In our first Alumni Spotlight, we caught up with Aileen Tennant, Director at Fota Wildlife Park, to talk about her career so far, and how IMI helped her to build key capabilities.

Can you give us a brief introduction to your background?

My background is quite varied. I completed a B.Sc in Science Education in DCU and worked as a Science and Maths Teacher for 10 years in a boys’ secondary school in Carlow. During that time, I also was heavily involved in national curriculum development in the areas of global development and sustainability education. In 2015, I transitioned into a senior management position as the Discovery & Learning Manager at Dublin Zoo. Quite a career shift! Since 1st July 2024 I took another big career shift as I stepped into the role of Director of Fota Wildlife Park. 

How did your journey with IMI start? What prompted you to complete a Professional Diploma?

My journey on the IMI pathway began in 2018 with the Professional Diploma in Management. I wanted to understand business on a broader level to develop my skillset and support my team’s growth. The experience was a daunting prospect at first since I had no prior experience working at senior level in a business. Coming from a public service and education background, transitioning to managing staff and volunteers in a not-for-profit conservation organisation was a significant change. It was daunting to be in a room of business professionals from diverse backgrounds including of private, public and charity sectors but the learning was invaluable and support from IMI was excellent. 

What were you hoping to gain from the programme?

While very experienced in leading education programming, I had little understanding of the broader business operations in a complex organisation like Dublin Zoo. There are many moving parts to an organisation that is a conservation charity, a place of education and research but operates as a visitor attraction.  

I joined during a very exciting developmental phase with new infrastructure being developed and a growing team to manage. I wanted to gain best practice in managing and leading team members through these changes and to support with their development effectively. The IMI Professional Diploma in Management was recommended by a colleague as a comprehensive and impactful programme. 

What were the pivotal moments, frameworks, and days that you had at IMI? 

There are so many pivotal moments in a learning context. Each module introduced new frameworks and models that equipped us with a set of tools to unlock greater understanding of various topics like management, strategy, organisational behaviour, leadership, innovation etc. These tools have been essential in diagnosing business scenarios, in strategic planning and developing innovation.

Were there any Associates that stood out for you?

There are so many that had great impact and left me with so much food for thought. The most noteworthy experience is the vulnerability that many programme directors and associates exhibited. It instilled confidence and a sense of personal growth in all of us.  

In my most recent Professional Diploma in Leadership I had a pivotal experience with Dr. Kerrie Fleming. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced as a female leader in business which resonated with me and provided a level of confidence and reassurance that was particularly meaningful especially when transitioning into a CEO role.  

Did anything unexpected happen on the programme?

One unexpected aspect of the IMI programmes was the value of group discussions and casual conversations over coffee. These informal interactions often turned out to be crucial for addressing specific challenges, especially when shared with colleagues in similar roles. This kind of peer-to-peer learning wasn’t something I had anticipated. 

Another unexpected benefit was the extensive network of supportive professionals that I met through the programme. A network which has proven to be a fantastic resource, providing ongoing support and advice. 

Additionally, the structure of the programme, which consisted of six blocks of 3-day sessions, offered a surprising advantage. Being out of the office during these blocks provided valuable thinking space. This break from daily responsibilities allowed for deeper reflection and more focused learning, which enhanced the overall experience and effectiveness of the programme. 

How have you used your learning to further your career? 

Participating in the three diplomas has certainly helped me to further my career. The opportunity to lead Fota Wildlife Park would not have been an option without the in-depth business education and application of theory to workplace scenarios. This method has significantly broadened my understanding and enhanced my ability to implement effective strategies in my role. 

What memories stand out from your time at IMI? 

I have a fear of heights which was challenged during days we were away in Killary. Standing on top of a stack of 15 crates in Killary harbour, beside fellow participant and Irish Lacrosse star Sonja Egan, with only a safety rope as a support is something I will never forget. The whole experience in Killary was excellent and provided an insightful learning experience on teamwork and testing your limits. The mentors were excellent and helped to draw deeper insights from participants. 

How did you find your on-campus experience? 

The on-campus experience is great. The food is always a hot topic as it is always so good! As an education professional I found the planning of programming and schedules very effective. How the lecturers grouped and worked with participants was excellent with a great pace to each of the on-site days. The library was also great and very easy to deal with for loans or support with online resources.