Ciara O’Connor joins the Olin community as the new Assistant Director for Student Engagement. Learn more about Ciara and her experience in this Q&A.
Meet Ciara O'Connor, who joined the Olin Community as Assistant Director for Student Engagement.
Can you share a bit about your background and how you came to be at Olin?
I went to Lafayette College for undergrad, where I studied psychology and sociology, then came to Boston College for my Master's in Higher Education. The plan was to stay for two years, but I loved BC and my work experiences so much that I never left! Before Olin, I worked with graduate students at a much larger institution. I wanted to come back to a smaller school, work with undergrads, and have more room to be creative — Olin checked every box.
What inspired you to work in higher education?
I always knew I wanted to work with people — I actually thought I'd end up in HR. But during college, I worked closely with my dean of students, who'd gone through BC's higher ed program himself. He recommended it, and it changed my path completely.
Do you have a favorite moment in your career you can share?
There have been so many good ones so far… top of mind is our senior R2 send off, Orientation chants and, of course, the O-Nival.
What is your favorite Olin memory?
My highlight so far has been Good Morning Olin. Seeing students that amped up and excited before 10 a.m. is something else.
If you could give incoming students just ONE piece of advice, what would it be?
My mom always says, if you do anything first, make a friend. Or two. It doesn't have to be a whole friend group, but have some people by your side. It makes everything so much easier!
What do you like to do for fun and/or in your free time?
I’m a huge reader, yapper and walker. You can find me exploring Boston (with a coffee in hand), and possibly on the phone, most weekends.
Oliners can ask me about…?
Career pathways into Higher Ed, things to do in Boston, Ireland, (limited!) celebrity gossip.
Oliners can teach me about…?
What inspires you, what you’re learning in classes and how to make fun events that are engaging for our campus.