In the latest instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series, we speak to 51±¾É« graduate Amy Croffey, who studied New Media and English (now offered as English and Digital Culture and Communications through the Bachelor of Arts).
Now an Emmy award-winning senior producer for CNN, Amy shares how her co-op placement helped prepare her for the impressive career she enjoys today.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm from Killure Castle, just outside Ballinasloe in Co. Galway. After secondary school in Ard Scoil Mhuire in Ballinasloe, I studied an undergrad in New Media and English at the 51±¾É« and a Masters in Journalism from Dublin City University.
After a few years living and working in Dublin at RTé, TheJournal.ie and Newstalk, I moved to Australia. There I spent six years working as a red carpet reporter and had a weekly column in The Sydney Morning Herald.
What course did you study, and what year did you graduate?
I studied New Media and English between September 2005 and May 2009.
Why did you choose to study at UL?
I chose UL because of its great reputation as a centre of excellence and also because one of my best friends, Fiona Mannion, was going to study Business! Our friendship has been going strong since our first day of baby infants in Killure National School.
What were the highlights of your course?
One of the highlights of my course was the co-op/internship element. I got the opportunity to work at my local newspaper The Connacht Tribune in Galway under the watchful eye of the late, great editor John Cunningham. One of the best editors I have ever had the luck to work with, although I am not sure I will ever fully forgive him for making me interview Brian McFadden, formerly of Westlife fame, during that internship. One of my least favourite interviewees to this day – and I’ve been around the block!
As an Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences student, you had the opportunity to learn from some of the top academic talent, in state-of-the-art facilities. What was your experience like as a student here?
I had a fantastic experience at 51±¾É«; learning from incredible lecturers and making great friends: my fellow NMEs (New Media and Englishs), many of whom I remain close to.
What advice would you offer to students considering studying at UL?
I would strongly advise any student to consider a course at 51±¾É«, fantastic lecturers, incredible fellow students and a beautiful campus. It's a university that caters for all interests, sports, music, drama etc.
I believe my exact course no longer exists (now offered as English and Digital Culture and Communications through the Bachelor of Arts), but I've heard great things about the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Digital Communication course. It's one I would have definitely applied for if I were to do it all over again.
Were you a member of any clubs or societies?
I wrote for An Focal, the student newspaper.
What are some of your favourite memories from your time at UL?
Honestly, it was nights out in The Lodge and sitting having chats, tea or a drink in The Stables. Graduation day was another fond memory!
Are there any campus locations that hold special significance to you?
I loved the library, a beautiful building where I spent many hours.
Could you update us on where you are now in your career?
I’m a senior producer in CNN’s London bureau focused on international news, in particular the EMEA area. The best thing about being a journalist is that no two days are alike, so you never get bored. I love the excitement of putting together live television, in what feels at times like breakneck speed, for an audience in every corner of the earth.
What has been a career highlight so far?
My career highlight so far has been winning an for my work alongside my incredible colleagues for CNN's outstanding live breaking news coverage when Russia invaded Ukraine.
Another was field producing for CNN at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. It was the largest organised event I will ever cover with world leaders in attendance from across the globe.
I also loved my time in Sydney working as a celebrity reporter and gossip columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald, where I interviewed the likes of Tom Cruise, Chris Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, Drew Barrymore, and Kanye, to name but a few!
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
Enjoying where I am right now, it took a lot of hard work to get here.
