Intern Spotlight: Ellen Dooley
we asked one of our interns about her student experience and aspirations for the future
August 5, 2026
Hi! My name is Ellen Dooley and I am entering my third year at UCD, where I am
pursuing a Bachelor’s of Commerce.
I grew up in Singapore and the United States before moving to Ireland to attend
university. When I was applying to UCD, I wasn’t entirely sure what career I wanted to
pursue, so I chose Commerce because it offered exposure to a wide range of business
areas. Throughout my first two years of my degree, I’ve discovered a passion for
working with numbers and using them to understand the bigger picture.
Outside of academics, I love swimming, running and watching sports. I love staying
active, cooking and spending quality time with my family and friends.
Could you highlight a particular academic achievement or moment that stands out as your favourite or most memorable?
Although accounting may not seem like the most exciting subject at first, throughout my first and second years of college, I discovered that it was the area where I felt the most confident and capable. In my first accounting class, the professor mentioned that students who had never taken accounting before would likely find the course challenging. As someone with no prior experience, I was initially nervous, but I committed myself to putting in the effort, studying consistently and building my understanding of the material.
That hard work paid off, as Accounting I, Accounting II and Management Accounting became some of my strongest subjects. These courses showed me that I enjoy the process of understanding the concepts and were often the ones I gravitated towards when it came time to study.
“Many students have diverse interests. How have you managed to integrate your academic pursuits with your other passions or interests?
Although Swimming and commerce may seem like completely different worlds, I’ve realised through the years that they share more similarities than you might think. One of the aspects I enjoy most is the analytical side of the sport. Whether it’s tracking distances and split times or setting paces for each kilometer. I have always been drawn to what those numbers mean and how they affect my goals.
Over the years, I have realised that this constant analysis of numbers has carried over into my academics. I enjoy looking at numbers and being able to understand the story that is being told. Swimming has shown me that numbers are more than statistics, but are tools that give us insight and guide decisions, a perspective that continues to shape both my academic journey and my approach to solving real-world problems.
“Can you share the role mentors or advisors played in your academic journey? Any specific advice that profoundly influenced you?
In 10th grade, I took an AP World History with a teacher named Mr.Crews. Having his class just after the COVID pandemic made a positive impact on me during a time when the world felt so uncertain. In a world where so much false information was available on TikTok, Instagram, and in the news, Mr. Crews always encouraged us not to take everything at face value. Instead, he encouraged us to think critically, to ask questions and to form our own opinions.
The advice that has stayed with me the most is to remain curious and to never stop learning from the people around me and those who came before me. That mindset has remained with me throughout my studies and my everyday life.
Throughout my studies in commerce, I have continued to ask questions, learn from my professors and seek out new experiences that will guide me to where I want to go.
“Maintaining a balance between academics and well-being is crucial. How have you managed stress and found time for self-care throughout your studies?”
I have always been someone who places a great deal of pressure on myself to succeed academically. At times, I find it challenging not to associate my self-worth with a grade or academic achievement, as I can become focused on measuring success through numbers and outcomes rather than the growth, effort and learning that take place along the way. Through this, I have realised that having goals and sources of fulfillment outside of the classroom helps me create a healthier balance and reduces the pressure I place on myself academically.
Personally, I have found that movement plays an important role in maintaining balance between my academic responsibilities and personal well-being. Setting aside an hour each day to run or swim allows me to step away from academic stress, clear my mind and recharge. Pursuing goals outside of academics provides me with a different perspective, reminding me that success is not defined solely by grades but also by personal growth, experiences and the activities that bring me fulfillment.
Given the global nature of the Global Undergraduate Awards, how has exposure to different cultures and perspectives influenced your academic and personal development?
The exposure to different cultures and perspectives has been the center of my academic and personal development. I have been fortunate enough to have lived in four different countries, which has given me experience in learning how to adapt my communication style to where I am.
Each culture and community demands a different level of awareness and understanding when working with others. Through these experiences, I have learned how to communicate effectively, collaborate with diverse groups, and build meaningful connections with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals, both academically and personally, and how do you plan on making a positive impact in the world?
Academically, my current goal is to become a certified accountant and continue developing my skills in the field. I hope to build a career that can one day allow me to take what I have learned and help smaller businesses.
Personally, I hope to continue sharing my passion for swimming by working part-time with a swim club and helping teach and coach younger athletes. Having spent many years in the sport, I want to use the lessons I have learned about discipline, resilience, teamwork and goal-setting to help guide younger swimmers through their journeys.
Through both my professional career and my involvement in the community, I hope to make a positive impact by helping others achieve their own goals.
Is there anything else you’d like to share – perhaps a piece of wisdom or a lesson you’ve learned during your academic journey?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward and speak to people. Oftentimes, it’s who you know; building connections with professors and your peers can create many new opportunities! A phone call, coffee, or quick meeting can be the first step toward opening new doors, so do not hesitate to reach out and ask for guidance. I have learned that many people genuinely want to support and encourage younger individuals because they remember what it was like to be starting themselves.
