Meet Seán Lysaght, a M.S. in Entrepreneurship, Technology, & Innovation (ESTEEM) graduate student in the class of 2024. Prior to his enrollment in the program, he completed a degree in computer science and language at Trinity College Dublin in 2023. Seeking to merge his technical expertise with business acumen, Seán made the bold decision to relocate to the United States for graduate school. Notre Dame's ESTEEM program not only catered to his academic aspirations but also promised a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, a confluence of traditions, and a community that resonated with his Irish heritage. Dive into Seán's journey, as he unveils the transformative power of the ESTEEM program, his growth as an individual, and the warmth of finding a 'home away from home'.
Combining Technical Knowledge with Business Skills
As a Trinity College Dublin alumnus with a degree in computer science and language, Seán always found himself interested in the intersection of tech innovation and business strategy. Discovering the ESTEEM program was the perfect fit. Not just a curriculum, ESTEEM presented the platform to directly immerse into the business realm without distancing from the tech frontier. The exposure to industry leaders and hands-on projects has equipped Seán with invaluable insights.
“The ESTEEM program is a very unique opportunity. With a lot of programs, such as MBA programs, you have to work for a few years and that's not really something I was interested in,” explained Seán. “I wanted to transition over to business straight away but with ESTEEM I still get to explore my technical field. I still get to do computer science tech electives, while also getting those business skills that will help me in my new career.”
The Capstone project, a hallmark of the ESTEEM program, challenges students to address real-world problems. Seán’s capstone project will be exploring the market for high-density urban battery storage solutions with Energy Vault. The solution aims to leverage Energy Vault’s proprietary battery storage technology to completely revolutionize the renewable energy storage industry. Seán will be performing analysis for the company to determine the best course of action for the technology. Energy Vault wants to enable a renewable world and create a suite of new energy storage technologies. They develop and deploy turnkey sustainable energy storage solutions designed to transform the world’s approach to utility-scale energy storage in realizing decarbonization, while maintaining grid resiliency. Energy Vault is facilitating the shift to a circular economy, while accelerating the clean energy transition for its customers.
Diverse Community and Personal Growth
More than just academics and profession, the ESTEEM program is a place of diverse backgrounds. Seán's journey has been enriched by perspectives from every corner of the globe, adding layers to his global understanding. Beyond the classroom, he's been an active participant in Notre Dame's buzzing campus life, from flag football to joining the ESTEEM run club, forging memories and relationships. Through this transformative experience, Seán has evolved, not just as a professional, but as an individual. He now approaches the corporate world with a vigor and confidence that was previously uncharted for him. He feels comfortable reaching out to professionals in various industries and is no longer afraid to step out of his comfort zone.
“Getting the experience of football games and the culture at Notre Dame is really something I never experienced back home in Trinity,” said Seán. “It's great to feel welcomed here. There's an Irish language society and we went to a cèilidh recently. In a certain way, it really does feel like a home away from home.”
Seán’s experience at Notre Dame's ESTEEM program showcases the profound impact of stepping beyond familiar shores, embracing new cultures, and intertwining diverse threads of learning. As Seán stands on the cusp of a promising future, his journey serves as a heartwarming reminder that, sometimes, the places we least expect can truly become our 'home away from home'.
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.