John Coonan

Background

About John Coonan

My early professional career started in sales working for large multinationals such as Dell and British Telecom (BT). With the passing of time I found myself growing more concerned with the inequalities in our society. Especially surrounding areas such as poverty, education and homelessness along with gender issues and women’s rights. Set against this background I decided to volunteer with organisations such as the Simon community and the Red Cross. This further illustrated the urgent need for social change. It was with the Red Cross that I started to look at issues surrounding released prisoners and recidivism rates. Also issues concerning homelessness, poverty and the creation of job opportunities and second chances for these individuals who wanted to make amends and make a better future. Moreover, I decided to return to university as a mature student and attend University College Dublin where I am currently in the final semester of my degree in Sociology and Social Policy as my major with a minor in Social Justice. I am excited with the thought of starting my Masters in Public Policy on Sept 2022. Furthermore, I was awarded the BSocSc Social Policy and Sociology Stage 2 Scholarship, which is based on the highest stage 1 GPAs finishing first in my year. Upon completion of my degree, my goal is to seek employment within a progressive research organisation which and work in projects dealing with the social inequalities within our society. I truly believe it’s never too late to make a change.