Meet Seán Roche, a graduate student in the ESTEEM program at the University of Notre Dame. Originally from University College Dublin, he recently completed his undergraduate degree in physics before moving to South Bend, Indiana. It was during a summer research program at Notre Dame that Seán was introduced to the previous cohort of ESTEEM students, which completely shifted his perspective on entrepreneurship and business. Initially viewing himself as strictly a STEM person, Seán realized the potential for growth and innovation in the business world and decided to explore this new pat through the ESTEEM program.
Discovering New Pathways
Seán Roche initially had reservations about venturing into entrepreneurship due to his technical background. However, a serendipitous encounter with ESTEEM students during a summer research project sparked his curiosity. Witnessing their passion and technical prowess, Seán decided to delve deeper into entrepreneurship and explore the possibilities it held for him. His decision to join ESTEEM at Notre Dame was motivated by the desire to broaden his horizons and seize new opportunities.
ESTEEM opened Seán's eyes to the vast array of possibilities in the field of entrepreneurship. Initially expecting to work on a physics research project, Seán was instead paired with a generative AI project with Lenovo.
“I was looking to pivot into AI, and being part of Lenovo and getting the autonomy in this project has really given me the opportunity to take where I want to and build up the skills in that area that I wanted to do,” explained Seán. “There's so many different technical areas that you can choose your capstone to be in. Not only do you get to build up your personal confidence and network but It's not a year where you drop your technical side. You can really direct that in whichever way you want to go.”
His capstone project involves working with Lenovo to find innovative ways to integrate Generative AI within their current ThinkStation portfolio. The goal is to uncover solutions that drive productivity gains and boost efficiency within content creation and big data verticals. As world leaders in PC sales, with a global reputation in high-performance computing, Lenovo is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the fast-growing trend of generative AI in the workplace. Generative AI models have captured imaginations around the world and become household names in a few short months, through a tidal wave of innovation, hype, and speculation. If Lenovo can find a way to ride this wave, there is no doubt that they can cement themselves as an innovative force within their industry and position the company as an essential player in the ever-evolving landscape of Industry 4.0. This project seeks to explore this future with Lenovo and create impactful solutions that give their customers a competitive edge.
Being “Irish Irish”
Beyond the academic and professional development aspects, Seán also emphasizes the vibrant and welcoming Notre Dame community. The atmosphere on campus during the fall football season is truly unmatched. He particularly enjoyed the annual ESTEEM alumni tailgate, which brought together past alumni and provided opportunities for meaningful connections. The supportive environment and strong community spirit at Notre Dame have given Seán the confidence and motivation to pursue his ambitious career goals.
For Seán, an ESTEEM graduate from Notre Dame, being "Irish Irish" on the campus is an experience unlike any other. At Notre Dame, you're not just Irish by heritage, you're truly Irish, and that comes with a unique sense of identity and pride. As Seán amusingly puts it, it's akin to walking the grounds as a "mini celebrity". Everywhere he turns, he's met with "Go Irish" signs, a warm nod to both his heritage and the college's own spirit. But what sets this experience apart for Seán isn't just the signs or the enthusiastic greetings from fellow students. It's the genuine intrigue and excitement that others show when they learn about his "Irish Irish" background. It's as if his very presence adds a touch of authenticity to the campus' Irish identity.
Notre Dame isn’t just about flaunting its Irishness in name alone. The institution has carved out spaces for Irish culture to flourish and for students like Seán to feel right at home. From the GAA club, where Seán found camaraderie not just with fellow Irishmen but also with Americans eager to engage with Gaelic sports, to cèilidhs – traditional Irish social gatherings – that fill the campus with music and dance. The commitment to fostering and celebrating Irish culture goes even deeper with the inclusion of Irish language meets and courses that teach the Irish language. It's not merely about being "Irish" in spirit; at Notre Dame, they strive to be authentically Irish, ensuring that traditions, language, and culture are not just preserved but actively celebrated. And for Seán, that commitment makes all the difference. It's where he's not just recognized as Irish, but celebrated for being "Irish Irish".
Seán Roche's journey from a physics graduate to an aspiring entrepreneur showcases the incredible potential that lies at the intersection of STEM and business. His experience in the ESTEEM program at the University of Notre Dame has not only expanded his network and improved his soft skills but has also given him the confidence to navigate the ever-changing business landscape. Whether you come from a technical background or have a passion for entrepreneurship, ESTEEM at Notre Dame could be your gateway to a future filled with endless opportunities. To learn more about the ESTEEM graduate program at the University of Notre Dame, visit their official website and take the first step towards realizing your entrepreneurial dreams.
To join us on the journey of innovation and entrepreneurship, discover more about the ESTEEM program and take the first step toward a rewarding future today.