Driven, focused and determined to succeed… just some of the words used to describe this year’s winner of the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award developed by the University of
Ulster Business School in partnership with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber). Ulster Business School student Eamonn Kerr, from Glenariff, Co Antrim, impressed the judges with his commitment to learn from past setbacks and use every educational opportunity available to prepare for his future career.
From predicted low pass grades at A-level, Eamonn has just celebrated achieving a first class BSc honours degree in business with marketing. Outside his studies, his love of sport has led to the development of YouDoSport.com which aims to facilitate training programmes and opportunities for sports enthusiasts.
Eamonn’s award includes a bursary to cover the entire cost of studying his Master’s degree programme MSc strategic management. Through the NI Chamber partnership he will also take part in a mentoring programme which includes support from a Northern Ireland business for six months. Ulster Business School lecturer Dr Andrea Reid, who was one of the judges, said that Eamonn was very clear on how he had learnt from past mistakes:
“He showed how he intended to use this to maintain his determination and personal drive to succeed and better himself and his future career. He was also keenly aware of how the choice of masters could develop different skills and demonstrated a real desire to gain as much as possible from this course and the mentoring opportunity afforded through the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.”
Congratulating Eamonn, Oonagh O’Reilly, business development director, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Eamonn clearly reflects the characteristics of the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award by showing great vision, passion and determination throughout his work, proving that he can overcome obstacles and setbacks along the way.
“NI Chamber is delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Ulster in order to promote the vast array of business talent, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that we have in Northern Ireland.”