- Tell us a little bit about yourself and your current role.

My name is Mark Sweetman and I’m from Mountmellick, Co. Laois. I’m married with three kids, living in California these days. I’m the Chief Financial Officer of SA Recycling, one of the world’s largest metal recyclers, where I oversee Finance, HR, and IT.

- What path led you to where you are today?

Out of secondary school I had no idea what I wanted to do and by process of elimination ended up in finance. The ARTC (as TUS was then known) were starting a new course in Management Accounting, covering the first two years of the CIMA qualification, and the European Union were paying students thirty-five pounds a week to do it, yes, we got paid to go to college!! During my time at TUS, I met the now infamous chaplain, Fr Shay Casey, who persuaded me to apply for a US J1 visa, as there were no summer job opportunities in Ireland at the time. That set the trajectory for my career. After Athlone I spent a couple of years at the Ulster Bank, as a teller and bank official, which I enjoyed. I then got the opportunity to return to New York and work in the finance department of the company where I had been on my J1 visa. I saw it as an opportunity to use some of my management accounting education and took a data entry position just to get my foot in the door. Whenever more senior roles became available, I actively pursued them, and a few years later became the accounting manager. After New York, I spent time working and traveling in Australia and elsewhere. The last “temporary” job I took on my travels was at a scrap metal company. I was so sure I’d end up in finance at a white-collar company that the scrap metal business seemed like a fun way to end my travels. That was over thirty years ago, and I am still in the business. Initially the job was just helping them fix their financial systems, but months later when that project was done, they offered me another role. Over time, I took on increasingly complex roles, which ultimately led to my appointment as CFO.

- What do you love most about the work you do?

I most enjoy working with our people. We operate in a genuinely people-centric, bottom-up culture, which is uncommon in practice. The business is fast-paced and entrepreneurial, creating constant new challenges. I love the fact that finance touches every part of the organization and, while I’m biased, it is the lifeblood, so I get to see the company ebb and flow in real time. We have completed 75 acquisitions over the last 20 years so tracking that growth and working to integrate all those businesses has been fun.

- When you're not working, where would we find you?

In a perfect world I’d probably be travelling – I still have the travel bug. As a family we travel quite a lot and try to go to at least one new place each year. On weekends I love to cycle.

- Looking back, how did your time at TUS influence your career or outlook?

When I initially went to TUS I signed up for the certified accounting program (ACCA as it was then), but then learned about the management accounting route, so I switched. It was the best decision I ever made, as it gave me a strong set of tools for working in industry and a solid foundation for the roles I’ve pursued. Without TUS and Fr. Shay I may never have applied to work in the US.

- What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates from your field?

Seizing opportunities has worked well for me. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—in fact, seek it out. Taking on tasks that are challenging helps build your confidence and teaches you to problem solve. I remember taking a job that required typing, and while it may sound bizarre today, I couldn’t type. In fact, I still type with two fingers today! Make sure your employer knows you’re hungry for opportunities and do the best job you can at any task you’re given. Be patient but not disengaged or passive.

- What’s one memory from your student days that stands out to you?

The Pogues came to the college to do a show. They set up their gear in the gym that morning and spent the entire afternoon at Brendan’s Bar (now Charlie Browns Sports Bar) with a bunch of us. Later that day we all walked across to the gym and they hopped up on stage for an amazing classic Pogues show.

- How do you stay connected to the TUS community, if at all?

While it’s almost 40 years ago now, I still have some of my closest friends from my days at the ARTC. I’ve been back a few times, though I hardly recognize what it’s become. I still periodically connect with Shay and can’t believe he is still there after all these years.

- What does the idea of an alumni community mean to you?

It’s about staying connected to people who shaped some of the most formative years of your life. If I was living closer to home, I would probably have maintained more regular contact with the community, but living 6,000 miles away makes it a little impractical.

- Finally, what’s next for you?

I have two more kids to get through college. Beyond that, I’m fortunate to still love what I do. Personally, I’m working my way through a long travel bucket list—next up Vietnam and Cambodia!