thing I would recommend for students is to apply for positions of responsibility in societies, look for internships etc even if you don’t think you will get them. I have been fortunate to complete spring insights in J.P.Morgan, Credit Suisse and McKinsey even though upon applying for these I thought I would never get them. We are lucky that Trinity College carries the name of being one of the best universities in the world so make sure to use it. Go for it!

What do you think is the biggest issue facing business women today?
I think a lot of progress has been make in terms of women in business today but I think the biggest challenge that we still need to face is breaking down the gender stereotypes especially for female students looking for graduate jobs. There’s no reason for female students to feel like they can’t be investment bankers, engineers, coders etc.

What message would you like to give female Trinity business students?
I genuinely believe that there are so many opportunities for female Trinity business students today. The advice I would have for them is to get involved in as many extra-curricular activities as you can. It’s through societies like the TSMF that you meet new people, make great friends and also learn from the older students in the societies. Attend all the events, talks etc. Think outside the box, if there is something missing in the university think of how you can make it better, can you create a new society, run a new event.  

Who are your ideal female business icons?
Ina De (Co-Head of the UK Investment Banking division at J.P.Morgan), Fiona Dawson (Global President at Mars), Vivien Hunt (Managing Partner for McKinsey & Company's United Kingdom and Ireland).