Alumni Interviews

Our alumni go on to build remarkable careers across every field, from culture and policy to business, academia and beyond. Here, some of them reflect on their time at Trinity and the paths they have taken since.

Lenny Abrahamson

B.A. (1990) Mental and Moral Science (Philosophy)

Lenny Abrahamson is one of Ireland's most acclaimed film directors, known for works including Room, Frank, and the acclaimed BBC/Hulu adaptation of Sally Rooney's Normal People. He spoke to us in September 2019, while in post-production on that series — part of which was filmed on the Trinity campus.

What did you enjoy most about your time as a Trinity student?
Having time to think, and the stimulation of talk with interesting, intellectually engaged people — both peers and teachers. I remember mostly a feeling of excitement, of an open-ended flow of ideas, of horizons expanding without the pressures of life that crowd in as one gets older.

What do you think is the relevance of the study of Philosophy today?
It seems that truthfulness, clarity and expertise are being actively devalued by powerful movements in cultural and political discourse, and it's vital to fight against this. Studying Philosophy — and the Humanities and Arts in general — is a mind-opening and thought-deepening experience, which in itself is an affirmation of those aspects of culture so under attack.

What advice would you give to students starting out in Trinity today?
Make the most of what is a unique opportunity. Talk to as wide a range of peers as possible. Get involved, even if it seems daunting to start with.

Míde Ní Ghríofa

B.A. (2018) TSM Economics and German

Míde Ní Ghríofa graduated from Trinity in 2018 and went on to pursue postgraduate study in Economics for Development at the University of Oxford, supported by departmental funding and a European Central Bank Scholarship for Women in Economics. She spoke to us in September 2019 about her experience at Trinity and her ambitions in public policy research.

What did you enjoy most about Trinity?
I loved the sense of opportunity I felt as soon as I arrived. My degree in TSM Economics and German opened my mind to diverse and new ideas, and the people I met, both staff and students, broadened my perspective. I loved the city-centre campus, the sense of community within, and the effort to make it inclusive and welcoming.

What role did Trinity play in getting you where you are today?
I have always felt supported by the academic community and their genuine interest in helping students — whether by setting up partnerships like the TCD-OECD link, or putting you in touch with alumni who gladly offer their insights. The Economics Department gave me the chance to serve as Editor of the Student Economic Review, which was another formative experience. I hope many more students enjoy the same opportunities, and that equal access to the Trinity experience continues to improve.

What are your plans for the future?
I am keen to pursue a career in research in public policy and development. I am excited to be starting the MSc in Economics for Development at Oxford, a programme that provides the necessary economic foundations, applied to development with a policy focus.

More alumni interviews

Further interviews with School of Social Sciences and Philosophy alumni are available on the TCD Alumni website, including conversations with alumni from across our disciplines spanning more than a decade.

Scott Lavalla | B.A. (2011) Philosophy and Political Science
Jonathan Cloonan | B.A. (2007) Economic and Social Studies (BESS)
Aisling Bea | B.A. (2006) French and Philosophy
Gary Gannon | B.A. (2012) History and Political Science
Oisin Hanrahan | B.A. (2006) Economic and Social Studies (BESS)
Teresa Raftery | B.A. (1983) Philosophy
Mark Pollock | B.A. (1998) Business and Economics
Kathleen Gallagher | B.A. (2012) English and Philosophy
Paddy Cosgrove | B.A. (2006) Political Science
Terry Clune | B.A. (1989) Economic and Social Studies (BESS)
Kingsley Aikins | B.A. Mod (1974) Economics and Politics
Hamish McRae | M.A. (1966) Economics and Political Science
Julia Schroer | B.A. Mod (2008) Business Studies and Sociology
Jennifer Cassidy | B.A. (2010) History and Political Science
Hugo MacNeill | B.A. (1981) Economics
Margaret Doyle | B.A. (1990) Economic and Social Studies (BESS)
Robert Fisk | PhD (1985) Political Science
Sinead English | B.A. (1989) Economic and Social Studies (BESS)
Grainne Dooley | B.A. (1991) Business and Economics