This week we caught up with Ann Riordan CIT Alumni & regional manager for the Irish Heart Foundation. Ann has mixed both her business and counselling background in recent years with her wealth of experience working with the likes of RTE and 96fm.

Ann is super busy organising a ball at the minute, but she has taken time out of her busy schedule to let us all know what she's been up since her time at CIT. She will also be organising a Valentines Lunch for the Irish Heart Foundation in the coming months and we wish her the best of luck with it!

What course did you study in CIT?
I completed a Degree in Business Studies – I also have completed Counselling Skills (Higher Certificate) more recently in 2009.

What is your best memory in CIT?
Best memory was meeting such a wide and diverse range of people

How has CIT helped you on your journey to where you are now?
I made a lot of connections, that has been very useful over the years. In addition I learnt great skills like event management, public relations, budgeting and communication skills.

Any advice to current students?
Network, take part in things outside of your faculty – make the most of this wonderful time, it’s a great time for experiencing new things, new people and new ideas.

Did anyone in CIT have a positive influence on you during your time?
I was very fond of the Chaplin Fr Mick, the lay Chaplin Paul Moriarty & the team – they were a great support at difficult times and what I liked most about it was that it wasn’t about religion it was about unconditional and un-judgemental support for everyone – which can be very important for some students.

Were you involved in any events, clubs or societies during your time?
I was a member of the Drama group, we competed Nationally and won awards; I was also on the debating team and took part in lots of social events as well, helped out with Rag week etc.