Andrew Watters

I am a full-time Assistant lecturer in the School of Marketing and Entrepreneurship based on the Tallaght campus. I teach technical modules to a variety of groups such as Advertising, Marketing and Digital Marketing. I specialise in technology, delivering modules based on Web Design & Optimisation, Digital Content Design & Development, Databases, Data Analysis and introduction to IT. 

My road to becoming a lecturer was a long and winding one. I graduated from TUD (Tallaght campus) with a Bachelor of Science in IT Management in 2009 and travelled for a year and a half, being fortunate to work in IT-related jobs in Sydney, Australia. After 12 years of industry experience working from an IT technician, QA Tester, Data Analyst, to managing the Dublin office for a global organisation, I hit a crossroad with my career. I was no longer fulfilled with what I was doing, but I knew I was at my best when helping people. I delivered many conference talks for my employer, and the feedback was always very positive, which got me thinking about teaching and lecturing. With my degree and strong industry experience behind me, I started to pursue that new goal.

My modules are highly practical, which I consider a great advantage because they enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a hands-on manner. The impact of this approach is evident when students observe how their learning translates into real-life lab exercises. Whether they're using professional design methodologies and best practices to create a website or transforming data into useful information for informed decision-making, the benefits of practical application are clear.

I participated in our most recent school review, and I am pleased to share that it passed with no conditions or reservations. This was an incredible experience. Additionally, I have been heavily involved in redesigning our Digital Marketing programs over the past few years, collaborating closely with our colleagues from Blanchardstown. This project was challenging but also very rewarding, especially for someone like me who had not previously gone through this process.

I find great fulfilment in supporting and helping our students. This aspect of my job is one of the most rewarding for me. Guiding students through their academic journey by offering advice, sharing my own experiences, and helping them understand the content is incredibly meaningful. I feel one of my greatest strengths as a lecturer is my ability to remember what it was like to be a student, being able to firmly plant my feet back into their shoes.

My research interests focus on emerging technologies and their impact on the digital marketing landscape, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, data analytics, and evolving consumer behaviour in digital environments. I am especially interested in how data-driven and AI-enabled tools are reshaping marketing strategies and customer engagement across digital platforms.

I am also currently undertaking an MSc in Teaching and Learning, which is enabling me to develop a deeper understanding of contemporary pedagogical theories and evidence-based teaching methodologies. This study supports the continuous enhancement of my lecturing practice, particularly in designing engaging, practice-oriented learning experiences that equip students with relevant digital and professional skills.