Michael McDonnell

Careers Manager

A career educationalist and more recently a Business and Executive Coach, Michael joined the UCD Careers Network (Blackrock) as a Careers Manager in January 2016.
As a Careers Manager, he coaches students on an individual and group basis around topics such as career planning, effective applications and interview techniques to enable students fulfil their real potential.

Bernie Burke

MBA and EMBA Careers Manager

Bernie supports the Full-Time and Executive MBA students on the career development and employability components of their Programmes. Bernie draws on almost 20 years of global industry experience and 10 years as a Director of her own consultancy company supporting executive clients in the public and private sector. Bernie has an MSc in Organisational Behaviour and is qualified and registered on the British Psychological Society QRTU, recognised by the European Federation of Psychological Testing (EFPA).

Bel Blanco

CEMS Corporate Relations Manager & MSc Internship Coordinator

Isabel joined UCD Smurfit School as CEMS Corporate Relations Manager & MSc Internship Coordinator in September 2021. She develops the Corporate Relations participation in the CEMS Programme involving Corporate Partners at both business school and multinational companies’ level; and supporting the further development of the CEMS Programme. She also supports internship opportunities for MSc students. Isabel has 7 years experience as a manager, specialising in business development and managing strategic partnerships in the education sector. She is a bilingual Spanish and English speaker. Isabel has a BA in Education from the University of Navarre in Spain. An MA in Education and an MLitt from Trinity College.

Rita Taaffe

Senior Executive Assistant