Emer Craig
Could you tell us who you are and what you do?
I am Emer and I graduated in 2003, with a BA in Classics & English. From there I went to Edinburgh to do a MSc in International Journalism. Having worked in the media, and in public relations, now I am the Director of Marketing with a leading law firm in Dublin.
How did studying Classics at Maynooth help you to succeed beyond your degree?
The great thing about Classics is that it combines so many disciplines – art history, philosophy, literature, history, and archaeology – all into one. It complimented my other studies perfectly and gave me a solid foundation for a career beyond university. That I did well in the subject (because I enjoyed it), meant I graduated a with a really strong degree – that opened doors for me beyond Maynooth. In addition, many of the skills I apply on a daily basis in my work – conducting research, analysing reports and putting forward persuasive arguments – were honed in the Department of Ancient Classics.
Any nice memories from your time at Maynooth?
When I enrolled at Maynooth, my knowledge of the ancient world didn’t go much further than a vague recollection of the more popular myths and what I learned from movies. (Not wishing to date myself but Gladiator had recently been released!) But Classics soon became my favourite subject, and I made so many friends in the class – friendships that have lasted. The lecturers were incredibly supportive all through our degree – they were with us through the highs and the lows – and I look back on my time in the university with great fondness.
So choose a degree in Ancient Classics – this is a subject that offers graduates a world of opportunity!