The Fourth Breakthrough Scholar, Blessing Dosunmu, Is Announced

Today sees the announcement of the 2024 Breakthrough Scholar, marketing student, Blessing Dosunmu. The Breakthrough Scholarship from Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), Yugo and THINKHOUSE, provides the awarded candidate with a fee-free Masters, accommodation for the academic year and a competitive graduate wage at a leading independent marketing agency. The tri-party scholarship is designed specifically to help overcome barriers faced by young, marginalised students living in Ireland overcome barriers and empower their future lives.

Blessing Dosunmu, from Dublin, is the Breakthrough Scholar for 2024. As a hardworking and ambitious student, the Breakthrough Scholarship aligns with Blessing’s academic goals and will hugely benefit her and her future career path. With the benefit of the scholarship she now takes on an MSc. in Digital and Content Marketing at TU Dublin. She has already achieved a BSc in Business and Management at the Faculty of Business at TU Dublin. 

Most recent data from the Institute Of Advertising Practitioners In Ireland (IAPI) 2023 census shows that the advertising industry has become more diverse over the last year, but it still doesn’t reflect the full diversity of Irish society. The research shows that 68% of the marketing industry are from affluent classes (a decrease from 95% last year). People born outside Ireland make up 16% of the industry (a 1% increase on last year), while according to the most recent Census in 2022, 18% of people living in Ireland were born outside of Ireland. 4% of the workforce include people with a disability  (an increase from 2% last year) compared to 13% of Irish society who have a disability. 

Valued at €30,000, Blessing will receive a career-changing opportunity that includes:

• Funding for a full-time MSc. in Digital and Content Marketing at TU Dublin. 
• Comprehensive and immersive paid-for experience with leading marketing agency, THINKHOUSE for the academic year. 
• Student Accommodation in central Dublin with Yugo for the entire academic year.

Speaking about the scholarship, Blessing said; “This scholarship means so much to me, it’s been a month since I was selected and I still find myself in disbelief that this is real. I’m someone who has always valued and prioritised my education, so I always knew that I would eventually do a masters. But barriers such as cost were always something that made me think that I would have to complete my masters at a later stage of my career. This scholarship has not only allowed me to complete my masters but it has also given me the opportunity to work for a leading marketing agency, something that I have always dreamed of doing. And to add to that, I get to do so while living in an accommodation near college, which will make the commute so much easier! It sounds silly but I feel like I get to live the best of both worlds and I’m so grateful to TU Dublin, Yugo and THINKHOUSE for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. I truly feel like my life has been changed by the Breakthrough Scholarship and I’m so excited to enrich my knowledge about marketing through my studies at TU Dublin and my internship at THINKHOUSE.”

Speaking of the 2024 Breakthrough Scholarship the collaborating organisations had this to say, Dr. Etain Kidney, head of school, marketing and entrepreneurship at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), said, “I'm excited to see Blessing awarded the 2024 Breakthrough Scholarship through our partnership with Yugo and THINKHOUSE. This opportunity will transform her academic and professional journey, but I am confident she will also make a meaningful contribution to our learning environment, her classmates and the THINKHOUSE team. This scholarship is a vital step in breaking down barriers for students, and Blessing’s success is a shining example of the impact education and opportunity can have on shaping a more inclusive industry.”

Kieran O’Donovan, head of client service, THINKHOUSE said, “THINKHOUSE is a B-Corp and an SDG Champion, supporting equality and diversity is part of our DNA. We need to see an industry as diverse as Irish society. It’s great to see that diversity in the industry has increased over the last twelve months. This scholarship is part of that positive change. We are delighted to welcome another talented Breakthrough Scholar into our team and we look forward to working with them and being part of their professional growth and development, and learning from them too.” 

Joe Persechino, chief operating officer, Yugo said, “The team at Yugo’s Ardcairn House in Dublin is delighted to welcome Blessing Dosunmu into our thriving community with one year’s free accommodation. As the first global student living operator and brand in the sector, diversity, equality, and inclusion are central to our mission of providing exceptional living experiences for our students. We are excited for Blessing to not only enjoy our spacious amenities and convenient access to campus, but also explore Yugo’s Live Your Best Life program. This is designed to empower students by offering a variety of social and sustainability-focused opportunities, helping them expand their horizons and grow.”