College of Science
Brenda Raferty
BSc
Brenda Raferty always had an interest in environmental issues, but wanted to go one step further and make a difference. She applied her skills in Chemistry and Biology to pursue a career in environmental affairs. She now employs her expertise in Environmental Science in a number of prestigious positions, including acting as a consultant for the European Commission.
When Brenda was applying for college, her decision to apply to UL was influenced by the opportunity for Cooperative Education. In addition, the combination of modules in the Environmental Science degree programme appealed to Brenda. Brenda worked as an environmental co-ordinator with Namic Eireann (Pfizers) in Tullamore for her Cooperative Education placement. While on her placement, Namic Eireann were involved with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in an EU-sponsored project. During the project Brenda made a number of useful contacts with EMA personnel and she now works with this organisation as an Environmental Consultant.
Some of Brenda's current responsibilities include reporting and liaising with a range of multinational chemical corporations, helping them to improve their environmental management systems and ensuring that they comply with national and European legislation. Brenda also had responsibility for project planning, management and reporting within EMA.
Brenda is also involved in a number of European Commission projects and is a member of the Department of the Environment's 'Environmental Awareness Campaign'. The best part of her job is working on a variety of different projects, developing new ideas and working directly with clients. In the future Brenda would like to work in a European consultancy and then move into an environmental policy position in government.
"Cooperative Education should be a fundamental part of any third level education as, not only does it allow one to focus on one's career, but it also is seen as an asset by employers when recruiting new graduates".