GradLink Testimonials

Anne Fitzgerald, Gradlink Mentor (2014, 2015)

I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a GradLink Mentor.  It has been a pleasure to meet students and share in their enthusiasm for their futures. The two students I have mentored were both very organised and hard-working and probably just needed some affirmation from an independent person who had been along the same road. As in most things in life, I think I got more from my mentees than I was able to give. It's a great programme and deserves every support.

Niamh Whelan, Geography Graduate and GradLink Mentee (2014)

During my Junior Sophister year, I completed a six-week programme at a global healthcare and pharmaceuticals company through the help of my GradLink Mentor.

Throughout the placement, I spent time in various sectors of the business. Operational insight was gained into the interaction between core functions including sales, marketing, market access and homecare teams. I furthered my understanding of how market research, marketing plans and strategies are developed and used to gauge the economic benefits of healthcare products. I also participated in a sales shadowing programme to gain experience in customer interaction, both in public and private sector hospitals, as well as within the home setting visiting patients.

I expanded my knowledge of pharmaceuticals and developed an understanding of how healthcare companies work in close line with pharmacists and consultants in order to maintain the best quality services in providing medicinal drugs and therapies. This was the most enjoyable aspect of the placement for me and really sparked my interest in pharmaceutical development and treatment methods.

The GradLink programme was helpful as it put me in contact with a professional involved in the healthcare business, an area which I am considering as a future career path. The work placement served as a platform to experience a day-in-the-life situation within this line of work and was thoroughly enjoyable.

I really enjoyed my experience with the GradLink programme and am so grateful to my Mentor for allowing me to join him and his colleagues during the work placement. I’d also like to thank the relevant Trinity staff for their involvement with the programme.