Alumni Spotlight: Pilar Perlines Castro- From ATU student to global finance leader
Finance Manager, GDP Global Development Ltd.
1933/1994 Erasmus: National Certificate, Business Studies (International Marketing)
2013/2014 Bachelor of Business (Honours) with First Class Honours
The Erasmus experience
In 1993, Pilar Perlines Castro arrived at RTC Sligo as an Erasmus student from Spain. As part of her studies for a National Certificate in Business Studies with a focus on International Marketing, the Erasmus programme introduced Pilar to a new culture, new people, and a fresh perspective on the world.
Looking back, Pilar reflects on the profound impact the Erasmus experience had on her personal and professional growth.
"The experience helped mould the person I am today," she recalls. Pilar’s connection to ATU Sligo remained strong, and two decades later, she returned to complete a Bachelor of Business (Hons), earning a First Class Honours degree in 2014.
Life after ATU
After finishing her studies, she worked in a variety of industries, gaining experience in financial services, hospitality, tourism, and manufacturing. Her broad skill set allowed her to adapt to different roles and industries, developing key organisational, managerial, and networking abilities along the way.
Eventually, Pilar took the bold step of starting her own accountancy and bookkeeping business in Ireland. Reflecting on this chapter, she says,
"I gained extensive experience working in different industries, which gave me the confidence and resources to set up my own business."
Today, Pilar is the Financial Manager at GDP Global Development Ltd., an international economic promotion and business development consultancy. Working remotely from Alicante, she collaborates with the company’s London and Johannesburg offices.
Balancing family and career
In 2010, after years of professional success, Pilar faced one of her most challenging decisions- taking a career break to raise her three daughters. Stepping away from her career wasn’t easy, especially with the uncertainty of how it might affect her future prospects.
“Balancing a full-time career and motherhood, away from our families in Spain, was a struggle,” Pilar admits. “The real challenge was my fear that I would never recover professionally from this time off. I had to adapt to huge technology changes and be open to new opportunities. At the time, I doubted if anyone would be interested in employing me, but I focused on what I had already achieved and what more I wanted to do", she said.
The power of networking
For Pilar, networking has played a pivotal role in her career progression. Both personal connections and online professional networks, like LinkedIn, opened doors to new opportunities. In fact, her current role at GDP Global Development Ltd. came about through her LinkedIn profile being spotted by her future employer.
“I networked a lot using LinkedIn, it was actually my LinkedIn profile that was spotted by my current employer, and the rest as they say is history!”.
Pilar encourages others to seize every networking opportunity, whether through personal connections or professional platforms.
“We are all unique and we all have our place in the working world. We must believe in ourselves, be patient, never give up and put yourself out there. Networking is key."
From one alumnus to another
When asked what advice she would give to those starting their careers, Pilar’s words are full of encouragement and hard-earned wisdom:
“It’s hard to have your professional life figured out from the start. It takes time to get to where you want to be. Believe in yourself and your efforts, and never give up on your dreams. Follow your heart, and always pay attention to what your gut is telling you."
Pilar’s journey from Erasmus student to accomplished finance manager is a testament to her adaptability, resilience, and belief in the power of self-confidence and networking. Her story serves as an inspiration for alumni and new graduates alike.
For more information on Alumni, please contact:
Lauren Reynolds
ATU Alumni Officer
alumni@atu.ie
https://www.atu.ie/alumni
Photo caption: Alumna Pilar Perlines Castro