Vincent Dunleavy, BA '96

Marketing executive juggles work life with improv comedy

It’s one of life’s great struggles:  enjoying a hobby, avocation or other pursuit to balance out an already overscheduled, hectic workweek.  Some people take yoga, some volunteer or spend time with family – but there are likely a few who find relaxation in stand-up comedy.  For one alumnus, though, honing his comedy routine is the perfect relaxation method. 

Reinvention starts with you

While holding down a successful career as the Director of Strategic Marketing for NBC Universal in New York City, Vincent Dunleavy, BA ’96, spends much of his free time doing improv comedy.  For more than four years he has also worked with a number of comedy troupes performing at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, Peoples Improv Theater and Magnet Theatre.  He is also currently co-creator, producer and performer of the No Filter comedy team that capitalizes on the comedy of celebrity news. 

Dunleavy is a firm believer in the importance of having an activity outside of work.  He believes it enhances one’s life and can reveal abilities previously unknown.  “It’s important to keep your options open and constantly reinvent yourself.  With so many things changing today you have to keep building skills and creating opportunities,” said Dunleavy.    

Blue collar roots, white collar dreams

Dunleavy grew up in what he describes as a stereotypical blue collar family on the East End of Long Island, in Riverhead, NY.  He came to UB intending on majoring in occupational therapy, after influence from his family to find a skills based major, however, he soon realized that UB had so much more to offer.  He switched his major to psychology and minored in human resource management and organizational behavior, a move that helped him learn what he was truly interested in.  “A psychology degree was ultimately the best degree for me as a business person.  Understanding human behavior and how to deal with people is an invaluable life skill no matter what you do.  This degree prepared me for that,” said Dunleavy. 

After graduating cum laude from UB, Dunleavy attended graduate school at the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University, graduating with a master’s degree in labor and human resources.  Upon graduation he worked at Andersen Consulting for two years before joining General Electric and NBC.  He was hired into an HR training program, which gave participants an opportunity to train in a function that they wouldn’t do otherwise.  Dunleavy trained in marketing, and realized it was his true calling.  “By the time you leave college, nothing is planned like it was while in school, you have to take control of your career,” said Dunleavy. 

What every graduate should know

No one would dispute that Dunleavy is a successful marketing executive in New York City, but he didn’t achieve success overnight.  “There were times I tried to plan my career and things never did work out, you have to work to differentiate yourself from your counterparts, personal responsibility is key in the workforce today.”  Dunleavy advises that although today’s workforce is more competitive for new graduates than ever, they should persevere and not become discouraged. 

Dunleavy hopes to open his own business in the future.  “My view of success is having the ability to do what I want and then have the flexibility with family or money to do the extras.”  He still has very strong ties to UB, especially with alumni.  He is a past member of USAB (University Student Alumni Board), Mortar Board, and the Psychology Student Association.  Dunleavy still has fond memories of events such as Oozfest on campus and plans to return soon with an alumni team in tow.  

Written by Jessica Griffin
September 2006

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