Dr Adele Whelan, Research Officer, ESRI
An ISWE Interview with Breda O'Toole (MSc Student, MU) and other Postgrad students
Cathal Coffee, Research Assistant, ESRI
Maynooth University Department of Economics
Toggle 
Some more testimonials from our current and former students
David Daniel Boylan, March 2025
"The BSc Economics program has been a fantastic experience, offering a wide range of courses from macroeconomics to econometrics, along with the flexibility to explore topics in other disciplines such as mathematics and statistics. The strong empirical emphasis throughout the degree has equipped me with real-world skills and the confidence to conduct independent research in the future. I'd highly recommend the BSc. Economics to anyone looking to develop a strong foundation in the field"
Ciaran Murphy, March 2025
"Choosing to study the MSc Economics at Maynooth was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The faculty are not only brilliant academics but also incredibly approachable and supportive. The faculty's enthusiasm for teaching and research meant that the coursework was challenging and engaging, and I learned a huge amount. Beyond that, the department provided invaluable guidance and mentorship. The friendly and supportive atmosphere made my time at Maynooth both rewarding and extremely enjoyable"
Pavithra Arcot, March 2025
"I am Pavithra Arcot, an undergraduate student at Maynooth University pursuing 3rd year double major in Law & Arts (Economics). The lecturers here are supportive and always clarified my questions in detail, which enabled me to gain a strong foundation and score good marks in all the modules. The Office and Administrative staff have been very helpful at all times. The knowledge and guidance provided by my Lecturers and the course structure at Maynooth University helped me gain in-depth knowledge in all the subjects and achieve First Class Honours in Economics both in my 1st & 2nd years. I was also awarded the “Goodbody Outstanding Student Award” in Economics for two consecutive years. The combined knowledge and experience I gained by successfully completing several assignments across all modules enabled me to enhance my research, problem-solving, time management, and analytical skills. I also had the opportunity to write several research essays, participate in group discussions during tutorials & lectures and share my perspectives with the group to contribute toward an effective solution. Studying at Maynooth University has been an excellent experience and therefore, I chose to apply for MSc. Economics at Maynooth University. I am very happy that I got the offer, and I’ve also accepted the offer to pursue my MSc Economics from Maynooth University"
Breda O’Toole, March 2025
"Studying economics at Maynooth University was a rewarding experience for me. The engaging coursework and supportive faculty helped me tap into my potential as an economist, allowing me to earn top academic distinctions in economics for both my BA International in Economics and Spanish and later my MSc in Economics. The strong foundation I built there gave me the skills, confidence, and ability to pursue a career as an Economist/Policy Analyst within the central unit of IGEES (the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service) at the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Beyond academics, the support and guidance from the economics department shaped my real-life problem-solving skills and people skills. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it, and for that, I’ll always be grateful"
Cian Buckley, March 2025
"I’ve found that certain topics from my degree were extremely helpful in securing interviews. In particular, advanced micro and macroeconomics, econometrics, and money and banking were often brought up by interviewers. In fact, every interview I had included questions about my thesis, with many asking me to explain my research in more detail"
William Kennedy
Senior Manager in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Risk Practice, Ernst & Young
Senior Manager in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Risk Practice, Ernst & Young
"As a direct result of both my time at Maynooth and the opportunities it opened to me, I currently work as part of a team advising financial institutions in a broad range of areas across financial services risk management".
Dearbhail Delaney
Senior Risk Analyst,National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA)
"The great mix of Economics and Finance that I learnt at Maynooth University meant that I had a strong background coming to work at the NTMA".
Caroline Gavin
Economist, Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland.
‘My overall experience at Maynooth was very positive, both from an academic and social perspective’.
Michael Wosser
Economist, Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland.
"Looking back I view it [my H.Dip year] as a thoroughly enjoyable and instructive year. I received excellent tuition and support from the lecturers and always felt that, if I put in the hard work that was required, it would be recognised and rewarded. I did not realise it at the time but this thesis was to form the basis for the work that led me towards the completion of my PhD in later years. I would strongly recommend anyone with an interest in learning about the world of finance to follow this route. You won't regret taking this time to invest in your own future."
Conor O’Driscoll
Economic Research Assistant, Ulster Bank
"The M.A. in Economics at Maynooth provided me with wonderful opportunities to develop key skills that were critical both in my job search and in adjusting to life in the working world. The activities and assignments that were part of the programme supplied the backbone of my CV and allowed me to bring concrete evidence of my work into interviews. The staff also do a great job in fostering an environment that is fun to learn in".
Bryan Coyne
Research Assistant, Economic Analysis Division, Economics and Social Research Institute (ESRI)
"The MA in Economics appealed to me because of the broad range of courses offered, ranging from Microeconomics to Industrial Organisation. The modules in this course provided me with a solid understanding of many of the key skills that appeal to potential employers. Opportunities to develop skills such as critical thinking, analysing data and presenting research are very important in many industries. The highlight of my time in Maynooth was the opportunity to tutor an undergraduate class, which developed my confidence to teach and interact with a large group of students. My time as a postgraduate student at Maynooth has been instrumental in both my professional and personal development".
Martin McGovern
Treasury Funding Desk-Dealer Nomura International (London)
"I still recall my time at Maynooth University with fondness; academically and personally…The course was just right – from the mix of subjects to the way it was delivered".
Dr. Cathy Balfe
Research Economist, Bank of England.
I spent four years studying at the Economics, Finance and Accounting Department in Maynooth University, graduating with a BA in Economics and Finance (2006) and an MA in Finance (2007). I very much enjoyed my time at Maynooth - on an academic level the faculty were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and supportive. I have benefited from the generous advice of the faculty at the department not only during my studies but also to this day. On a social level I made many great friends both through the Economics Department and through numerous clubs run by students at the University - in fact, I met my husband during my time at Maynooth University!
One of the aspects I find most enjoyable in studying economics is the wide range of questions that can be addressed - for instance economists have applied their extensive toolkit to analysing the relationship between legal economic opportunities and crime, to estimating the determinants of individual well-being, and to the modelling of individual retirement decisions. I recently completed my PhD and have joined the Bank of England as a research economist. The team I'm working on provide timely analysis of labour market developments in the UK to help inform the interest rate setting decision of the Monetary Policy Committee who are responsible for inflation rate targeting. A recent project I was involved in analysed the impact of reductions in public sector pay and employment on private sector wages.
Dermot O'Leary
Chief Economist at Goodbody Stockbrokers
Dermot O’Leary of Goodbody won the title of ‘Best Research Economist’ for 2006 in the Annual Stockbroking Survey conducted by FINANCE Magazine. Dermot topped the poll in a survey of fund and asset managers both at home and abroad. As Chief Economist at Goodbody Stockbrokers Dermot is responsible for the economics output for the firm. In this role he provides research material, meets clients, both institutional and private. Dermot is also a member of the firm's Asset Allocation Committee and a frequent contributor to economic debate in the national and international media.
"The Economics Department, through the work and expertise of its staff, has been able to build a reputation in many areas of economics. I am sure that this had a significant impact when I first attempted to enter the economics profession with Goodbody Stockbrokers. I would have no hesitation in recommending the economics department in Maynooth to future students in the field of finance."