Eoin O'Brien

Biography

Eoin O’Brien is the Lifelong Learning Manager at South East Technological University (SETU), where he assists with strategic initiatives focused on flexible and accessible education for adult learners. With over two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and higher education, Eoin brings a unique blend of commercial insight and academic engagement to his role.

Since joining SETU in 2015 and the Department of Lifelong Learning (Carlow) in 2019, Eoin has played a central role in managing the university’s Springboard+ and Off-Campus programmes. His work includes overseeing programmatic applications, developing partnerships with employers and industry bodies, and ensuring the continuous improvement of course offerings. Alonside colleagues in LLL, SETU has enhanced its capacity to deliver impactful, workforce-aligned learning opportunities.

Previously, Eoin held roles in international business development at the Institute of Technology Carlow, where he was involved in expanding the college’s presence in global markets and increasing international student applications. Earlier in his career, as Corporate Development Manager for The Open University, he worked closely with blue chip employers and helped to initiatte and develop some of the university’s most significant commercial agreements in Ireland.

Eoin holds a BA in History and Politics from University College Dublin, an MBA from IT Carlow, and a Professional Certificate in Management from The Open University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education at Lancaster University.

A passionate advocate for lifelong learning and skills development, Eoin regularly engages with industry networks and stakeholders to ensure that education remains relevant and responsive to evolving societal and economic needs.