Marie Laffey, Head of the Career Development Centre

Marie Laffey is Head of the Career Development Centre at the University of Galway, bringing extensive experience in higher education, career development, leadership and the ICT sector.

Prior to joining the University, Marie spent over 20 years in senior management roles within multinational technology companies, leading global teams and managing complex technology projects. Her academic qualifications span Computer Science, Education and Training, Adult Guidance and Counselling, Executive Leadership and Artificial Intelligence.

Marie is Chair of the Association of Higher Education Career Services (AHECS), a board member of Student Affairs Ireland (SAI), and an active contributor to European employability initiatives through the Coimbra Group, where she leads the AI subgroup.

Passionate about innovation and the evolving world of work, Marie is particularly interested in how artificial intelligence can transform career services, extend their reach, enhance student engagement and better prepare graduates for changing labour market demands.

Marie is currently undertaking a Doctorate in Education at the University of Derby, where her research explores the impact of AI on the professional identity of career guidance practitioners. Her work brings together her expertise in technology, career guidance and organisational leadership to explore how career services and practitioners can navigate AI-enabled change.