Kieran Kelly

Current Employer/Organisation Name

The OddBalls Foundation

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Managing The OddBalls Foundation, the UK’s leading charity raising awareness of Testicular Cancer. 

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

During my time at Exeter, I had the privilege of representing the charity as one of its first University Ambassadors. I was passionate about their mission and driven by a vision to help the charity grow. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the incredible people I’ve had the chance to meet and work with along the way.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was a member of Exeter University Rugby Football Club. 

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I had the opportunity to apply what I was learning to enhance my own athletic performance while gaining insights from some of the leading experts in their fields. The biggest highlight for me was completing my dissertation and achieving a first-class mark.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

The people, from peers to staff. Everyone was willing to support you and share their knowledge. 

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

The course, the rugby, and the city. 

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Time management. Communication. Leaderships. Public speaking.  I’ve experienced significant personal and professional growth by stepping out of my comfort zone and seeking guidance or asking questions from those with more experience than me.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

What you put in is what you get out. Stay patient, work hard, and your efforts will pay off. Additionally, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. When the charity had no employees and was being managed by individuals from the associated business, I took the initiative to create a role for myself. I reached out to the charity’s Board of Trustees with a clear proposal and a vision for the future, which set everything in motion.

What are your plans for the future?

To continue growing The OddBalls Foundation and making it a household name.