Day in the Life: Caroline Bourke, Project Administration Manager, Trinity College Dublin

What’s it like to work in a role focused on sustainability?

We speak with IOB member Caroline Bourke, Project Administration Manager at Trinity College Dublin, about her work supporting research on climate, biodiversity, and water challenges, and how her career background in financial services has been an asset for her role.

Caroline reflects on what inspired her to transition to a career in sustainability, what her typical work day looks like and offers advice to those interested in pursuing a career in sustainability.

Hi Caroline, thank you for speaking with us. Can you tell us a little about your career journey?

Thanks for inviting me! My career journey has been a bit of a tapestry—woven through finance, geography, and sustainability. I started out with an MA in Geography from UCD, and spent summers working in the US, including a memorable stint on the floor of the Pacific Stock Exchange in San Francisco. That early exposure to fast-paced financial environments set the tone for the next two decades.

I worked across banking and financial services in Ireland and Australia—everything from mortgage credit analysis to wealth management and SME lending. After the financial crisis and a move to Wexford, I joined AIB, where I took on a variety of roles including Mortgage Advisor, and later as a Business Advisor supporting entrepreneurs and the farming and fishing sectors, with my final role during Covid as part of the Centre of Excellence lending team supporting businesses nationally.

In 2021, I took a voluntary severance opportunity and decided to pivot back to my roots in geography. Since January 2022, I’ve been working at Trinity College Dublin as a Project Administration Manager, supporting large-scale sustainability research projects. It’s been a full-circle moment —bringing together my financial expertise, project management skills, and passion for environmental and social impact.

In January 2022, you moved into your current role as Project Administration Manager with Trinity College Dublin. What interested you in moving into a role focused on sustainability?

It felt like a natural evolution. I’ve always had a strong interest in geography and the environment, and after years in finance, I wanted to contribute to something that felt more future-focused and values-driven. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lens through which we can rethink how we live, work, and plan for the next generation.

The role at Trinity offered the chance to support research that directly addresses climate, biodiversity, and water challenges. Being part of projects like the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water, which brings together over 100 researchers across 14 institutions, has been incredibly energising. It’s meaningful work, and I feel lucky to be part of it.

What is a typical day like in your role?

It’s a mix of coordination, collaboration, and problem-solving. I support PI-led research projects, which means I’m often juggling funding applications, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and logistics. One day I might be helping draft a €5M proposal, the next I’m organising a working group on skills for the green transition or liaising with researchers involved in our community research.

Because I work across the Co-Centre—there’s a lot of variety as I lead cross-cutting activities like policy response and education engagement, which keeps me connected to both the academic and practical sides of sustainability. It’s busy, but never boring!

You recently completed the Professional Certificate in Responsible and Sustainable Finance with IOB. Has the programme been beneficial for your role?

Definitely. It helped me bridge my financial services background with the sustainability space. The course gave me a solid grounding in ESG principles, sustainable finance frameworks, and the evolving regulatory landscape. That’s been especially useful when supporting research projects that intersect with policy and industry.

It also gave me language and tools to engage more confidently with funders and stakeholders who are increasingly focused on impact and accountability. It’s one thing to care about sustainability—it’s another to understand how financial systems can support or hinder it.

You have extensive experience and expertise in financial services. How does your experience in the sector benefit your current work?

It’s been a huge asset. Working in finance taught me how to manage risk, navigate complex regulations, and communicate clearly—skills that are just as relevant in research administration. Whether it’s budgeting for multi-million euro projects or supporting policy engagement, that foundation helps me bring structure and strategic thinking to the table.

I also understand how institutions operate, which helps when coordinating across universities, government bodies, and industry partners. And having worked with SMEs and farmers, I bring a grounded perspective to sustainability—one that’s rooted in real-world challenges and opportunities.

What is your advice to someone interested in pursuing a role in sustainability?

Don’t underestimate the value of your existing skills. Sustainability is a broad and interdisciplinary field, and there’s room for people from all backgrounds—finance, law, education, farming, tech. If you’re curious and willing to learn, there are so many ways to contribute.

I’d also say: be open to pivots. My own journey involved stepping away from a long-standing career to return to geography and take on a new challenge. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Look for courses, volunteer opportunities, or roles that align with your values, and don’t be afraid to start small.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Back yourself.” It’s something a colleague said to me during a big career decision, and it’s stuck with me. Whether you’re changing direction, applying for a new role, or speaking up in a meeting—trust your experience, your instincts, and your ability to learn. That mindset has helped me take leaps I might have otherwise talked myself out of.

Progress your career in financial services

Looking to begin or advance your career in financial services? From early career to executive education, IOB’s portfolio of over 40 UCD accredited programmes can help you to strengthen your expertise and broaden your skillset.