Career Stories

A career is not a straight line and skills can be gained in unexpected places.
Take inspiration from these stories of how people got where they are and where they may go next.

Aisling Farinella

Stylist, Creative Director & Consultant aislingfarinella.com

What type of formal education or training did you pursue and how has it influenced your career? I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCD and a Masters in Film & Television Studies from DCU. I was never sure what I wanted to do or ‘be’, but went for…

Valentina Antunovic

Founder of UX Tree Mentorship Programme Design Manager at Vhi

What is your current role and what does it involve? 
As the Design Manager at Vhi, I steer my team and keep our projects on track while ensuring our design system works effectively across the board and our interfaces meet the highest standards. I’m a passionate advocate for UX design, working hard to spotlight its value within our…

Ciara Petty

Founder/Director Ciara Petty Design Studio

What initially drew you to your field and did you always envision a career in Interior Architecture & Design? 
When I was younger, a career in design never crossed my mind. I did however, always have a creative spark, opting for art in my Leaving Cert and considering art school during that time. Surprisingly, after completing a BA in English Literature, I found my way back to design…

Grace Enemaku

Multidisciplinary designer & illustrator enemaku

What is your current role? 
I’m a multidisciplinary designer & illustrator who specialises in branding and illustration for the unconventional. My projects vary from conceptual branding for startups and SMEs, to print and illustration for the Arts and Advertising. As I’m self-employed, my job includes creative…

Ashwin Chacko

Author, Illustrator and Motivational Speaker Whacko Chacko

What is your current role? 
I’m Ashwin Chacko a positively playful Author, Illustrator and Motivational Speaker. I am the founder of Whacko Chacko an illustration studio…