My Griffith Story: I couldn't have been happier

Johanna Walsh studied with the Faculty of Business.

She graduated in 2011 with a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance, and works as CFO for Now Interact, a leading Artificial Intelligence vendor offering targeted machine learning applications, which optimise the bridge between digital and offline channels.

We asked Johanna about her current role. “As a group CFO, I oversee the strategic financial thinking in the company. I work very closely with the CEO and present analysis, forecasts, and budgets to use for our decision-making process. As we are a medium-sized company, I am also in charge of different projects, making sure we deliver on time and within budget."

Why did you choose to study at Griffith College?

“Griffith College Dublin feels like a small university with big achievement, amazing students and lecturers. I chose Griffith because of its good reputation around Business studies and I couldn’t have been happier."

How did Griffith College inspire your career path?

“I have always wanted to be a partner or a CFO in industry. My husband has always supported me and pushed me on to become this and overcome all obstacles along the way. Whilst studying at Griffith College, all my lecturers were amazing. I was so lucky to get great lecturers in all my subjects. We also had a really good connection within the class; I looked forward to going into Griffith every morning.”

What have your greatest achievement and biggest challenge been to date?

“My greatest educational achievement was when I achieved a first-class honours and passed all of the ACCA exams on the first attempt. Professionally, I became a CEO before I was thirty, which taught me a lot. I am now a key person within an Artificial Intelligence company - so I’m pretty happy.”

What can you tell us about your future plans?

“Work hard for my current employer, making sure we come out of the current crises stronger.”

Finally, we asked Johanna some quick-fire questions.

Best piece of advice you've received:

“The first piece of advice would have to be, ‘If you really want it, it's yours to get’ and the second would be, ‘Always be careful when crossing the road.’”

Advice for recent graduates:

“Be bold, believe in yourself. If you only have 5 of 10 requirements, don’t let that put you off, apply anyway. Not one single person will have all 10 (honestly).”

How would you describe Griffith College in three words?

• Welcoming
• Social
• Motivational