College of Humanities
Robert O' Meara
BA European Studies
As part of his European Studies (Public Affairs option) degree Robert completed a Cooperative Education placement in the hectic environment of Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, working for Aéroports de Paris. During his second placement he worked as an analyst and visual arts cataloguer and developed a number of computer-based cataloguing systems. Throughout his college life he also developed wide interests in the arts (he was one of the founders of UL Debating Union and a former President of UL DramaSoc) and has continued these in his professional career.
With the help of his French and computer experience, Robert secured his first career position in a software house in Dublin. From there he worked in a number of IT related jobs in Dublin and Edinburgh, gradually moving into the more media-focused positions such as digital film production, including running a new media start-up for a time, with two other UL graduates.
Moving to Brussels in early 2004, Robert secured a position working in communications at the European Commission, where he ended up staying for three and half years. Since then, by his own admission, his story has come ‘full circle’, as he is now the Spokesman for ACI EUROPE (Airports Council International), the trade organisation representing some 440 airports in 45 European countries, including the Aéroports de Paris group.
“Contribute to campus life – join a club or society, or both. It’s the best way to acquire ‘real life’ skills to accompany your eventual qualification. Your college education will only be a fraction of what it could be, if you don’t seek out a life beyond the library and the Stables.”