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Heather McCormack, a graduate of the Bachelor of Business Studies and the MSc in International Management & Global Business ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Kemmy Business School, features in the latest instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series.

Heather, who now leads the Global Creative Services team within WFS Marketing at Amazon, reflects on her time ��ɫ��Ƶ and how her experience helped shape a successful international career and life abroad.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I grew up in Moate, Co. Westmeath, attending St. Brigid’s Primary School and Moate Community School before heading to ��ɫ��Ƶ for both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

I currently live in Toronto, Canada — though I’ll be relocating soon to Seattle, Washington — where I lead the Global Creative Services team within Amazon’s Workforce Staffing division.

My interest in working abroad with a global company first sparked during my international Co-op placement at Clondalkin Flexible Packaging in Amsterdam. That experience broadened my horizons and planted the seed for a career outside Ireland.

What courses did you study, and in which years did you graduate?

I completed a Bachelor of Business Studies, majoring in Economics & Finance and minoring in Law, graduating in 2012. It was a challenging time to enter the workforce due to the recession, so I decided to pursue further study and completed a Master of Science in International Management & Global Business in 2013. My master’s thesis explored the challenges faced by managers engaging in technology-mediated knowledge transfer within international mergers and acquisitions.

Why did you choose to study ��ɫ��Ƶ?

has always been a big part of my life, and on my first visit to UL, I was blown away by the world-class sports facilities. I was also excited by the opportunity to live on campus. Staying in on-campus accommodation in first year allowed me to form friendships that have lasted to this day. Those two factors — community and sport — made UL the perfect fit.

What were the highlights of your time ��ɫ��Ƶ?

One of the standout aspects of my undergraduate degree was the opportunity to gain real-world work experience, especially internationally. My Co-op placement in Amsterdam provided invaluable insight into global business and allowed me to apply what I was learning in the classroom.

During my master’s, the live consultancy projects with local companies were another highlight. They challenged us to use our theoretical knowledge to solve real business problems and deliver practical solutions.

As a UL student, you had the opportunity to learn from top academic talent in state-of-the-art facilities. What was your experience like?

UL brings together an incredible mix of academics with deep industry and research experience. They consistently made learning engaging by connecting theory to real-world scenarios.

I may be biased, but I believe UL’s campus and facilities are among the best in Ireland. The combination of excellent infrastructure and committed faculty, and a driven student community creates the perfect environment for growth and achievement.

Could you share an insight into your Co-op experience?

Yes — Co-op was one of the defining experiences of my time ��ɫ��Ƶ. I worked as a Project Manager for an international company in Amsterdam, where I helped support the rollout of key initiatives and gained first-hand experience in global operations.

I also made strong professional connections that played a role in securing my first job after my master’s degree. Co-op truly paved the way for my career by giving me practical experience and a global perspective early on.

What advice would you offer to students considering studying ��ɫ��Ƶ?

Research the courses available and look at the types of roles graduates typically move into. Think about how your skills and interests align with the subjects offered. And if you’re unsure — that’s completely normal. I wasn’t certain either. Choosing a broader degree, like Business Studies, gives you the flexibility to explore different areas before deciding on a more defined path.

Were there any supports you received during your time ��ɫ��Ƶ that were particularly helpful?

Yes. During my master’s, I made great use of lecturers’ one-to-one time. Whether I needed guidance on my thesis or career advice, those conversations were incredibly valuable and helped shape my next steps.

Were you a member of any clubs or societies? If so, tell us a bit about your experience!

I’ve played GAA all my life, so I joined the ladies’ Gaelic football team in first year. It was a brilliant way to meet new people, stay active, and balance the academic side of university life with fun and social connection — especially between the nights out!

What are some of your favourite memories from your time ��ɫ��Ƶ?

Some of my best memories are the simple ones — coming back to Plassey Village after a day on campus and chatting with housemates while making dinner. Special UL traditions also stand out, like Christmas Day at The Stables and Student Race Day. Those moments really capture the spirit and community of UL.

At UL, we believe in the power of ‘staying curious.’ How important has curiosity been throughout your studies and career to date?

Being surrounded by ambitious, high-achieving students ��ɫ��Ƶ naturally encouraged curiosity. Hearing what alumni from my course were doing inspired me to set ambitious goals for myself.

In my career, curiosity has meant being willing to walk through doors when they open — even when they’re intimidating. That mindset led me to move abroad, take on new roles, and now relocate to Seattle to continue my work with Amazon.

Are there any campus locations that hold special significance to you?

Plassey Village will always be special — it’s where I lived in first year and where I met lifelong friends. I also vividly remember the Flag Poles at the main entrance from my very first campus visit. They felt symbolic of the beginning of something big.

How did your courses and UL experience prepare you for entering the workplace upon graduating?

UL equipped me with the knowledge, skills and — most importantly — the practical experience needed to stand out. My international Co-op placement and live master’s projects gave me real examples to draw upon in interviews, which set me apart from other graduates.

Could you update us on where you are now in your career?

I’ve worked at Amazon for over five years across several roles, and I was recently promoted to Senior Marketing Manager (L7), leading the Global Creative Services team within WFS Marketing.

After living in Toronto for nine years, my family — my husband, our five-month-old daughter Beau, and our dog — will soon be relocating to Seattle for this new chapter.

In this role, I oversee an end-to-end creative powerhouse that blends strategy, operational excellence, and world-class creative execution. My team plays a crucial role in delivering innovative, effective, and culturally resonant content that drives Amazon’s brand success globally.

What are your hopes and plans for the future?

I hope to continue excelling in my career while embracing my newest and most rewarding role — being a mum. Most importantly, I want to enjoy the journey. As the saying goes, “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”

Is there anything else you would like to share?

If you’re considering travelling or moving abroad after college, don’t assume it means putting your career on hold. You can do both — if you’re willing to work hard and embrace new experiences.

And my top tip for moving abroad: join a local GAA club! For me, joining St. Pat’s GAA Toronto helped me build friendships, community and even career connections while settling into life overseas.