Staff Interview with Niall O'Donnell

What inspired you to work for the University of Liverpool?

I was a Student Ambassador and Course Representative during my time at University, as well as having roles on the Marketing and Media Committees and launching my University radio station and magazine, so I already had a good understanding of how Universities operated and how to effectively market to students. Furthermore, I had gained lots of experience of global marketing in my previous roles and I was keen to build upon this. It was also a fantastic opportunity to promote the city of Liverpool, as well as the University.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favourite part of the job is having the responsibility to create and effectively manage our marketing campaigns from start to finish, as well as having the freedom to develop our branding and try new marketing techniques. I am also fortunate that the role gives me the opportunity to constantly build upon my existing skills, as well as learn new skills.

How do you use your education and international background in your current role?

I studied Marketing at University, so I use my degree every day in my role. Additionally, in my previous roles, I have always worked across international markets. Whilst at The Walt Disney Company I worked across the UK, Middle East and Africa, while in my previous role at Everton Football Club, I worked to grow the fan-base around the world. 

What makes The University of Liverpool special?

I always think that the people make an organisation and at the University of Liverpool, we’re very fortunate to have a team who are not only exceptionally good at their jobs but also truly dedicated to delivering the best possible service to students. I believe this makes the organisation special, as the staff genuinely care and are passionate about the work they do.

What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?

The University of Liverpool is easy to market to potential participants. The University itself is the original red brick University and is renowned across the UK and the globe for its world-leading research and academics. Furthermore, it is based in one of the best cities in the world, not only known for the friendliness of the local people and it’s iconic waterfront, but also its world-renowned cultural and sporting history, as well as having the best student nightlife in the UK. In terms of the location, it is perfectly situated for travel across the UK & Ireland, as well as the rest of Europe, whilst also being a very affordable city too; making it the perfect place to study abroad.

Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?

Travelling abroad and experiencing new cultures can help put life into perspective by pushing you out of your comfort zone. It is also the perfect opportunity to make friends from across the globe and discover new things from music to food. I would argue that it is now more important than ever to travel and experience new cultures given the increased globalised nature of the world and ever-changing political landscape. 

Why do you think learning a new language is important?

Learning a new language can be an extremely valuable skill. Not only does it enhance your employability, it can also help develop key skills such as cognitive thinking and problem solving, while increasing your understanding of different cultures making it a great skill to have when travelling and meeting new people.

What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?

Do it! Studying abroad is a life-changing experience and has proven to be hugely beneficial both academically and in terms of future employability too. Research also confirms that studying abroad enhances key personal qualities such as emotional resilience, confidence and determination. It is your opportunity to make new friends from all over the world, whilst on the adventure of a lifetime.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

To me, all travel has the potential to be meaningful and you can experience personal growth no matter how long your travel experience lasts or how far away it is from home. It also depends how you define meaningful, as this is subjective to each individual but I believe it would be wrong to say that some travel is not meaningful. While you can gain more skills (e.g. resilience) from a more challenging or immersive experience, you do not need to be a backpacker or volunteer travelling for months on end for your experience to become meaningful. 

What hopes do you have for the future of international education?

I hope that international education becomes even more accessible in future to everyone, no matter what background an individual is from, and that the popularity of study abroad programmes continues to increase; particularly amongst groups who are traditionally less likely to participate. I also hope that governments see the huge value in mobility and continue to support it.