PAI Review Project Overview

Article 1:
Harnessing the Power of Fine Art Graduates
in the Workplace
This article is a mixed approach of academic research and opinion stemming from a qualitative MA study
at the Technological University of the Shannon. The article's objective is to demonstrate a possible
transaction of productivity that can be shared between a fine art graduate, who is interested in working in
alternative sectors than the arts, and a Public Sector workplace. It aims to begin a conversation within the
Public Sector and among emerging creative graduates looking for avenues to develop a career.
The article will provide an overview of the study, including its rationale, purpose, and key findings. It will then
discuss the transferable skills developed through fine art education and contextualise them within the
global Human Capital Agenda for higher education as important and highly desirable skills for the Public
Affair roles.
Finally, the article takes on the researcher's reflective opinion and additional literature review into the role
and benefit of Art School creativity in the workplace, setting out suggested guidelines for building an
inclusive work environment for creative graduates.
Ashling McGrory is a full-time MA of Research candidate at LSAD, TUS.. Her research explores the
professional transition from being a fine art student in Ireland to becoming a fine art graduate entering the
working world.
Having worked as President of LIT’s Students' Union and her role as a Learning Support Tutor, Ashling’s work
focuses on the student's skills development and their value within the working world. She is specifically
interested in the impact that students' and recent graduates' networks and surroundings can have on their
career development.
Simultaneously with her studies at TUS, Ashling is part of the Humanli team, a social impact specialist
company in Limerick, Ireland. Ashling's role involves researching, developing and implementing Humanli's
social value and impact measurement and management services.