deiseanna gairme in institiúide an AE

Employer Insights Getting the job It was advertised in the national papers shortly after I completed my course. I applied for an interview & was subsequently offered the job in 2006. Denis ReidyFarmer - Dairy I saw it advertised on a Jobs website. Working in a broker role and having more direct contact with clients was always something I was curious about and wanted to try so it seemed like the perfect fit for me.  Kevin MoranInsurance Administrator I was working in the agency side of the business carrying out commercial lettings on behalf of landlords, I spotted my current job on LinkedIn and it really appealed to me as I always had an interest in working for Aviva. My experience is predominantly in retail, so this aligned with Aviva's fund having a number of retail assets. I had an interest in moving to the client side also.

Given it was during a pandemic having applied online everything was done virtually from initial discussions to interviews, the interview process consisted of two interviews with the second being a presentation. My direct line manager called to say I was successful, and this was followed up with an offer letter from HR. Jenny DonnellyAsset Manager I started in the Commission at graduate entry grade. I never intended to stay so long but I found it really interesting. Catherine DaySecretary General It was a career I was always interested in. I submitted a written application form which I was then selected from and called for interview. On completion of this interview I was then selected and called for a second interview, psychometric testing, medicals and a fitness test. The offer arrived the same day as the CAO offers. David FlemingSub Lieutenant - Navy Regular production bored me. So I set about trying to find an area that would excite and inspire me. Luckily I found it. Owen HughesManufacturing Technician I applied through a job listing on LinkedIn and had a series of interviews as well as an in-person trial where I was tasked with making two dishes in 2 hours that were fine dining orientated and presenting them. Eoghan O’FlynnHead Chef (Fota Island Resort) I answered an advertisement in a national newspaper. I applied in writing and sent off my CV.  I then went through a number of interviews carried out by a selected panel of advisers.  Finally I was brought to my bosses office and told the good news by himself. Kieran MageeFarm Manager - Dry Stock I applied for a traineeship by way of a detailed application form. I was then selected for an interview and called back for a second round interview and then offered a traineeship to become a solicitor. I was phoned by one of the partners who interviewed me to tell me I had been successful. Niamh CacciatoSolicitor I applied for my job the usual way. I had worked with the company for two summers as a student so I knew exactly what I was letting myself in for and what would be expected of me. I went through the normal interview process and was successful. Lynsey GarganManufacturing Engineer I applied to an advert via a recruitment agency. My experience at the time was a good match for the role required. Des LalorWind Engineer I've been working in the Food & Beverage department at The Sandymount Hotel for the past few years. I was always very interested in the hotel's sustainability efforts and regularly supported the Green Team in any way I could. In 2024, the management decided to officially create the role of Sustainability Leader. Because they saw how passionate and involved I was in sustainability initiatives, they offered me the position directly, there was no formal application or interview process. I was really excited to accept the opportunity and take on more responsibility in an area I care deeply about. Sissyane Rodrigues Sustainability Leader - The Sandymount Hotel When I started looking for a job I subscribed to a UK-based weekly list of academic jobs. As lecturers tend to work in specialised areas I did anticipate that I would have to work abroad for a number of years, to gain experience and wait for a job to become available in Ireland.

Fortunately, I was nearing completion of my doctorate as DCU Business School entered into significant expansion. I heard about my job through a number of sources - it was advertised both in the Irish Times and on the DCU website.

At that point I was getting the Times every week, as were my parents. I was also told about by a fellow PhD student in Trinity, who was also working in DCU. I applied by filling in an application form, which was available on the web. I was given the opportunity to include additional pertinent information, so I sent in an extra document to accompany the form.

In this I emphasised the fact that my research interests were complementary to those of members of the HRM/Organisational Psychology group, as well as to those of the Learning, Innovation and Knowledge Research Center. I was also excited at the prospect of joining the Business School as it entered a dynamic expansion phase.

The selection process had two components, which were a few days apart. First I had to come in and make a presentation. This was to assess my teaching and communication skills. There was a panel with the Head and Professor of the Human Resource Management and Organisational Psychology Group, which I was applying to join; the Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning; an external representative; and a representative from the Human Resource Department.

In the next stage, I had an interview with what seemed a big panel at the time. The Dean of the Business School, the Professor of HRM, the Head of the HRM and Organisational Psychology group, two external Professors and a representative of the HR group asked me questions about why I wanted to work in DCU; my teaching and research experience and philosophy; course design and delivery.

The panel made an obvious effort to make me feel comfortable, but I was still pretty nervous - I really wanted to work here!

I was contacted by telephone two weeks later and was told that they would like to offer me the job. The offer was quickly followed by a formal letter and contract.

The decision to take the job was easy. I had also applied for and been offered two other jobs - one in Ireland and one in the UK. But DCU had a very clear fit with my research interests, I was very impressed by their strategy and I'd really enjoyed meeting my potential colleagues through the interview process. I had really enjoyed being in college in Trinity so moving into a similarly welcoming and collegiate culture was very important to me. Aoife Mc DermottLecturer

When I moved to Ireland I sent out a few CVs to various companies to see if there were any opportunities.

I was asked to complete a formal application form, I was interviewed by the Engineering Manager and then after this my peers met with me to make sure I would click with the team and finally completion of a medical exam secured my job.

I was asked back in and told face to face of the offer by Masonite Ireland.

Jonathan PugsleyEnergy Manager I applied with CV and got in when a sudden vacancy occurred. Dr Jan SteinerAnaesthetist I applied in the last recruitment campaign in December 2013. I passed all assessments and test and was invited to Garda College in Templemore for a 34 week training period, which I enjoyed a lot. Emilia GilroyGarda Through the CAO I applied for PE teaching in University of Limerick. At the time I had to complete a movement and ability test but I think that has since been removed as part of the requirements. I passed that test and once I acquired the points from the Leaving Cert. I was accepted into the course. Mary JoyceSecondary School Teacher

• Saw the job ad on LinkedIn – Applied
• Had a competency based interview
• Follow up coffee with two different team members
• Started in the role within three weeks of accepting

Ross O'BrienGraduate Recruitment Team Lead During the MBA program, I came across my current role on LinkedIn. I was immediately interested as I was looking to move to the buy side and the role offered a great opportunity for learning due to ISIF’s diverse portfolio that provides exposure to all major asset classes and their unique investment mandate focusing on both financial performance and economic impact. I applied for the role on the NTMA’s careers website. I was shortlisted for the first-round interview, which was conducted by ISIF and HR representatives. Then, the second-round interview was conducted, again with both ISIF and HR representatives, after which I was offered the position. Madhuvratha VasudevanSenior Investment Analyst Sat beside a Davy Exec a rugby match. He invited me for an interview and the rest is history. Richard KinsellaManaging Director Main challenges

Akin to the housing crisis, it is a challenge to find places for all the separated children entering the country to live. However, the team manages it every time. This is an exhausting part of the work and I’m impressed daily as to how they achieve this. Aside from this, time management will always be a challenge, but over the years I have developed strategies to learn how to prioritise my responsibilities.

Jonathan O’ReillyPrincipal Social Worker Its varied position with alot of different aspects and no two days are the same, so it can be challenging juggling different responsibilities. Billy LarkinLogistics Coordinator Challenges can range from difficult lectures i.e. a lot of information to problem based learning. Also being able to find a medium between all 4 members of your team. Steven KilgannonGarda Trainee As a family’s social worker, we continue to assess the family’s situations and apply interventions accordingly. One has to continue to keep ‘their eye on the ball’ within this profession as many of the family’s difficulties can be very much underlying and covert or ‘hidden’ to an extent. Our job is to continually investigate the child’s circumstances.

Also it can be challenging when continuing to working with parents when Court proceedings are involved. You must be able to handle this confrontation as well as maintaining your role as a ‘support’ to the family while attempting to effect positive change in family circumstances.

It’s important to remember that when working with a family you should always be ’firm but fair’ as you may have to be appropriately confrontational when addressing issues and concerns while also remaining fair and understanding some people’s life circumstances. Mary Ita HeffernanSocial Worker

The challenges are many and varied, again any number can arise during a patrol or even over a day, from someone in your division who faces a domestic problem that needs advice/help, adverse weather or a search and rescue situation which requires everyone’s complete concentration.

David FlemingSub Lieutenant - Navy Hospitality is a fast-moving industry, so there’s always something to keep me on my toes. Market conditions, from fluctuating business demand to recruitment challenges, can be tough, and competition in the sector is strong. It’s also important to stay ahead of technology and evolving guest expectations. I’m fortunate to work with excellent teams across the company, each with expertise in their area — from operations and marketing to learning & development — who constantly push us forward and help keep us ahead of the market. We also have access to some of the best tools in the industry, including expert AI systems, which support smarter decisions and improved guest experiences. These challenges keep me engaged, learning, and constantly innovating, making the role exciting and rewarding every day. Colm DalyHotel Manager The financial markets always move on to the next theme once the current outlook is priced in, so one always needs to be ahead of the market, keep an eye on potential risks and anticipate how the market would react to them. I guess this explains the long hours on the desk. Semin Soher PowerSenior Inflation Trader The main challenges I feel would be the deadlines. Other teams rely on us completing our tasks on time in order to get our NAVs to the clients on time, so it's important to manage our times and ensure we have sufficient training in order to complete our tasks to a high standard Abbie RiceAssociate Accountant/IFS Apprentice As with any job in a very regulated industry such as pharmaceuticals, the admin and paperwork can be quite heavy. But this is necessary to ensure the highest quality products are delivered to our patients and customers. Gillian MorganManufacturing Process Specialist Everyone will probably say time to try and fit everything in and I'd have to agree! Prioritisation is key in every walk of life and that helps me stay engaged and interested while at work. Michael McDermottAssociate Director, International Corporate Banking Staying in control of my to-do list is the main challenge… You need to be very organised in this job. You need to plan ahead, know what meetings are coming up, make sure those who work with you on a particular client are aware of the upcoming meeting and what’s required for it.

Keeping up-to-speed can be challenging – what’s moving markets, any developments with investment managers or funds. Sustainability continues to gather momentum and it can be challenging to stay up-to-date with regulatory developments in that area.

The job can be tiring. I find it takes a lot of energy and proactivity to keep on top of all the tasks that are ongoing with all my clients…to keep projects moving. At times, it can feel like you’re being pulled in different directions and it’s really important not to drop a ball.

Having said that, I’m very lucky to work in a team of highly-motivated, hard-working and conscientious people. We work well together as a team, helping each other out as and when necessary. There’s always someone ready and willing to help if you have a problem or if you simply need to bounce an idea off someone. Orla AherneInvestment Consultant

Facing challenges can be a daunting task, however I find the beauty in them. they offer you a new opportunity to grow and learn. I find enjoyment in trying to figure out how to deal with challenges.

In my role as a chef, I find challenges present themselves in different ways. Supply chain issues can be difficult to dealt with as they are very much out of my hands, finding a way to deliver the required product when these issues present can be difficult at times. Fiona KeyesChef As a Revenue Auditor the challenges faced are numerous. Tax Payers tend to view Revenue Auditors and the Audit process with a certain amount of caution and trepidation. In such circumstances it is necessary to be able to make the taxpayer feel as comfortable as possible. I deal with such situations by ensuring that the taxpayer is fully aware of how the Audit will be carried out.

Revenue has a “Code of Practice” for Audit and I will notify the taxpayer in advance that my Audit will be carried out in accordance with this Code and I will direct them to our website so they can examine this document in advance.
I will always ask at the start of the Audit if the taxpayer is aware of how the Audit will be conducted and I will answer any questions or clarify any issues they may have before I commence my Audit.

By setting out how the Audit will progress, the taxpayer should be prepared for what will happen and I have found that this helps to manage the Audit process for me and the taxpayer. Edel ButlerAdministrative Officer Some of the main challenges include:

• When clients present with unusual and complicated difficulties. This requires resourceful, flexible thinking and the ability to research new therapy ideas.
  
• Long waiting lists.
• Balancing seeing clients with managing other aspects of work including attending meetings, keeping paperwork up to date, attending courses etc.
• Keeping up to date with new developments in therapy and assessment and expanding my skill base.

Lisa KellySpeech and Language The most difficult part of my job is Managing my managers! This is especially difficult in the Public Sector where one can feel that as much or even more time is spent on ensuring that we can be SEEN, in time, to have done the right thing over and above the time taken to actually do it. This is to bolster ourselves for future questionning (e.g. in a Public Accounts Committee hearing) wherein it is easy to criticise.

Also, the VERY Risk Averse nature of things means that sometimes a large capital expenditure approval might take 1 or 2 years when in a private sector environment it might take months. This is due to the number of government agencies things must go through, often with each one getting their own independent consultants to review matters. As for Technical Challenges, in the light of the above, no matter how difficult they are, they're easy! Ciaran MacSamhrainEngineer - Transport Infrastructure Ireland The main challenges include managing staff schedules, recruitment, maintaining high service standards, handling guest feedback, staying on top of stock and budgets. It’s a demanding role, but with the right support and mindset, it’s incredibly rewarding. Amy Brady Hotel Spa Manager

The main challenge for me is that there’s never really a true "off day." It’s a difficult role to set clear boundaries between work time and personal time and finding that balance can sometimes be exhausting. It can be hard to fully switch off.

That said, I wouldn’t necessarily say anything has stretched me in a negative way. I genuinely enjoy learning and embracing new challenges, and I find that they motivate me to grow and improve in my role.

Jenny ZanottaTour Manager

One of the ongoing challenges is staying ahead of ever-evolving travel trends and meeting the changing expectations of our guests. Today’s luxury traveller is more informed and discerning than ever, so we constantly need to refine our service and offerings to stay competitive.

Staffing is another key challenge , attracting and retaining talented team members who genuinely contribute to the success of the operation takes time and care. That said, I’ve been fortunate to have a fantastic core team with me for most of the three years I’ve been here. We've also strengthened the department with excellent Interns and Trainee Managers from some of Ireland’s hospitality colleges, which has been both rewarding and vital to our success.

 

 

 

Liam Ryan Rooms Division Manager - Mount Juliet Estate Oisín:
Managing various projects and meeting deadlines.

Oisin MurphyApprentice Carpenter Husband is in full time education and I am the only earner. Staying focused and keeping it going through very tough times. Staying positive. Liz ChristyTextile Design/Handweaver Typical day "A typical day as a Sustainability Leader involves a mix of planning, communication, and hands-on tasks. I often start by checking in with different departments (Housekeeping, Maintenance, F&B, Reception, and Marketing...) to see how our sustainability initiatives are progressing. I could spend the day tracking energy and waste data, follow up on action plans, and look for areas where we can improve. The role is very rewarding, especially when we hit our goals or introduce new ideas that actually make a difference. Every small change, like reducing plastic use or improving recycling in a specific department, feels like a win." Sissyane Rodrigues Sustainability Leader - The Sandymount Hotel Arriving on site early, planning what trades are required and where. I would be ordering materials and tracking work progression across the site to see if deadlines will be met. Colin ButterlySite Manager - Trade Entry

A typical day can be challenging although very varied.

I can be anywhere doing anything literally.

From a HR perspective, seeking new candidates, responding to applicants, sending out offers or employment, arranging and conducting induction training, sending out contracts, contacting staff to return said contracts, dealing with issues in-house if there are any, conducting appraisals and performance reviews, updating staff data base, any grievance /disciplinary issues, Letters of reference, updating employee handbook, attending HOD meetings

I also respond to trip advisor and some of the social media outlets, and deal with any letters of complaints

H&S - keeping safety statement up to date, conducting risk assessments and implementing control measures, carry out fire training, conduct fire drills, weekly testing of fire alarm, inspection of extinguishers, lighting etc. manual handling training, keeping all food hygiene courses up to date, ensure new staff receive relevant training, organising refresher training, testing of AED, Refill of first aid boxes, general observations of front /back of house areas to identify /eliminate potential risks, Writing and communicating of new policy and ensuring new policies being implemented. COVID-19 and everything that goes with that.

Liaising with insurance company. fire officer, EHO and ensuring we are compliant with all requirements, dealing with any claims that may arise i.e. personal injury, updating incident report and ensuring all relevant information is sent to insurance companies, download & Maintaining CCTV footage relevant to incidents,

I can do this in any of the 4 hotels. Laura DevlinHR Manager - Hotel My typical day involves ensuring that my staff have sufficient work to keep them busy so they’re not idle. I feel it’s crucial to have plenty of interesting and challenging work to keep you occupied. Oz IlbrahmiManufacturing Specialist A Paramedic for the most part doesn’t have a ‘typical’ day, and this I suppose for me and most Paramedics is the attraction to the job. No two calls are the same while they may be similar they’re never the same so there is great variety in the work through the calls and the people you engage with.

Your shift starts with meticulously checking your vehicle and your equipment ensuring everything is in place and in good working order. You can not assume everything works or is there as someone’s life may depend on it.

Outside the routine calls, such as bringing patients to different hospitals for various procedures, Paramedics must work in all kinds of environments, weather and emergency situations. We attend incidents such as serious Road Traffic Accidents, medical emergencies and social problems. Some times Paramedics are called when people don’t know who else to turn too.

The role of a paramedic is very demanding and it is challenging to ensure the patient receives the best level of care. This may be using specialist medical equipment or through administering any of wide array of medications to keep the patient alive. There are lots of situations or emergency calls when you feel under a lot of pressure, for instance, trying to resuscitate somebody in front of on looking family members or trying to save somebody and free them from a serious car crash - this can be a lot to deal with.

There can also be the harsh reality that despite all your efforts and determination the person may die in front of you. On the other end of the scale however, to directly save a persons life is immeasurable. Keith HayesAmbulance / Paramedic I start my day with a good strong coffee! I work in the RCI department in BD Dun Laoghaire and most of my projects involve working with colleagues overseas. In the morning, I start with my project action items, this could vary from R&D support work to liaising with external vendors. Then the afternoon usually comprises of meetings with my overseas colleague to discuss the progress of our project. Xiaona HouProduct Engineer

My day usually starts at 8:00 AM with a walk around the hotel to check in with the teams working that day. At 8:45 AM, we have a morning stand-up meeting with all department heads and the General Manager. This is a great chance for everyone to discuss the day’s plans, any challenges we’re facing, and work together on solutions.

After the meeting, I spend some time checking my emails and getting updates. I then focus on guest interaction during the late morning, especially during the busy check-out period, helping the team as needed. Once the check-out rush settles, I join the accommodation team for a walk through the floors and rooms, ensuring we’re consistently delivering a high-quality product.

Depending on the day, I may attend operational meetings or spend time tackling administrative tasks. One of my favourite parts of the job is meeting guests as they arrive, sharing the unique experiences Mount Juliet Estate has to offer.

No two days are the same, and the variety keeps things interesting it’s honestly somewhat addictive. I finish my day with another walk around the hotel, ensuring the teams are set up for a successful evening and offering assistance where needed.

Liam Ryan Rooms Division Manager - Mount Juliet Estate

Everyday is different. We usually start in the branch with a morning huddle on updates from day previous day or week, or what’s going to be going on that on that day.

I monitor the sales and digital figures daily and link in with staff where possible to ensure these are being met.

I meet with customers on a daily and service different customer service queries.

I try my bets to cover other areas in the branch where I am able to. Cally O’LearyAIB Branch Retail Manager I have a meeting every morning with the HR team followed by a review of metrics for a different topic in the Training arena on a daily basis. During the day I'll meet various business leaders across all roles to promote and drive a learning strategy that gives results to the organization & the people within.  Mark MeehanSTEM Learning Head On a typical day, we begin the day with a team meeting where every team member discusses our tasks for the day and project deadlines. The team meeting is a safe space where we can share our ideas and hear each other's unique viewpoints. Projects involve a lot of team collaboration, each team member has unique ideas and skillsets which combined can create effective strategies for completing projects. Amy O’DwyerAssociate Sustainability Advisor

I would say my role is now more strategic, so I look at long term objectives and plans with the help of my team to build new business relationships from companies who have a national presence. Our location is very central to Ireland so we see people come to The Heritage to “Meet in The Middle” as we call it. There are various segments I manage from MICE, Leisure, Spa, Groups to name a few and we build select marketing campaigns to bring our brand to life for guests, companies or agencies who have not worked with us before. My typical day is full of interactive meetings with cross-departmental involvement such as meeting with our Front of House Manager on Guest Experience projects or meeting with our Marketing Manager to discuss our new Public Relations (PR) Campaign. I am fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated professionals in their field and our combined efforts make for excellent outcomes. I also spend a lot of time training my own team, giving them confidence in their roles and ensuring they are challenged to professionally grow in their role. I am not sure if there is a typical day in hospitality, as one minute you could be preparing a budget presentation, and then you could be down meeting a client who calls in to meet you unexpectedly but that is what I love about this industry, is the curve-balls you get as it allows you to react better to any situation you are faced with.

 

 

Jack FitzsimonsDirector of Sales & Marketing Each working day is very different and that keeps the role interesting and challenging.
8 30 am: Arrive to the office and catch up on any emails I may have received the previous evening.
9 30 am – 10 30 am: Conference call with our legal director and Pernod Ricard USA on the US tax consequences of a new project.
10 30 - 11 am: Assist the financial accountant with the tax accounting for a group company’s financial statements.
11 am – Midday: Meeting with Financial Controller and CFO on the liquidation of a group company and the tax implications.
Midday – 1pm: Call with our professional VAT advisers in preparation for an upcoming VAT audit.
2 pm – 4 pm: Working on Corporate Tax computations and researching a VAT query I received from a colleague in the marketing department.
4 – 5 pm: Call with the Paris tax team on the Irish Tax implications of a group restructuring project and prepare slides for the next morning’s month end meeting.
So you see the day varies between desk based work / research and calls, meetings etc. Lorcan KellyTax Consultant A typical day could involve many different processes, including production of hardware, some programming, inspection of finished parts and paperwork. Owen HughesManufacturing Technician

I work on all aspects of human rights for children and families. Some days we are preparing to go to Court and other days we could be working on giving legal guidance on important decisions for families and informing policies for Tusla workers.

Diego GallagherSenior Solicitor A day of a CEO in a start-up company is anything but typical. I could be talking to customers, making financial models, discussing stock options with my legal team, hiring new engineers or brainstorming on our algorithms with the technical team. All of which are fascinating and I am learning a lot, every single day. Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies Up 8am. Cycle to school. I have a class of nine children. I teach English and Maths til lunch time, then Religion and the rest of the Curriculum in the afternoon. Our school is in the city centre so we have numerous trips, museum visits, cinema trips. We are very involved in Art, Sport and Drama, and we go swimming also. We finish at 2:30. Padraig ParleTeacher - Special Needs A typical day consists of lectures both classroom and theatre based. Breaks during the day consists of fun with colleagues such as table tennis or just general banter.

Evening times consist of activities such as gym /indoor soccer/ swimming table tennis and much more. All in all a very enjoyable day. Steven KilgannonGarda Trainee There is no typical day in the sense that a knock on the door might mean a 30 second conversation or it might be a problem that would dominate the remainder of the week. The job entails huge interpersonal interaction, with a good deal of conflict management.

It involves a lot of administrative and organisational skills. It also provides opportunities for longer term planning and leadership.

The day starts at about 7.30.pm. and may not finish until late in the evening if there are Board meetings or meetings with the Parents Association. Paul MeanySchool Principal I am on site at the moment working as an Assistant Resident Engineer. I am supervising construction work of a Water supply scheme for the council.

Every day presents it's own problems. I get to work for 7.30am.  A few times during the day I walk around the site and make sure I know who is working. I answer questions for the contractor about the design, sometimes there are mistakes in drawings, or they have suggestions of different ways of building and I have to check if we are happy they are as good as the original design. I check levels to make sure its being built at the right height. I carry out concrete testing so we are sure we are getting the right concrete. I measure what they have built so we know what to pay them. I suppose no day is typical! Maria O'NeillCivil Engineer There is no typical day in An Garda Síochána there is huge variety in the job. We could be doing anything from walking the beat to attending community meetings to visiting schools or being involved in the regular policing of the district which involve arrests, searches and interviewing. Niamh BriggsGarda Further training... I would like to learn sign language so I can impart my enthusiastic talks and workshops to the hearing impaired. Deirdre KelleghanAmateur Astronomer I will take any opportunity that arises in the future. Aishling ButlerGarda Trainee You never stop learning. Training and coursework are vital aspects of my job. Technology changes quickly, so you always have to be prepared to learn something new. Owen HughesManufacturing Technician I have undertaken courses in Professional Development every summer since I began teaching and I have recently applied for a Masters in Visual Arts Practices in Dun Laoighaire - which is a two year part time course. Padraig ParleTeacher - Special Needs Yes, I am planning to take the CFA Certificate in ESG Investing, wish me luck! Amy O’DwyerAssociate Sustainability Advisor I plan to finish my Second Hand Full (SHF) training and advance to Skipper Full with Cargo Endorsment.  John OglesbyDeck Hand Studying for the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification was a key aspect of my training. Edel ButlerAdministrative Officer I will definitely be undertaking further training, what this looks like however is unclear at this moment in time. Shane O'SheaSuperValu Regional Support Manager We can't apply for courses while in training but I would be interested in family liaison training as it is so important to families stricken by crime. Mark Spain Garda Trainee The Army encourages continual development and advancement in training. I intend on doing an NCO's course, advanced weapon training and more computer courses. There are plenty of courses that I intend on doing but most of all I plan for promotion. Louise Mc DonaldPrivate (Line) I took the postgraduate diploma in statistics and the PhD after my undergraduate course. For the next year I'm planning to focus on settling in here and learning as much as I can from my teaching experience.

After that I would like to take a formal course to improve my teaching. There is a qualification in Third Level Teaching and Learning offered in Ireland, and an International Teachers Programme abroad. Either of those would be super.

In the meantime DCU offer courses to support lecturers, so I will be taking those from January. I would also like to undertake a professional qualification from the Chartered Institute of Professional Development, the body for HR managers. DCU offers courses accredited by the CIPD and a lot of the members of my group have this qualification. It's not essential, but it is something I would like to do. Aoife Mc DermottLecturer I am always learning and researching Sustainability or how we can incorporate Customer Service developments, I doubt that I will ever stop training and learning. Maree O’BrienGuest Experience Manager, Sustainability & Innovation Lead On the Northern Trust partner portal there are ample courses added to your own personal plan which I complete whenever I have free time enabling me to be the best at my job as I can be. It gives me a better understanding as to what my role entails as well as a better understanding of the role of Northern Trust and other partners. Jack BarryAnalyst, Transfer Agency I had no teaching experience before going on the JET Programme so I took an online TEFL course while I was over there. I also continued to study Japanese and took the Japanese Language Proficiency Test while I was there. Edel CarletonJET Coordinator - Japanese Embassy I always try to keep my knowledge current by constantly doing a variety of courses such as those on languages or IT. It’s very important to keep life- long learning going all the time. Kevin KearyParliamentary Assistant Probably not! I’ve done more than my fair share of exams! Orla AherneInvestment Consultant

Health & safety rep training, fire warden instruction, occupational First aid evacuation chair training, manual handling instruction, Hr training & development, Multiple seminars in employment law – constantly upskilling to ensure I’m up to speed with new legislation / legislation planned to come into effect. Nothing planned at the moment, but no doubt will go training again.

Would like to go further and gain certification in employment legislation. Laura DevlinHR Manager - Hotel I am open to all education opportunities in terms of professional and self development. I have applied to undertake Garda Public Order and advanced driving training. I am also planning to take the Sergeant Exams. Nan Hu Garda Yes, I’m really lucky to have amazing support from our company, with a wealth of learning opportunities available internally through structured programmes, workshops, and mentorship. There are also external learning providers, offering part-time or full-time courses, as well as online classes that I can access to broaden my skills. I believe that every day is a learning day, especially in hospitality, which is constantly evolving. At the moment, I’m focusing on growing my commercial expertise, taking extra internal and external courses to help me make smarter business decisions and continue developing as a leader. Colm DalyHotel Manager Yes - I am always looking for new opportunities to study or attend training courses to further my personal and professional development! Shane SargeantDepartment of Foreign Affairs Advice if considering this job Teaching as they say is a vocation, it is a job that requires patience and enthusiasm. If you are considering teaching you need to look beyond the holidays and think of the 9-4 Monday to Friday spent dealing with children or teenagers and the challenges which they might pose.

I would advise anyone thinking of teaching as a career to speak with Teachers and learn of their experiences, both positive and negative. I personally would encourage people to consider teaching as it is an extremely rewarding profession in terms of the interaction you get daily with young people and the colleagues you meet in the job. Mary JoyceSecondary School Teacher If you enjoy looking after people and have an interest in cooking, I think you should definitely look into beginning this career. A great resource is Chef Networks Open Kitchen Programme which gives those a taster of the industry before they decide to dive in. I think one of the main qualities I find important in this industry is always wanting to learn and being the best you can be, consistently developing yourself. Communication and team work is key to this role too but can be developed as you learn and work. Fiona KeyesChef Be prepared for responsibility and the rewards and problems that come with responsibility. It is very important to be comfortable making decisions and living with them. While it is impossible to be right all of the time the majority of decisions you make have to be correct. Michael BohaneQA Manager Think long and hard, listen to advise, plan well and be ready to make sacrifices for job satisfaction… Liz ChristyTextile Design/Handweaver Science research and lecturing needs people who are curious, creative, stubborn (they like problems that take ages to solve). You need to like communication – you’ll be teaching, writing, debating and discussing science all day, everyday. If you like to be challenged intellectually, are creative about ways to solve problems, like working with teams people from the four corners of the world, then science is for you. It’s more David Attenborough than Sheldon Cooper. Shane BerginPhysics Lecturer I would advise any college student considering a career in tax to undertake a summer internship or placement in a firm offering tax services. I found this an excellent way to understand what a job in tax would actually involve. Researching careers in tax online also shows the endless and exciting opportunities that a tax qualification can offer. I have found the more I have learned about tax, the more I understand how varied roles in tax can be. Anna Holohan Tax Manager You would have to be a people person with good communication skills, problem solving skills. Be able to spin several plates at the same time. Mary Jo SheridanTourism Manager - Dublinia A career in sustainability and ESG is a meaningful career that is here to stay. Covid-19 has accelerated the shift to a more sustainable world meaning a wave of new 'green' roles are available. Another attractive side to this sector is that it needs diversity to thrive, diversity in all forms, genders, ages, cultures and skillsets. I think it's important to work in a sector where diversity is celebrated and appreciated. Amy O’DwyerAssociate Sustainability Advisor Science is a fascinating subject and you truly have to immerse yourself in it. When you do the rewards are fantastic. It is of course a tough subject but once complete you learn how to solve many problems yourself. Brian O'ConnorAnalytical Chemist It needs to be something that you really love to do. When you have to train during winter it can be difficult so you have to be mentally strong. Ian McKinleyRugby Player I would advise them to get themselves physically fit and to maintain it. I would also say that a sense of humour is very important and the ability to laugh at themselves. They should have self discipline and be prepared to accept imposed discipline. Punctuality is very important as is respect for others. If they had sporting interests that would be a help. Louise Mc DonaldPrivate (Line)

I would advise you to contemplate your motivations for considering a career in social work. Whereas I entered university wanting to change the world, I now understand that if I wanted to do this, I should have followed a career in social policy. Moreover, I have developed an appreciation for the big (and small) changes I have made to children’s and family’s lives, the connections I have made within the communities I have worked in, and the support and guidance I have given and received throughout the course of my career.

I would further add that through my career I have met some incredible colleagues who I am lucky to now call friends. Social work is a career wherein one relies heavily on their teams/colleagues, and close interpersonal connections are quickly forged.  

Jonathan O’ReillyPrincipal Social Worker

The qualifications are very important to get the start but experience Is everything when it comes to Fishing, I would recommend getting some experience on a boat. And not just one trip, you need to give it a proper go, I hated my first week…I was seasick, it was hard to adjust to the work environment and the sleep cycle, but once I got into it now I never want to leave it.

Try and get out and talk to people in the industry, it really helps to prepare you for what it is like when you get out to sea.

Stick at it, it gets better. Don’t write yourself off straight away takes a while for your body to get used to it. Daniel Walsh Trainee Engineer/Deckhand Give your over all life ambitions, style and quality of a life as a major considering factor when trying to make a career choice. Its also never too late to change direction. Ciara Shine Marketing Manager Anyone considering this job should be ready to work thoughtfully rather than reactively. Also they should be emotionally present and ready to facilitate meaningful conversation. Rasaq FaladeGarda Reserve

I would say go for it! If you are ok getting up and speaking in front of groups and have experience in social care/social work or youth and community work and believe in lifelong learning, this is a great job.

Kerri MartinTraining Development Officer

• Have a passion for where you work – Selling AIB as a great place to work is a huge part of the job so you have to believe in it. 
• People person
• Good organisation

Ross O'BrienGraduate Recruitment Team Lead For someone looking to do what I would do I think my biggest advice would be to make sure you are not recitable to sea sickness. Ensure that you are able to talk to anyone and everyone and get along with them in some shape or form. You must be patient, as weeks could go by with little to do or see. You must also be adaptable as each day is incredibly different and things can change by the hour. Patrick KinnairdMarine Biologist

A caring attitude is essential for Health and Safety – you need to be passionate about getting the message across to people and telling them why it is so important. After all, no-one wants to see anyone suffer harm or be in pain.

For astronomy, a yearning for answering the unanswered questions is a must. You also need to be dedicated and focused and not put off by the weather

Dave McDonaldAstronomer

Make sure you are willing to go the full distance in terms of the time needed to train as a Clinical Psychologist – it’s typically at least six years academic study, and invariably this period is interspersed with work in a relevant field.

Do be as confident as you can that you’re happy being a “listener” and “observer”, as you will spend significant amounts of time in your work life as a Clinical Psychologist being in this role, as well as being in the “do-er” role and being in the limelight.

To have a good ‘fit’ with this career you’ll need to be happy working with people – as individuals on a one to one basis, with groups (e.g. families), and as part of a team in the workplace.

You need to have a good attention to detail as the job needs good observation skills, record keeping, and organisation skills.

Be prepared for learning and self-development to be on-going for the whole of your career because, as a Clinical Psychologist, you’ll be learning and using techniques and intervention approaches that are being constantly developed, and be working in accordance with policies and laws that are also constantly evolving.

The last piece of advice I’d give to someone considering this job is to be as sure as you can that you feel comfortable and even excited at the prospect of your career revolving around people and groups with all the varied, diverse, and unpredictable rewards and challenges that this brings!

Elaine MacDonaldPsychologist - Clinical The lifestyle Both myself and my partner Lisa are teachers. This affords us a very interesting lifestyle, travelling for many summers to parts of the world that combine my interest in nature with her interest in language and culture. While we will never be millionaires, the salary combined with the time off are reward enough for the job we do. We have also been able to take one year of a career break so far. This was a fabulous opportunity to further our broad education. Cian O'MahonyScience Teacher Written interview unavailable... Mary McCaugheyHead of Communications Yes, right now I’m focused on learning and progressing my career and thankfully that is encouraged in my job and industry. Job security and work-life balance are also valued. And there are opportunities to travel and meet colleagues from across the global organization. Gillian MorganManufacturing Process Specialist The job allows me to work regular hours. I rarely work unsocialable hours, which means that I can spend time with my family and friends. I'm out working in the fresh air on most days, which makes for a healthy lifestyle although the work can be physically demanding at times but it helps to keep you reasonably fit as well. Being my own boss, I can take holidays at times that suit me and my family. This occupation has given me security and a reasonably good living. I would say that it's relatively good compared to most jobs. It has given me the opportunity to persue a kind of lifestyle which suits my temperament and outlook. I enjoy owning my own business and setting my own goals in life. Paul DowlingHorticulturist

There are many opportunities in Ireland in the medical device arena as Ireland could be described as the “silicone valley” of medical devices in Europe. A majority of the large multinationals are located here which means that there are a lot of people with the skills specifically required for the industry.

Most of these multinationals are located in North America, hence we are often required to travel to the US. I have travelled to a number of different countries both during my postgrad & with my job. Also, because people are living longer & have certain lifestyle expectations, there will almost certainly always be a need for new medical devices. Unlike a lot of other industries, this would suggest that there will always be funding available to develop products for new areas. Also as a result of human DNA mapping, more & more diseases will become manageable, possibly through the help of medical devices

Sinead KennyDesign Engineer I regard tourist guiding as the best job in the world. We get to bring people to places they they pay to see while they are on holiday. When I hear their reactions to what I am showing them I realise what a great country we are living in. I love this job so much I would it for nothing, but I don’t tell the clients that! Neal DohertyPrivate Driver Guide I think having a job that you love and doing what you are happy doing is key, if you are doing what you love in an industry that you enjoy working in then nothing is a challenge. No two days are the same, there’s a fantastic buzz working in this industry, once you have a good team to work with nothing is a challenge. Maree O’BrienGuest Experience Manager, Sustainability & Innovation Lead Yes, my job now provides a comfortable and happy life for myself and my family, although of course at times it's been harder to be comfortable and happy, but that’s just unfortunately the economic climate we have. It has however always helped that you get what you give to this career, and hard work and dedication is always rewarded fairly. Eoghan O’FlynnHead Chef (Fota Island Resort) Yes, it does. When I worked in social care I did 25hr shifts. I loved having time off when others were working “normal” hours.   My priorities changed when I had small children so moving to more regular hour suited our lifestyle. There are times, off course, when I need to be flexible and perhaps work longer hours to get projects over the line but when this happens there is always the flexibility from my management to take these hours back at a time that suits me. Kerri MartinTraining Development Officer

As a working artist teaching allows me a lot of time to pursue my painting. In the last 5 years I have had time to prepare 4 solo exhibitions - something which would be immpossible in almost any other proffession.

You will never be "rolling in money" as a teacher, however it allows you to have a very comfortable standard of living and the time off to travel and pursue other interests. Also it is a rewarding profession as you get to make a difference in childrens lives, and in the current climate of instability it is a very secure job

Padraig ParleTeacher - Special Needs I have found that it is so important to balance my job, my study and my personal life. Deloitte encourage a healthy work life balance and I have realised this is important to me doing a good job at work. I find that by taking part in events and activities I am much more productive in work, efficient and attentive in my study and happier in general. Anna Holohan Tax Manager Yes, the majority of the time. Donal KaneConstruction Site Supervisor My job does allow me a lifestyle that I am happy with. I drop the children off to school in the morning and start work at 9.30 am. I finish work in the afternoon and I am home the same time as the kids. I spend quality time with them every afternoon and I am there for the homework. I am also there to bring them to other activities outside school that they want to be involved in. There is enough time too for myself and family life as a whole. Ejiro O'Hare StrattonClinical Nurse Manager 2 Yes Brendan WhiteFish Filleter

 Yes, my job definitely allows me to have a lifestyle I'm happy with and love.

The position I'm currently at Tour Guiding can be quite seasonal. I currently love this factor of my work. I also love the fact that everyone you deal with is on there holidays and are happy to be hearing about your country and culture, folklore, history etc. It is such a rewarding and mood boosting job, you meet so many amazing people from all walks of life. Everyday is a learning day and I love that. As it is seasonal I have had the opportunity to travel some of the countries to learn about other cultures inspired by the people I have met. It's also allowed me to plan ahead to further my growth as this winter on the off season I plan to get my bus licence as Ireland is one of the only places in Europe that allows driver guides. This will further my opportunities more. Nicole McGuireFreelance Tour Guide It does, I’m lucky enough to be able to work remotely for 50% of my week. Allowing me some flexibility to do things outside of work, like fit in a run around the lovely countryside and spend time at home rather than on a commute. Sam FranklinEarth Observation Specialist The workload is massive but the job is rewarding. In a sense it is still a vocation. It also has great variety. I am also my own boss most of the time. The job is not paid as much as it should be for the work involved but it does allow me to have a lifestyle that I am happy with. Paul MeanySchool Principal Yes. The time off is very substantial. After working for six days straight you get four days off in a row.

As a family man it means I can spend time with my children and do any jobs I need to during these four days. Peter CliffordProbationer Garda Absolutely. I earn a good salary and maintain relatively social hours. Whereas there have been times where I have needed to prioritise the needs of a child or the service over evening plans, these occasions have been exceptional rather than the norm. I have always worked with incredible colleagues, and consequently, we would always look out for one another, and assist to minimise life interruptions. Furthermore, I have always been offered flexibility in my job to take any accrued hours back at times to suit my own lifestyle. Jonathan O’ReillyPrincipal Social Worker Teaching affords you the holidays like no other job. Where possible I like to travel during the summer and get away on shorter breaks during the year. In time, it will be a job that will facilitate family life easier than other professions. Mary JoyceSecondary School Teacher Whats cool I love the variety in my job, from working with different people across different projects, each with different challenges, expectations and targets. Shane O'SheaSuperValu Regional Support Manager The variety and the people I meet everyday. Aishling ButlerGarda Trainee

Working with people from all over the globe is really great. You get to see how different people can solve the same problem in many different ways. It’s also a fantastic way to experience different cultures when you get the opportunity to travel to these locations.

Over the last few years I've been lucky enough to travel extensively throughout the States, Europe, Israel, China and Korea, and work with engineers from all of these places. You also get to realise that beneath it all, engineers are the same all over the world. There are technical problems to solve, and we love to solve them!!!

Shane CallananElectronic Engineer I believe the best thing about my job is that everyday is different. No one day is the same, this means its quite difficult get complacent in your work. I find I’m constantly kept on my toes which I love. I find a lot of satisfaction in making people happy through food and changing people’s experiences with food. Working with good products and supporting Irish businesses through my work is an amazing thing to be able to do. Fiona KeyesChef The product I am working on at the minute. It enables you to control your heating from anywhere in the world, brilliant. The travelling also helps. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer The flexibility and not living in a big city. Ciara Shine Marketing Manager The job is exceptionally rewarding. The Irish citizen lies at the heart of all we do and that makes the work important. The opportunity to travel to and live in so many different cities around the world is also one of the most appealing aspects of the job for me! Shane SargeantDepartment of Foreign Affairs The flexibility the job brings, working in different places with different people regularly. Eileen FahertyElectrician / Quantity Surveyor Reward and Recognition play a big part in the culture of our organisation where success is celebrated and high performance is recognised.

Several initiatives have been introduced such as Employee of the Month, Silver/Gold awards etc. which instils a culture of high achievement across all areas. Sarah TenantyFinance Operations I get to hear about the latest developments and discoveries in space science first hand. Karen O'FlahertyScience Communicator Meeting incredible people every day is a highlight. And seeing the joy on the faces of clients and guests when we have helped make their event special—that is the most rewarding part of it all. Tania Costa Head of Events at EPIC & CHQ Some of the new materials we get to use. Observing animal trials & seeing our devices being used. Observing procedures at the hospital & getting feedback from surgeons. The coolest thing of all however is to hear that the device has worked & the quality of life of many patients has improved. Sinead KennyDesign Engineer Being your own boss a lot of the time, making your own decisions, being able to step out of my back door every morning and stepping into my 1,000 acre office. Kieran MageeFarm Manager - Dry Stock I really like the different activities and duties I engage everyday and I like helping people on daily basis. For example I could be working in the public office or patrolling the district in a patrol car or be on foot patrol and doing my personal favourite; mountain bike patrol. Nan Hu Garda The thing I like most about this job is the travel aspect of it. Johnson & Johnson are a multinational company so I get to see a lot of different places around the world. Donal Og CusackAutomation/Energy Engineer Modeling something from scratch, and seeing the physical part after manufacture Megan WalshMechanical Engineer

I really enjoy representing the hotel at trade events, collaborating with industry colleagues but equally working with my counterparts at FBD Hotels and Resorts, we learn so much from each other as to what is happening in the market, trends and how we are all performing.

 

Jack FitzsimonsDirector of Sales & Marketing What I really like about my job is the opportunity to work at sea. Living and working on a research vessel can be challenging, but it’s also one of the most exciting parts of the job. I also enjoy the chance to travel as part of my work, meeting new people and seeing different places. Haleigh JoyceScientific and Technical Officer (Marine) I love meeting people and having the ‘craic’ with them. I have lots of stories, anecdotes and gags (dad jokes they call them in the US) that keep the clients amused during the tour. I regard it as going around the county with my friends. I usually follow up the tour with a hand written Irish thank you card using some of the wonderful stamps produced by An Post. That’s the cherry on the cake. Neal DohertyPrivate Driver Guide

I love my job and I feel so privileged that I'm in a position where I get to tell people all about my country. The feeling of pride you feel everyday. The genuine interest people have in what you have to say. I love the questions guest can come out with as simple as what is a baby guinness to what type of tree that is etc.

I think it's cool that I get to travel around Ireland for a living. I think it's cool all the amazing types of people I meet a lot of days it doesn't even feel like I'm working!

Nicole McGuireFreelance Tour Guide Not so cool Nothing so far. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer I would not say that there is really anything I don’t like about my job. If had to mention something, I would say I am not very fond of operational tasks in any job, which is, fortunately, only a very tiny part of my job. Madhuvratha VasudevanSenior Investment Analyst Administration tasks!!! Mary Ita HeffernanSocial Worker Gender, racial and sexual biases in the workplace. Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies The mood swings of a 16 year old!! And the corrections....... Mary JoyceSecondary School Teacher As a call centre and a developing business, we are always striving to meet the needs of our customers, part of that is that we operate 6 days a week and open late mid week.

Whilst a lot of insurance brokers operate on a 9-5 basis, this represents a challenge in managing and monitoring a call centre with extended hours. When resourcing the department it can also be difficult to find staff that will commit to shift work. Nicole FeigheryCustomer Care Manager It’s safe to say we still undertake a number of ‘tick box’ exercises. What can feel like pointless tasks which don’t seem to benefit anyone, either the customer or the business. We do our best to challenge some of these tasks, but at times there can be a mentality that it’s easier to just get them done. It’s always a nice win when you can shut down these types of tasks, and I always encourage people to stand back and question everything they do. But in saying that, there are moments of the week where you can feel like time was wasted on something that is now just saved in a folder on the off chance someone might need to refer to it in years from now. In those instances, I can’t help but think that surely we could have spent our time better! Lara MulveySenior Product Manager AIB

Sometimes the cases are difficult and take longer than expected but it is important that enough time is given to complicated matters.

Diego GallagherSenior Solicitor Doing my VAT returns! Glenn LucasWoodturner

I consider myself quite privileged in my role in that it is a nice job. It’s not great when you have people who book on to training and then don’t let you know when they can’t attend and other people miss out on those places. It can also be a challenge that your schedule is done at least 6-9 months in advance with very little wiggle room.

Kerri MartinTraining Development Officer Seeing people upset and not knowing how to help them. Deirdre LavelleCare Assistant Everyone has days when you want to do nothing but lie in bed and dancers are no different. Sometimes it's tough to always have energy, especially on days when your body is hurting. I think people forget the immense physicality of dance but it's no mean feat to do an hour show every single night for 3 months straight with no night off. It's that exhausted feeling that I don't like. Megan McEvoyDancer I do not like billing but it is a very necessary part of working in a commercial firm! We need to record the time spent on client files and account for every minute while in the office and this can be difficult. Niamh CacciatoSolicitor Being part of a big company means there is lots of processes, but you get used to them quickly! Jenny DonnellyAsset Manager It’s definitely an intense lifestyle, and adapting to living onboard can be tough at times. With no shower on the boat and often sharing a cabin, there’s very little privacy. The Irish coastline also brings its fair share of rough, unsettled seas, which can make for some uncomfortable days. Even then, it’s important to keep morale up and maintain the survey effort, even when conditions make it harder to stay positive.  Patrick KinnairdMarine Biologist Unfortunately not everyone understands the role of an Occupational Therapist and this can be frustrating at times. As OTs work in many different areas and with a diverse range of service users the role of an OT can be very different from one setting to another. This can lead to confusion for staff and service users as to when to contact the OT Dept. Tomas FlanaganOccupational Therapist I don't have the best work-life balance at my current job, but since the pandemic I'm working from home as well as the office and trying to introduce more flexibility around my working hours. Semin Soher PowerSenior Inflation Trader The clean up after my events (TV cooking slots, cookery demonstrations etc). Yes I do a lot of the cleaning, packing up and carrying luggage. Fiona UyemaChef Not taking time to reflect on your achievements Sara Hickey Assistant Trading Manager There is a big commitment to be made when you are thinking about going into dairy farming. You can have holidays but you also need to be there for a lot of the year twice a day to milk the cows. It is not a chore if it is something you enjoy and get satisfaction from. I would see the biggest not so cool thing is having to work outside in the rain! Bryan DanielsFarmer - Dairy