I currently hold a Bachelor of Commerce from the National University of Ireland Galway (First Class Honours) and an MSc in Financial Services awarded by the University of Ulster Coleraine (Distinction). I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent at both universities and have developed a strong foundation in finance as a result. I feel I gained the most from studying banking, economics, statistics and I.C.T at undergraduate level and financial econometrics and derivatives at post graduate level.

Besides the outstanding opportunity to develop my potential academically, the University of Ulster also offer a lot for both personal and professional development. Although research within the department is of a strongly academic nature it is also largely applied with staff creating and developing direct professional links with the banking and finance sector, my area of interest

I have had the opportunity to continue my professional development alongside my academic development and will soon become an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI). Furthermore, I am currently completing the DataStream Certification Programme offered by Thompson Reuters. Having the opportunity to complete professional exams alongside my studies will ensure that a range of options are available to me when I complete my doctorate.

I am currently in my first year of my PhD and thus the research is still in the initial stages. To date I have largely been reviewing the existing literature and developing possible theoretical underpinnings for the study. My supervisors – Dr Elaine Ramsey, Mr Derek Bond and Dr Graeme Acheson- are extremely supportive of my studies and are very generous in the time they give to supervise my research. I have developed many valuable qualitative and quantitative skills through the range of workshops that are offered to suit each individual’s needs.

Following completion of my PhD I would like to gain a position as a research assistant to advance my research skills and assist in the further development of links between academics and professional bodies as I feel that this is vital to ensure the needs of employers are meet. Alternatively, I would like to pursue a career in the financial services sector conducting economic analysis and research to inform public policy. My specific areas of interest are financial stability and crisis prevention. I would also be interested in working in capital markets as I thrive on pressure and enjoy competition. Overall, I feel that as a result of my wide range of experience, knowledge of the field and my determination to succeed and achieve my ambitions that I could apply myself well in any position within the sector.