Tom Parsons
My experience as a student at Maynooth University was nothing short of brilliant. The campus atmosphere was vibrant, fostering great networking opportunities and a strong sense of community.
Among the faculty members, Professor Paula Kinnarney left a profound impact on my academic journey and personal development. Her mentorship and dynamic energy served as a source of inspiration, guiding me through challenges and encouraging me to strive for excellence in my Career. As sportspeople we often focus too much energy on the pitch.
The skills and lessons I acquired during my time as a student at Maynooth University have been invaluable throughout my career. These include effective leadership strategies, mentorship techniques, continuous self discovery, and proficient management practices, all of which have played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey.
I would emphasise the importance of focusing not only on honing technical capabilities but also on developing your behaviours and values. For me, effective leadership, teamwork, active listening, growth mindset, time management and building relationships has been key to my professional growth and success.
Tom's career journey:
Following my graduation as a Civil Engineer, I furthered my education by obtaining a Master's degree in Energy Management. My professional journey started in 2011 with Jacobs Engineering, a renowned Fortune 500 company. Over the course of a decade, I progressed through various roles, including Graduate Engineer, Lead Engineer, Project Manager, and eventually European Manager for Culture and Performance. Since 2021, I have had the privilege of serving as the CEO of the Gaelic Players Association. Additionally, I am honored to hold positions as a board member of EU Athletes and a Fellow of Engineers Ireland. The Leadership program at Maynooth University significantly contributed to my career trajectory, providing me with the necessary skills and confidence to assume leadership positions within Jacobs Engineering and ultimately pursue the CEO role.
Throughout my career journey, I have encountered various challenges and obstacles, including navigating complex major projects and demonstrating effective leadership and resilience in demanding situations. However, through perseverance, continuous learning, and a resilient mindset, I have successfully overcome these challenges and emerged stronger and more adept in my role as a leader. As a player with Mayo, overcoming obstacles was a key part of my playing career.
I firmly believe that finding a meaningful purpose in your life and career is key, and it can serve as a guiding light towards achieving personal and professional success. The rate of change we see in the world today, means we will need to be adaptable and resilient to change. My favourite quote in sport and life is “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”.
Tom’s profile appears in full in The Bridge 2024, the annual MU alumni magazine.