Empowering Early Careers: Donal's Journey as an Intern Coach

IT ALL BEGAN WITH A COMMITMENT TO MENTORSHIP...

In 2018, when presented with the chance to volunteer as a coach for interns and guide them in the early stages of their careers, Donal eagerly seized the opportunity. Over the years, he collaborated with the intern committee, meticulously designing and overseeing an internship program that equips interns with the essential experience needed to navigate the corporate landscape. Adapting to changing dynamics, the committee transitioned from fully in-person to fully remote and eventually adopted a hybrid model, tailoring the program to meet evolving needs.

DONAL’S MENTORSHIP INITIATIVES

Personalised Coaching and Career Guidance: Donal assumed the role of a mentor, offering valuable insights about his career journey and providing guidance to interns seeking direction in achieving their goals.

Innovative Hackathon Leadership: He spearheaded the development of a world-class hackathon, becoming a cornerstone of the internship calendar and a flagship event in Mastercard’s Dublin tech hub.

Comprehensive Program Management: Donal contributed to refining onboarding practices, collaborated with hiring managers throughout the interview process, presented to universities about his experiences at Mastercard (including the internship), and efficiently managed events and talks throughout the 6-month program.

IMPACTFUL OUTCOMES

Expanding Internship Opportunities: Under Donal's guidance, the internship program experienced remarkable growth, scaling from an average of 10 interns in the first year to an impressive average of 45 interns in years three and four.

Inspirational Hackathon Success: Donal orchestrated six successful hackathons, engaging over 250 interns who actively participated and presented their innovative ideas to Executive Vice Presidents, enhancing the program's reputation and impact.