Dr Damien McLoughlin Graduate school dean

Position: Dean, Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business, UCD, Blackrock, Co Dublin.

What's it like to work in the Smurfit Business School?

It is a great privelege to work with the faculty and professional staff of the Smurfit school. It is extremely challenging to work with so many exceptional graduate students.

How does this job compare to your last job?

Before taking on the dean's job, I was working fulltime on research and teaching at the Smurfit school.

My job now is very different; my task is to faciliate the work of my colleagues as they provide a world-class graduate business education to our students.

I loved the old job but the new one is a very interesting challenge.

What's the best part of your job?

Every September 1,000 outstanding graduate students from more than 20 countries walk through the door.

What's the hardest part of your job?

Taking holidays. David Lodge has a lot to answer for. Whatever you have read about academic holidays is not true.

Where's the best place in the Smurfit Business School to retreat to when you need a break? Off-peak times in the restaurant to talk about football.

Who's your education idol?

Prof Tony Cunningham, a great educational entrepreneur. Also the former president of Cornell University, Frank HT Rhodes, author of Creation of the Future, a great book on the future of research-led universities.

If you could change one thing about the Smurfit business school, what would it be?

The price of houses on Carysfort Avenue: it would be nice to be able to walk to work.

What's unique about the Smurfit business school?

World-class faculty, exceptional administrative staff, outstanding students and a beautiful facility.