Helen O’Donnell

BA (Hon) Modern Languages, 1992

Helen studied Modern Languages simply for the love of it. But while her foreign language skills may not have featured in her career, her ability to reach into people’s hearts and minds with her honed communication skills has. As a professional major donor fundraiser, Helen has worked her way to the top and is now Chief Executive of the Cheshire Community Foundation.Helen O Donnell

Q. What made you choose to study Modern Languages at Wolverhampton?

“Looking back, I don’t think I chose the then Wolverhampton Polytechnic, I think it chose me. Originally I wanted to study Latin and Ancient History, but after suffering illness during my A’ levels, I didn’t achieve the required grades to get me on to the course. My best grade was in French and so I turned my attention to languages. I looked at the Modern Languages course at Wolverhampton and it offered the choice of one or two languages, as well as modules in history, economics and politics – all things I was really interested in.”

Q. What are your memories of studying at Wolverhampton?

“My overriding memory is of studying hard and partying hard in equal measure! I remember many of my lecturers and tutors with great fondness and loved the different styles of teaching and learning that made up the degree course. The girls I shared a house with are still my best friends and we meet up at least once a year for a reunion – the 10th we spent back in Wolverhampton reliving our youth!”

Q. What were your experiences of study periods abroad?

“We were incredibly lucky to be offered the opportunity to learn Catalan and to work (as part of our year abroad) at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. At the time,

I don’t think I realised what a fabulous opportunity it was. I spent the first half of my year abroad in Lyon in France and then swapped to Spain after 6 months. The hardest part was switching languages, but my French in particular rapidly improved.”

Q. Where has your career taken you since graduating?

“I first began my career in donor fundraising at Wolverhampton Grammar School where I worked on recruitment and admissions, alumni relations and development (fundraising). Eager to pursue this career, I then became Development Director at  my old secondary school in Manchester, where I managed a £2m fundraising appeal for bursary places for underprivileged girls. From there I joined the University of Liverpool as Head of Development where I led on major donor fundraising and, as part of the team, helped to change the way our graduates thought about philanthropy towards their alma mater.”

Q. What does a typical day look like for you as Chief Executive of the Cheshire Community Foundation?

“I became Chief Executive of Cheshire Community Foundation in January 2012, which is a new charity that aims to improve the quality of life in the communities that it covers. I’m responsible for the strategic development of the charity and about 70% of my time is dedicated to developing donor funds and relationship building. Being here from the start means I can shape and mould the organisation so that it best fits the communities and philanthropists that we serve.”

Q. How do you think your degree has helped you in your career?

“Whilst I’ve never used my foreign languages, the most important skills I’ve needed throughout my career has been communication and the ability to get a message across and win hearts and minds. That skill certainly came from University – all those translations and video role-plays stood me in good stead.”

Q. What would you say now to a potential student of the University?

“Go and study something you love, even if it is studying simply for the love of learning itself. You’ll have the best 3 or 4 years of your life and you’ll grow as a person more than you would ever imagine. That is what makes you marketable and employable, not the piece of paper you get at the end.”