deiseanna gairme in institiúide an AE

Employer Insights Getting the job I responded to an advertisement which appeared in the Irish Independent newspaper. I attended an interview in the school and the school principal rang me the following day to say I was successful in my application. Brian CadiganPrimary School Teacher

When I came out of the Botanic Gardens, I went to work in Holland for the summer and when I came back, I joined a Landscaping firm. This was in the early 1979/80 when the economy was not as buoyant as it is now. We were working on dusty sites, doing landscaping and lawns.

When the weather got bad, you were let go and got a pound an hour "wet time". I remember standing in out of very heavy rain one day in an industrial unit, reading the paper. I saw a job for a Sales Rep to sell horticultural machinery, chainsaws, lawnmowers, golf course equipment etc. I applied for and got the job as an indoors Sales Rep.

It was a great learning curve, I got training in sales, and I was selling equipment related to the industry I was in. That was one of the reasons I got the job as a result of my background in horticulture. That was great training, and I really enjoyed it. I was getting on very well with that job, but when the weather was good (around March/April) I really missed being out in the fresh air.

Within a short period of time it turned out that the company ran into bad financial difficulties, and they let about eight people go and as I was one of the last in, I was also let go. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it gave me the impetus to set up on my own.

I went out and started working for myself then. It was a big decision for me. I was lucky to get onto a Start your Own Business course, run by the Irish Productivity Centre and FAS. The course was excellent, it ran over sixteen weeks - eight weeks of lectures and practicals, and the second eight was about getting it off the ground.

It was great doing that, and I had a job I used to do on a Saturday. I managed to get another contract for a couple of days a week shortly afterwards, and I just built it up from there. That's really how my own Landscaping Business got off the ground.

Paul DowlingHorticulturist I really enjoyed living in Galway during my cooperative work experience, so I kept an eye on the papers & internet for suitable roles there. Creganna had recently set up their Design Services department & advertised a position for design services engineer. I applied for the job & had 2 interviews. I was successful & moved to Galway just before Christmas in 2004. I started working in Creganna the following January & really enjoy working here. Sinead KennyDesign Engineer

It was a lovely mix of timing and opportunity. I had been working with Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, in their young people’s advocacy and rights-based approaches unit. I loved the systemic and participatory work, but I found myself missing direct therapeutic work.

When I saw a part-time, one-day-a-week role with Centric Mental Health, I initially applied to provide therapeutic support and counselling. After the interview, they offered me a different role in their Autism and ADHD assessment unit, drawing on my ten years of experience in education settings. It turned out to be a good fit and a chance to deepen my assessment skills.

The Rehab Group role came soon after, advertised through professional health psychology networks. I knew immediately it was the right next step, a position that combined my clinical experience with systemic, holistic care. I applied online and, during the interview, shared my experience and my passion for health psychology in disability services. When they called to offer me the role, I was thrilled. It felt like the perfect alignment of my skills, values, and my commitment to supporting both staff and people who use RehabCare services in a way that promotes inclusion and meaningful change.

Dr Alexis Carey Health Psychologist While still living in America I heard that Wyeth were opening a plant in Clondalkin, Dublin which is where I grew up. I was excited about the prospect of actually working in a Biotech plant in Clondalkin. I applied online and then when I moved back to Ireland I went to an assessment centre which also included an interview. The assessment centre included some role-playing and aptitude tests. I was called soon after and told that I got the job. Brian O'ConnorAnalytical Chemist I was approached through the University of Limerick by Northern Trust to do an interview for their co-op programme. I was successful in my interview and was offered a chance to do my co-op with them which I gladly accepted. I really enjoyed my co-op and was then offered a chance to come back to Northern Trust upon completion of my final year of college. Jack BarryAnalyst, Transfer Agency 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

As I have previously mentioned, the year I graduated was a great one for electronic engineering students. All of my graduating class had at least two offers before we had sat our final exams. At the time I had the offer of either taking up a Process Engineering, Software, Test or Hardware Design Engineering position with four different companies.

I picked hardware because that was what I most interested after completing my Electronics degree. I chose a multi-national company, and my advice to any graduate would be to start your career with an international company. Many of these companies will have formal graduate training programs in place, with pre defined career opportunities in place. Learning in a well established, and well structured environment will be crucial to any engineer entering the workforce for the first time.

After 12 months I left this company to work as a test engineer. At the time I didn’t want to commit my career to hardware design. I left on very good terms with the promise that if it didn’t work out I should make contact again. After 12 months I decided that my initial choice was what I wanted to pursue, and I was soon working again at my first company. I was promoted to team leader for a small engineering team, and the opportunity presented itself to pursue a career in management, but I wanted to stick with an engineering role. Eventually I was promoted to a senior design engineering position where I continued to design power supplies up until 2006. This was a very exciting time for me, and professionally my career really advanced.

In 2006 an opportunity arose to join a small Irish company that was moving its headquarters from Dublin to Cork. This company was Excelsys Technologies. The role was to head up the Applications Engineering group. I met with the Managing Director, who had previously headed up European Operations for the first company I had worked for. I also knew some of the other staff, again having previously worked with them. We now have a concentrated group of very experienced engineers, designing some of the highest power density power supplies in our chosen market.

Shane CallananElectronic Engineer 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 Prior to my current role, I was team coach of the Finance Operations area for three years and when the opportunity for promotion arose, I put myself forward.

I completed an interview with the Operations Manager and one week later I was offered the position. My predecessor had over 40 years’ experience and I was very lucky to have him as a mentor. With his guidance and support, I felt I was ready to take on the challenge. Sarah TenantyFinance Operations I applied online, was interviewed twice and was offered the position. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer I finished my PhD and heard that a position was to become available at the university where I studied. I applied by filling in a very detailed application form (it took me several weeks to write my answers and be happy with them), I taught a sample lesson and made a presentation about my plans for the job if I were to be successful, I sat an interview with a selection panel, and got told by phone that evening that I got the job. Dr. Patrick CadwellLecturer I saw the recruitment campaign advertisement on the internet and I applied through www.publicjobs.ie. I got my first telephone interview a few months after, then I was shortlisted for the selection test and passed, from there I went for final interview and medical tests. Rasaq FaladeGarda Reserve I went straight from school into the professional rugby system so it was merely based on how you were performing and what potential you could have in the future. Ian McKinleyRugby Player

I first discovered Leonardo Hotels during a careers day at GMIT about nine years ago. At the time, I was working in private hotels, but when I learned about the Leonardo Graduate Programme, it really caught my attention. The programme sounded like a fantastic way to grow a career in hospitality while getting exposure to multiple areas of hotel operations. The application process was thorough — it included several interview stages and an in-person assessment centre. That experience alone gave me great insight into the professionalism and standards of Leonardo Hotels, and I knew it was the right path for me. I was successful in securing a place on the graduate programme and started my journey at Leonardo Parnell Street, Dublin.

From there, I progressed through several leadership roles across the UK and Ireland:
• Assistant Conference & Banqueting Manager – Leonardo Oxford
• Assistant Food & Beverage Manager – Leonardo Christchurch
• Front Office Manager – Leonardo Galway
• Project Deputy General Manager – supporting 5 Leonardo Hotels across Ireland

These roles gave me an incredible foundation in both the operational and people-management sides of hospitality. I also had the opportunity to oversee three hotel refurbishments and three hotel takeovers, gaining hands-on experience in change management and large-scale projects. In time, I was promoted to Interim Hotel Manager at Leonardo Christchurch, which allowed me to step up and prove myself in a senior leadership role. Most recently, in July 2025, I was promoted to Hotel Manager at Leonardo Derby, where I am now leading the team and continuing my journey with the company.

Over the past nine years, I’ve had the privilege of working across 15 Leonardo Hotels in Ireland and the UK, which has been both challenging and rewarding. What I love about this industry is that no two days are the same — you’re constantly learning, solving problems, and most importantly, working with people.

 

Colm DalyHotel Manager 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 I had been hoping to get back into library work and spent many months scanning the newspapers. Eventually an advert appeared and I phoned Cavan County Council for an application form. After forwarding the application, I was called for interview.

Initially, a panel of successful candidates was prepared by the Council Interview Board. Some months later I got a phone call asking me if I would like to work for Cavan County Council as a Librarian. I could only have said yes, and to this day I have never looked back. Jonathan SmythLibrary Assistant

I was studying in the college in Greencastle, and I feel in love with he place and the community. I put myself out there and got to know a lot of the locals and then I was offered the job on the Northern Celt that way.

The college really helped introduce us to different people within the industry which helped then when it came to looking for a job. Jobs on boats are not normally advertised the traditional way online it’s all about who you know and your own experience. Daniel Walsh Trainee Engineer/Deckhand I have a background in Agriculture. I grew up working on various farm machinery. I had a part time job in Combilift while I was studying at University. Combilift are great for accommodating summer work opportunities across various departments. I gained hands-on experience on assembly lines where I seen the process come together. I got to see a truck go from a bare chassis right through to a truck ready for delivery. It helped me to gain knowledge on building a truck through Combilift standards. Kevin O'HaganDesign Engineer I created it. Liz ChristyTextile Design/Handweaver Main challenges

The most challenging aspect is managing all of the different tasks that need to be completed as part of my role. Once you move into a senior management position in any company, there is a lot of responsibility that rests on your shoulders. With experience you get used to that and it doesn't cause me an issue, but it certainly keeps me busy! I think the word "perspective" is a great word to have in your head as you go through a career.

There have been many occasions in my career where things have become a challenge or things have gone wrong but having perspective and always doing your best is the key here. My experience has shown that no matter how bad you think things are at a point in time, by working hard and showing integrity you can make sure they work out in the end. There's no point getting stressed or worried, you can only do your best.

Brian DelahuntyHead of Corporate Banking Construction Projects are very competitively priced these days. There are challenges with completing most projects within the budgets set out. While it is not easy to achieve sometimes it is a good challenge to work with the construction team and see if we can look at new ways to complete the project differently in order to make it more cost efficient. Eileen FahertyElectrician / Quantity Surveyor Main challenges we face at the moment would probably still be cost. Cost is top of everybody’s agenda so that is a huge factor.

Notwithstanding that we try to demonstrate how we add significant value to the client and that helps us to become a trusted partner. Karl CurranAssociate Director The main challenges I find and that keep alert is customer satisfaction. I want people to feel comfortable in my presence, that they can come to me with any questions and problems. It can be draining sometimes dealing with different types of people some can be harder to break there barrow then others if that makes sense. That definitely keeps me motivated. Also everyday is a learning day. There is always something new around the corner or a new discovery or a story a local has told me in a place that you don't find typically online or in a book. Keeping up-to-date with what's going on in the world allows you to connect better to people. Nicole McGuireFreelance Tour Guide AIB is quite new back to the market in the Graduate Space – Playing catch up but we are very fast to do so. Ross O'BrienGraduate Recruitment Team Lead The main challenges are keeping to a deadline when issues arise or when a sub-contractor or supplier can’t meet the demands. Colin ButterlySite Manager - Trade Entry The most challenging part of my job is helping coaches and managers understand the nature of my work and how it can impact performance. In order for me to be able to do good work there must be ‘buy-in’ from the management teams and also the athletes. Building trust and relationships is vital to being able to work effectively in sport. Anne-Marie KennedyChartered Sport Psychologist The constant striving to achieve perfection in all tasks I complete. Working under time constraints and strict deadlines in a disciplined environment. Your interpersonal skills and communication ability must be excellent. Tom TooherLieutenant - Army It would have to be working with people from across different countries, industries and cultures: it’s important to keep good communication with everybody. Jonathan FaullSpace Social Media and Communications Balancing all departments’ priorities. Sara Hickey Assistant Trading Manager Tax law is always changing, so it’s really important that I keep up to speed on these changes! Lorcan KellyTax Consultant Managing my time during the school day is the biggest challenge. For example, timing practical work to be finished before the pupils have to be off to their next class is always a challenge! Cian O'MahonyScience Teacher I recently worked on a project where the scope of the project was constantly changing and we were under considerable pressure to complete the project by an agreed deadline. How I dealt with this is by working efficiently, being decisive and helping out the team in whatever way I could to ensure we met our commitment to our client. Sinead LewSenior Tax Manager 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 Oisín:
Managing various projects and meeting deadlines.

Oisin MurphyApprentice Carpenter 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 The Guest Experience Manager, GEM, role is relatively new to the traditional Hospitality construct but as the future of Hospitality is centred on the Guest Experience, the Guest Experience Manager role is pivotal in ensuring guests have the best possible experience. As it’s not a role that’s always been there, it’s sometimes been unclear how it works or creating an understanding as to how impactful it can be. Each property is different, and some Guest Experience or Guest Relations managers are more operational focused, whereas I’ve incorporated a lot of my strengths in Training, Reporting, developing feedback loops for information in order to pre-empt rather than react to issues.

One of the challenges I’ve faced is creating a channel of communication that didn’t exist before, making sure information flows smoothly between departments and is passed on so we can be proactive in meeting guest needs. It’s a role that evolves constantly, but that’s what makes it so valuable in staying ahead in the industry. A guest’s entire journey is centered around their experience, and it’s those exceptional experiences that bring them back. That’s what makes this role so important and why it’s essential for it to work, seamlessly, it’s not just being a GEM for Guests, it’s literally such an important role in a business sense too. Maree O’BrienGuest Experience Manager, Sustainability & Innovation Lead Funnily enough I don’t like doing paperwork, in fact I rather despise it! Oz IlbrahmiManufacturing Specialist It’s a strange thing to say in 2020 but in a “normal” year, the high volume of visitors in July and August and the demand for tickets and tours is challenging and requires high front of house customer service skill. Mary Jo SheridanTourism Manager - Dublinia Dealing with some of the most successful and sophisticated clients in the world pushes me to ensure my work is to an extremely high standard. Knowing how costly my mistakes are encourages me to strive for perfection and achieve my full potential. Also, being part of a team means nobody gets left behind and everyone pulls together. Working hard to ensure I don’t let me team down keeps me alert and up to speed. Jack BarryAnalyst, Transfer Agency Typical day

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

It’s not like a normal working day anyway!

Every day is different which I love about it, we all share the work on the boat and work together, there is all of the deck work, engine checks, rotations etc.

As much as I am getting my training on the engineering side, I still love the deck side of things, getting involved in the fishing, I love the thrill of it!

 

Fishing, not a normal working day, Sleeping, watch time, skipper goes to sleep.

Engine checks, everyone is a deckhand first, 24m, everyone mucks in together.

Trainee engineer.

Skipper would d engineer check themselves. Love the deck side of fishing, the thrill of fishing on the deck.

Still like the deck work, engineer gets to travel Daniel Walsh Trainee Engineer/Deckhand Until recently, a typical day as an astrobiologist could range from collecting extremophiles on the surface of a glacier in Greenland; performing experiments in various laboratories; doing data analyses at university/research institutions; to being part of simulated Martian missions. Now, in a more managerial role, I also lead meetings, go to conferences, represent SOSA and my country at diverse meetings (for example at ESA headquarters) and design very big international projects. Michaela MusilovaMission Control Space Services 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 My work is very personal as I am with up to 5 clients for a full day touring and showing the wonderful places in the west of Ireland from the Cliffs of Moher to Yeats Country in Co Sligo. I pick up the clients from their accommodation, do my intro in Irish then in English and start with a funny ‘thought for the day’ to get the tour up an running. My commentary covers all aspects of everything Irish: history, music, literature, government, weather, television, movies, actors you name it we talk about it. I also like to find out more about the clients and their life in the US. It’s a two way conversation. Apart from the payment, it is gratifying to get five star reviews from clients following the completion of the tour. Neal DohertyPrivate Driver Guide Start @ 6:30 milking, feeding calves, checking cattle & complete all feeding & routine tasks by 11.

Non routine work varies with the seasons & is completed each day between 11am & 4pm.

The current spring tasks include calving cows, ploughing, slurry & fertiliser application, fencing & straw bedding cattle.

Updating the paperwork end of the business also takes quiet a while.

The evening routine replicates the morning routine & is completed between 4-6pm. Denis ReidyFarmer - Dairy

My day usually starts by greeting the team in the morning, checking in with department heads, and reviewing the morning reports to get a snapshot of occupancy, arrivals, and any immediate operational issues. I then review the pickup reports and follow up on anything that happened the previous day, ensuring smooth handovers between shifts. Throughout the day, I monitor guest reviews and respond where needed, while keeping a close eye on financial performance to make sure targets are on track. I also review any employee relations issues, monitor payroll, and provide guidance or support to my team wherever it’s needed.

A big part of the role is ensuring hotel standards and procedures are consistently followed, from housekeeping and front office operations to food & beverage and events. I spend time coaching and mentoring my management team, helping them solve problems, and making sure the hotel runs efficiently while maintaining a great guest experience. No two days are exactly the same, but the mix of people, operations, and strategy makes every day rewarding and keeps me learning constantly.

 

Colm DalyHotel Manager There are three engineers aboard here, we each do two watches in the engine room in 24 hrs, my watch starts at 12 then I finish at 4, so each watch is four hours long! Along with helping on deck when fishing and looking after refrigeration for the fish! Brendan CavanaghShips Engineer There is no typical day in a researcher’s life. Some days you might be in the lab doing experiments, on another day you may be outside sampling or abroad at a conference. It is a challenging job, but very rewarding. Cecilia FenechEnvironmental Scientist My day has no set structure. I am currently managing a very tightly scheduled reentry project and this takes a lot of my time. For this we in the project team have a telecom every Wednesday to discuss progress but I am in contact with team members daily (if not hourly). Since this experiment will fly to the International Space Station (ISS) I have frequent safety discussions with colleagues here in ESA and I am responsible for ensuring that the experiment is safe for the ISS and its crew. In parallel to this I am managing activities related to launcher staging, plumes and high speed computational tools. Neil MurreyAerothermodynamics and Propulsion Design Engineer As Head of Events, I am the primary point of contact for clients. I drive event bookings, manage client relationships, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders. My day usually includes hosting site visits, showcasing EPIC & CHQ, visiting clients at their offices, responding to email inquiries, and reviewing business performance. We also have regular internal meetings to align on company culture and plan future strategies. Tania Costa Head of Events at EPIC & CHQ

Imperial College London is based in South Kensington which is a really nice part of London. I usually get in around 9:30 and after a few minutes of gossiping/checking email/facebook, I get down to work!

The main portion of my job is research, and I try to have one primary project on the go at any given time, although occasionally ideas will crop up and I will be working on multiple papers.

My research involves a lot of computer programming. I work with data from the magnetometer on the Cassini spacecraft which is in orbit around the planet Saturn. I plot out this data using computer programs, and study the magnetic environment around Saturn, looking for unusual deflections of the magnetic field etc. and trying to interpret what they mean.

On any given paper that I write I usually have several co-authors or people that I am collaborating with, so I talk to them over email, teleconference, or face to face at meetings, and we discuss ideas and interpret the data.

Another portion of my job is teaching, and I currently demonstrate in the first year undergraduate labs, and also run small projects for undergrads in the summer term.

At Imperial, we are the Principal Investigators on the Cassini magnetometer instrument. We have a team of spacecraft operations people who send commands to the spacecraft, and process the data that comes back.

We have had an extension of funding for the Cassini mission so I am currently involved with planning the trajectories for the extended mission. This means that I work with spacecraft operations staff at Imperial, but also those based at the jet Propulsion Laboratory, part of NASA in California. Because they are 8 hours behind us in California, that means I have to stay late one night a week to have a mission planning teleconference with them.

So when I'm in London, a typical day is research, some teaching, and the occasional teleconference. I then attend international conferences a few times a year where I present my work, so I have to prepare talks or posters for these. I also give talks at schools, local astronomy clubs etc.

Caitriona JackmanPlanetary Scientist

• Main thing to note is ‘no two days are the same’
• Recruitment can change day to day
• One day – attending Grad Fairs, spending time meeting students and selling AIB as a great place to work
• Next day- Screening candidates, setting up interviews
• Next day- Making offers
• Works in cycles and this forms a typical day  

Ross O'BrienGraduate Recruitment Team Lead A typical day would involve preparing any variations that are due on a project. Most construction projects are fast moving and clients require costs turned around in a quick manner so this is always our focus.

I would then work on any weekly reports due such as labour spends reports or project cost projections. This would involve working with Project Managers and Contracts Mangers to get the various elements of information required to produce the report.

As with all construction professionals a lot of time is spent answering emails on various cost queries from clients, PQS and our Accounts and Purchasing. If a project is coming to an end a large amount of time will be spent preparing the Final Account and agreeing it with the relevant parties. It is always good to close off a project and get the final account signed, particularly on a large or lengthy project. Eileen FahertyElectrician / Quantity Surveyor "My role is all about focusing on the overall business, making sure the team is fully equipped with everything they need to run the operation smoothly and effectively. This means ensuring resources, training, and support are always available so colleagues can deliver outstanding service. A typical day involves a balance of hands-on leadership and strategic thinking.

I spend time checking in with different departments to understand their challenges and successes, removing any obstacles that might slow them down. At the same time, I’m constantly looking for opportunities to develop the business—whether that’s improving guest experiences, streamlining processes, or exploring new initiatives. Ultimately, my focus is on enhancing both the guest journey and the colleague experience, because I believe great service starts with a motivated and supported team. Managing this balance in a fast-paced environment, while responding to day-to-day pressures and planning for the future, is both challenging and rewarding." Shane CarterCenter Parcs Spa Manager Arriving in, checking e-mails and going through data from tests I set up previously. Creating new ways to improve the products I am working on by thinking outside the box, and trying to make things as simple as possible. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer Check to-do list written previous evening. Check emails & reply. Weave and organise completion of various production tasks

Allocate time to marketing & promotion, finance management & accounts. Updating my Website. Ongoing maintenance of equipment. Liz ChristyTextile Design/Handweaver

My current caseload has a mix of both children and adults, all of whom have a diagnosis of intellectual disability. At the moment I spend about 3 days a week working in a school for children with a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and autism. Here I work closely with the teachers and special needs assistants in looking at the children's sensory needs as well as working on other skills e.g. handwriting, computer work, play development.

The rest of the week I work with adults that attend St. Michael's House services. A lot of the time is taken up with assessment and ordering of equipment e.g. wheelchairs, hoists. I would often see the service user within their day service but might sometimes see them at home. Assessment of the home environment and recommendations for adaptations are another key aspect of the job.

As part of my job I work very closely with other professions e.g. Physiotherapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Psychology etc. Team Meetings are a regular event whereby all the members of the team come together to discuss progress.

Tomas FlanaganOccupational Therapist As we work with teams in Germany and in San Jose California, my morning begins by checking any emails or messages I may have received during the night time hours here. Our team will have a quick morning meeting where we discuss the ongoing work and identify any ‘blockers’ – concerns/problems that prevent us from getting our job done that day. After the morning meeting, I spend the rest of my day in the lab testing whether the system or assay is meeting the user requirements. This means my testing is focused on making sure that the instrument works as it is supposed to do and as it is designed. Any problems I discover, which we refer to as defects or bugs, will be reported back into the product development cycle where they will be fixed. My team channels the voice of the customer, who typically works in a hospital lab, to ensure we meet the high standards expected by them. Patricia ClearySenior Systems Verification & Validation Scientist My day varies from day-to-day. It depends what kind of experiment that I am running on that day itself. Normally I will start doing experiments in the morning, so that I have plenty of time to do write ups or read some journal papers in the afternoon. My experiments involve analysing mouse brain tissue, RNA samples and sometimes we do studies on paediatric brain samples too! Before heading back home, I will plan the experiment for the following day and prepare the necessary chemicals required for that experiment. This is so that my following day will be more organized and I don’t have to worry about rushing and preparing the chemicals in the next morning. Kelvin E Lau HowPHD Student RCSI Further training... Several H+S and construction management courses and welding courses. I plan on doing a project management course and CAD course in the near future. Donal KaneConstruction Site Supervisor I don’t know yet, it depends where my life goes. I am well qualified for what I’m doing currently. Liz O'TooleSkipper As above I’m currently doing the FCII and a degree in International Finance & Banking. I’m also participating in a number of internal Aon courses. Karl CurranAssociate Director In all my roles I have had since completed my degree I have had the opportunity to grow and further my learning. I have done courses in leadership, Microsoft skills , finance training and many more. Laura NeillEvent and Engagement Manager I have taken various courses and certifications to learn more and improve my skills, and I plan to continue training in areas relevant to me. Megan WalshMechanical Engineer

I am always learning. Like most other professions (eg medicine), the law does not stand still and it must react to changes in society and seek to place human rights at the core of its work. We must do 23 hours continuous professional training every year and I will always try and focus on human rights law and child law.

Diego GallagherSenior Solicitor I will take any opportunity that arises in the future. Aishling ButlerGarda Trainee

Further training as part of my job as a Civil Engineer, nothing specific planned at the moment.

Further Education..... as much as I enjoy my job as an Engineer, I still have not ruled out Teaching. I am still considering doing Secondary School Teaching. As a qualified Civil Engineer, if I do a one year course in Teacher Training (H.Dip.ED), I will then be able to teach Maths and Applied Maths in School. Its worth remembering that!  

After four years in a course, its good to know you're not tied to the career, but you will always have the profession!  Engineering is a degree in problem solving. Getting a job in Engineering, Research, Teaching, Accounting, Management - its all possible.

Maria O'NeillCivil Engineer 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 I don't plan any further formal training, but I have a singing teacher (a bit like a coach for an athlete) with whom I regularly study, it's important to touch base with a pair of trusted ears. As a singer (differently to instrumentalists) we depend a lot on outside feedback, because often we can't discern ourselves how well something is carrying in a concert hall, or what sound is best for a particular phrase, so having an expert you trust is really important! Sharon CartyOpera Singer I qualified as a Chartered Accountant last year so I am looking forward to the next educational step in my career. I completed a couple of online course late last year in areas of personal interest including watches and art history. It's important to have a genuine desire to learn and spend the time to do so. Otherwise, it can be quite a slog. Michael McDermottAssociate Director, International Corporate Banking Written interview unavailable... Mary McCaugheyHead of Communications I am currently studying for a BA in Social Studies (Disability). My organisation offers on the job training to the staff on an ongoing basis. This enables staff to update and expand their skills. Deirdre LavelleCare Assistant 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 Absolutely - in this industry, you never stop learning. The spa and wellness world is constantly evolving, with new techniques, treatments, and technologies emerging all the time. I’m committed to staying current through regular training and upskilling, not only to enhance my own knowledge but also to support and inspire my team. Amy Brady Hotel Spa Manager My job involves constant ongoing training. There are regular new developments, so it’s an ongoing task to stay up to date, but a fun task if it’s something you’re fascinated with. Dr. John Francis LeaderCounselling Psychologist 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 Yes I am currently undertaking further training as I am studying a masters degree in Automation Engineering at UCC. Donal Og CusackAutomation/Energy Engineer

Plan is to complete my Class 3 engineer ticket oral examination now that I have the sea time complete.

AEC 1&2 from the seamanship centre.

Once I have my class 3 COC I plan to convert it to 750kw Marine engine operator licence (unlimited area). Daniel Walsh Trainee Engineer/Deckhand I would definitely consider further studies in the future. I finished my undergraduate degree in May. At the minute, I am enjoying work life and using the skills I have developed through my honour’s degree in Engineering. Kevin O'HaganDesign Engineer Advice if considering this job Don't just go into teaching because you are looking for long holidays. To teach everyday you need to like children, be very patient and understanding. However I feel it is one of the most rewarding jobs out there. Brian CadiganPrimary School Teacher 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’re unsure of whether or not you’ll like the area you’re thinking of studying in, try some beginner online courses or lessons such as those on Coursera. Trying out things that you mightn’t have had much exposure to in school, like coding, can really help you decide if it’s for you. Catherine AhearnData Scientist Take every opportunity available, don't be afraid to do voluntary work and get involved in communities. Aishling ButlerGarda Trainee I would advise them to give it a go - it doesn’t mean you have to work there long term. You must know how to speak a language other than your mother tongue reasonably well, as a good proficiency is essential. It’s also important to know and understand the cultural diversity that makes up the European Union.

Our internships are a great chance to come for a short period to determine where your interests lie and taste the experiences. Starting out your career path with the EU gives you a really good foundation of insider knowledge of how the EU works and is so useful professionally, even if you don’t plan on working there forever.

It is also important for young Irish people to consider moving to countries that are not English speaking and working for the EU would be very useful to your long term career. Catherine DaySecretary General You need to be interested in people, and want to help them. Interests in Creative Arts can help as well as having a degree in Social Studies and having plenty of work experience. Naoise PyeSocial Care Worker Take a risk and see if you enjoy entrepreneurship. Creating a business in the STEM sector can be very rewarding. Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies It is a very rewarding but also extremely challenging job. It requires a lot of resilience, mental strength, patience and compassion. It means seeing people at their worst in the most difficult circumstances.

It involves making difficult decisions, which will have life changing consequences for the offenders. If you think you have the ability to handle all that, it is a truly great job with amazing opportunities. Emilia GilroyGarda If you look at the staff we have here, they've come from all over the place. Some have been ex-Navy or have been Comms officers on ships; we have people who have been involved in building work and ended up coming here..it really is very random how people have ended up here. Often people have studied science in school, but often they haven't done science degrees, but have ended up meandering through various different industries to get here; so most of all it's to follow what you're interested in and what you enjoy doing. Like I say to the gang here, if they're not waking up in the morning wanting to go in to work, they need to change jobs. Rory Fitzpatrick CEO of the National Space Centre For anyone who even vaguely considers a trade or a management job they shouldn’t hesitate to pursue it as it can surprise you how capable you can become despite any reservations you may have.

It could even introduce you to different roles in the industry that you hadn’t realised were available to you or felt where out of your reach. Colin ButterlySite Manager - Trade Entry I would advise to any young person to go to college first and/or travelling and gain some life experience as this will help you deal/cope with situations a lot better. Niamh BriggsGarda The advice I would give is firstly talk to someone you may know that is already in the trade and ask them any questions that you may have or ask them about some of there first hand experiences.

Another good piece of advice would be to go onto YouTube and search some basic electrics, keep in mind that these are the kind of things that you will face when you go to the college phases of your apprenticeship . There are books and e-books that can be purchased to get an understanding. Mark MaguireApprentice Electrician Learn about the Naval Service – look at the website, visit a ship alongside a port when they are open to the public, talk to any friends/family in the Naval Service, ring the Recruiting Office. David FlemingSub Lieutenant - Navy In terms of education, people on my team are generally either actuaries or hold the CFA qualification. While I’m an actuary, I would advise anyone setting out on this career path to head down the CFA route. It’s (arguably) more relevant and, while the exams are very challenging, there are “only” three of them, so even if you’re finding it tough, at least the end is always in sight!

Having a genuine interest in markets and the world around us is a big benefit.

As a consultant, you need to enjoy dealing with people. The key skills required are strong communication skills – both with clients and colleagues alike. Team work. I’m lucky to work on a great team in Mercer, with a strong team spirit – I’m surrounded by very professional people who are obliging and keen to help each other out.

In terms of advice, don’t under-estimate the skills you’re developing while still a student – regardless of what career you choose, communication skills are really important. Any presentation you do in school or college is fantastic experience. Any part-time or summer job you have is so helpful in developing really important life-skills that will stand to you in any career e.g. the ability to work well as part of a team, meeting deadlines, prioritising etc. Orla AherneInvestment Consultant Consider your options carefully. It is likely that you are expecting top grades in your Leaving Certificate if you are considering pharmacy as a career so there will be plenty of doors open to you. Make sure you do plenty of work experience in different areas of pharmacy and if it is healthcare you are interested in then consider getting some work experience in medicine etc. I know quite a few people who have completed a pharmacy degree only to realise they actually want to do medicine! Rachel BerryPharmacist 1.Be open to new ideas. Think critically, and not just about the ideas of others. Be hard on your beliefs. Take them out onto the verandah and beat them with a cricket bat. Be intellectually rigorous. Identify your biases, your prejudices, your privilege. 2.Dedicate one's self to the pursuit of short-term goals. Be micro-ambitious.

Put your head down and work with pride on whatever is in front of you, you never know where you might end up. Be aware that the next worthy pursuit will appear in your periphery and when you least expect it. 3.You don't need to already know what you're going to do with the rest of your life. Many people who were sure of their career path at age 20 end up having midlife crises now. 4.Be able to speak in public and also in a foreign language. If you can do all that and tell a joke, you've cracked it. Fergal DonnellyEuropean Commission 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) You do need to be naturally good at maths and problem solving. If you enjoy that type of work, then try to get as much on-the-job experience as you can early on either as a part-time job or through internships. If you want to work in an industry that is heavily involved in manufacturing try to get internships on a shop floor to give you the fundamental understanding of the manufacturing processes. Studying is incredibly important but experience will give you an edge over your peers. Elaine KellyMechanical Design Engineer

• 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

First of all, I would start with a comment from my friend who did not get on the psychology course, saying “you should not be a psychologist”. I would say, if you would like to be a psychologist and have reasons for this, try to find a mentor to help you to guide you on the way. There are many ways how different personalities can contribute in psychology discipline.

To become a clinical psychologist working in clinical practice, you may want to be interested to talk to people, care about other person’s distress and want to alleviate this, have ability to critically evaluate evidence so you can choose the best approach to address the difficulty or to highlight and enhance strengths.

To be interested and open to cooperation with others in helping people and communicate effectively.

Follow policies and procedures to keep work safe and be accountable. Dr Katarina TimulakovaSenior Clinical Psychologist The lifestyle Tourism is working what can be deemed anti-social hours and that’s not for everyone. If you have family members who are retired or working odd shifts you can work out family time. I myself like walking the cliffs of Howth mid-week, going shopping and swimming when its very quiet and for that I trade, I suppose, getting out early on a Sunday morning for work. The weekend work has also helped me to go to college and work simultaneously. Mary Jo SheridanTourism Manager - Dublinia At the moment I have free time on Sunday and Monday, so that is great as I can spend time with my two small children. Having just started a new business that is the best I can get at the moment. Nicola O'HigginsFishmonger Yes, thankfully I can maintain a good work life balance, where my hard work is rewarded. Caroline AustinSenior Associate Solicitor Definitely, yes. There is time for family life, leisure activities, housing and travel which would not otherwise be possible. Giving back to the community is also possible and important. Fergal DonnellyEuropean Commission

Like many jobs it can vary from time of year but over all I am very happy with my lifestyle. Farming has the advantage that you can always make time for family and friends. During busy times of the year such as calving season they can be long hours but with good management the work load can be reduced.

On my own farm I have enough cows that I can afford to employ someone full time, this in turn allows me time off. The farm also covers the cost for the up keep of the dwelling house and travel.

Bryan DanielsFarmer - Dairy 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 Yes, flexible working hours, managing my own work. I take ownership of my career and job choices. Niamh YatesValidation Engineer 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 My job allows me time to maintain a good work life balance and a decent lifestyle. I try to set aside a couple hours every week for my hobbies, which mainly includes Indian Classical Music (Vocals and Violin). I also like to go on hikes once or twice a month. I mainly try to maintain my physical and mental well-being, which has been a very important factor since Covid-19 hit. I start my day with a run before work as it prepares me for the day and helps me stay active throughout. I make sure to take short 10-minute breaks every 2-3 hours during work. I end my evening with yoga and meditation post work. Madhuvratha VasudevanSenior Investment Analyst

I am passionate about helping people to bring their whole selves to work, and having their real needs met. I am a mother of three daughters, and am a huge advocate for women returning to work from maternity leave, having seen the barriers that exist in the workplace. That has made me even more committed to progressing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Working in HR has helped me to also have access to resources in work that I can apply outside work and help in community and volunteering organisations, as well as with my family. HR is not just about filling forms and checking boxes – it’s about solving problems, helping people to maximse their potential and I find this hugely fulfilling.

I have been very deliberate in choosing HR roles where I don’t have to travel as my children have grown up – I did a lot of travel when I had babies and made a conscious choice to step back from that because I wanted a different balance and HR is a very portable career where you can do that.

Oonagh KellyHead of HR I work fulltime and find that my hours are similar to many of my non-Psychologist friends. Some of my Psychologist friends avail of parental leave or parttime contracts to make more space for family life.

I remember working very hard during my doctorate – often studying on evenings and weekends – and was happy to have more time to travel and pursue hobbies when I qualified: I started to learn Spanish! Pay scales for Psychologists in the public sector are publicly available. Cal Mc DonaghSenior Clinical Psychologist Being self-employed comes with its advantages as well as disadvantages. As my own boss I can choose the type of work I want to do as well as deciding which days I need free for holidays which is a privilege not many have. Not one of my days is exactly the same so I'm constantly on my feet and adapting. The instability can sometimes be stressful as at certain times during the year there might not be much work and you're never quite sure when your next contract will be.

For this reason it's always necessary to plan ahead and if I know that I'm heading into a quiet spell I need to reign in my spending for a while. Being self-employed as a dancer means that I often travel for work which provides amazing opportunities to see the world while getting paid. This can cause some problems with renting apartments however as there's no point paying rent for somewhere while living and working in a different country.

On the upside some contracts come with accommodation provided (e.g. cruise jobs) which means it's not something you need to think about or pay for. To summarise, being self-employed is a lot of responsibility but the lifestyle is very rewarding. Megan McEvoyDancer My job offers the flexibility of working from home with adjustable hours, which provides me with a level of freedom that a traditional office job can't match. I have the ability to set my own schedule, and if I need to take an hour off for an appointment, I can easily do so. This flexibility fits perfectly with my lifestyle, allowing me to step outside and enjoy the fresh air whenever the sun decides to make an appearance. Achieving a healthy work-life balance is incredibly important to me, and having this freedom allows me to maintain that balance and prioritize both my personal well-being and professional responsibilities. Jenny ZanottaTour Manager My job allows me to work flexible hours where I can be off during the week which allows me more free time to spend with family and also to pursue other interests.

I like the different hours and the variety in your week where you can have - 3 lie-ins a week or other times you can be finished work at 12 midday and have the whole day to yourself.

Each week is different and that suits me as I don't like to follow a strict routine, I like the freedom to be different! Naoise PyeSocial Care Worker Absolutely! My current work hours are 9-5 and it suits me perfectly. I have children at home that play sports, so it’s vital that I can work around them too and with added hybrid working it is ideal for my family’s lifestyle! Sarah TuiteAIB Sales Advisor Yes, absolutely. As a busy mum of two daughters, aged 8 and 4, I feel very fortunate to have a career that supports a healthy work-life balance. My role allows me to be present for my family while continuing to grow professionally. This balance wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of my husband and my amazing team - together, we make it work. I also make it a priority to instil a positive work-life balance within my team. I believe that when we feel supported both at work and at home, we thrive - not just as professionals, but as people. Amy Brady Hotel Spa Manager

I am very lucky to have a job that allows me to have balance between work and family life. This has never been more important than in recent years when I've had 3 children. Working for a company or in a job that allows you balance is really important to ensure you are happy. When you're happy you work much better and tend to then have a better career. My job also gives me a platform to provide a good life for my family and although it has been hard work along the way that level of security is really important to me.

As I become more senior, I am also given opportunities to support our community more by sharing my knowledge and I have worked with a number of charities in recent years to try and give something back also which is really important and fulfilling.

Brian DelahuntyHead of Corporate Banking Generally yes it would as I know I have weekends off and the industry allows you to meet a wide variety of people. The early mornings can be hard if your trying to participate in sports clubs etc. on week nights, so it requires trying to find a happy balance. Colin ButterlySite Manager - Trade Entry Yes. I can design and make work. I also teach from my workshop at home. I am invited to demonstrate overseas regularly so keep in touch with international trends. Glenn LucasWoodturner One of the undisputed benifits of primary teaching are the hours! It allows you spend a lot of time with family.Without wishing to sound sexist it is an ideal job for somebody with small children as your hours and holidays coincide with theirs.It is also a secure job and has a very attractive pension.The downside is it doesn't have great progression opportunities especially in small schools. Deirdre SayersPrimary School Teacher Whats cool There are a number of cool aspects of my job some of which perhaps only I find cool. I enjoy the fact that I can use my engineering experience to work on topics directly related to putting vehicles and people in space. I enjoy the fast paced projects that I am involved with and even though I do spend some sleepless nights worrying, the buzz when you find a solution is fantastic. In the past six months I have managed a project to put a reentry capsule in space, built hardware for astronaut training, taken part in a space debris study and more. Neil MurreyAerothermodynamics and Propulsion Design Engineer Working with a team whom you know and get on well with makes the tasks so much easier. We also socialise together, so that it is not all work and no play. Ejiro O'Hare StrattonClinical Nurse Manager 2 I get to hear about the latest developments and discoveries in space science first hand. Karen O'FlahertyScience Communicator 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 Right now, artificial intelligence and robotics. But I’m biased! Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies Doing the job I enjoy. I could be filleting 10 different types of fish in the day.  Knowing that you are working for a company that produces quality products, is cool. Brendan WhiteFish Filleter I think the coolest thing about the job I do is seeing the results when patients take our drugs. The drugs produced at Grange Castle dramatically improve patients lives. For me personally my brother takes Enbrel which is produced here at Grange Castle. It is made for people who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis which is a very painful and limiting disease. It has improved his wellbeing drastically over the past few years. It is very cool knowing that I play a role in the production of this drug to market. Brian O'ConnorAnalytical Chemist The element of creativity has to be up there. The buzz of a busy kitchen is also quite a good distraction too for whatever may be going on outside of work. The friends you make with colleagues too can sometimes form friendships for life. A post service Sunday pint is high on the list as well. Stephen CroninPastry Chef at Cush Midleton Tax professionals can add real value to a business and can be critical in shaping major decisions. I really enjoy seeing the value that I can add to the business. The tax analysis is critical in so many business decisions and in a lot of cases drives the decision. Lorcan KellyTax Consultant My favourite thing about the job is helping others. There truly is nothing like the feeling that you've done something to make someone elses life just a little better. Emilia GilroyGarda Chill is all about making Insurance easier for the customer. As a company, they are always open to new ideas and changes to make us better at what we do. This gives staff the opportunity to improve things and build on ideas that will improve the company and what we do. Nicole FeigheryCustomer Care Manager The flexibility and not living in a big city. Ciara Shine Marketing Manager Teamwork, I’ve always liked working as part of a team. I’ve found that working with others has always been far more beneficial. Listening to other people’s perspectives helps us see things in another light and thus helps broaden our approach and for me this improves our attitudes to work. Kevin MoranInsurance Administrator Meeting and working with people Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist

• Getting to fly a huge range of missions in a military helicopter everyday..
• Lots of free time for training/sport activities.  
• Loads of annual leave.
• A solid and very well paid job

Oisin McGrathLieutenant - Pilot - Air Corp Every day is different! I never have time to get bored, and there’s always something to learn; new equipment, unfamiliar processes, technical challenges.  Great for a curious mind!  I also get to work with most departments on a daily basis: Lab, Quality, Technical Operations, Site Services, IT, Engineering, so get a good awareness of what is happening around the site. Rachel BennettIndustrial Pharmacist

I don't know what is cool about fish but the creative side of the counter and cooking suggestions give me a buzz.

My husband used to be a Chef and the ideas he comes up with are great and the customers love that.

Nicola O'HigginsFishmonger My team, I have some truly wonderful people working with me, our drivers & guides are amazing, they work hard to ensure our clients tour operations are flawless. But the back office team are the backbone of the operation that hold it all together. It’s like mission control. On any given day, you’re working with tours currently out, tours coming in, planning tours for up to 2 years in advance, dealing with incoming agents whilst still doing all the necessary work like payroll, VAT and accounts. No two days are ever the same. Caoimhe Moloney-KavanaghCoach Company - Group Operations Director I love interacting with guests, solving problems, and making sure they leave happy—and, most importantly, that they want to come back. Monitoring feedback and seeing where we have done things well and where there is room for improvement. I also enjoy sharing all the interesting and quirky things about Offaly. I always add a personal touch to our guest cards, wishing them an "Offaly Amazing" stay— because we are Offaly Amazing! That’s what I love about my job. Sustainability is another passion of mine, and I’m really proud of how I’ve been able to bring it into my role. I’ve developed policies around it, like introducing Carbon Neutral Days, and I wrote the submission for the Best Sustainable Hotel award— which we won! I also took charge of our Green Hospitality ECO Award application, and we were awarded that too. Right now, I’m working on completing our Silver Award accreditation, which is another big step in making sustainability a key part of what we do and how we provide the best experience for our guests. Maree O’BrienGuest Experience Manager, Sustainability & Innovation Lead I enjoy the fact that there is a lot of patient contact and that we have the opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives through sometimes relatively simple actions. For example, just taking the time to sit down with someone and listen to their concerns or explain what each of their medicines is used for could make the difference between them taking medication or not. I found working as a community pharmacist quite an isolating experience and enjoy working alongside other healthcare professionals in my current role. Rachel BerryPharmacist Not so cool Being outside in the rain! On site there isn't really the same social aspect as there is in the office. You are only working with a couple of people on site. The work -, there isn't much I don't mind doing really. Maria O'NeillCivil Engineer There is a lot of very menial physical work that I don't enjoy but can' t be gotten away from  i.e. mucking out, sweeping, care of pasture and riding surfaces etc. Luke DreaEvent Rider There are some less fun aspects to my role. I find some of the administration around organising training sessions or sending out communications dull. You have to contact lots of different people; you think you have it all organised and then someone can't attend or the room isn't available or something else happens. It can feel like you are taking a long time to get a very small thing done. Kathryn ReevesLearning and Development Lead Some exercises can be very long and demanding. Sometimes you can be wet, hungry and tired and you just feel sorry for yourself.  But when it is all over I look back on it and realise the laugh that I had. Louise Mc DonaldPrivate (Line) Not having enough resources to run all the great outreach activities that we could do. Karen O'FlahertyScience Communicator Every job can have its frustrating side. It can be difficult to get twenty eight different countries to move in the one direction and to agree on how to do things. You tend to need a lot of patience and persuasion. It’s such a big institution it can feel a bit impersonal but you could get that in any job. Catherine DaySecretary General Sometimes, I found at times it was difficult to balance work and studying for the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification, especially when work was busy. However, I was lucky enough to be working in a company which allowed for study leave and so I had sufficient leave to allow me to adequately prepare for the exams. Edel ButlerAdministrative Officer It can be a very demanding job at times. Donal KaneConstruction Site Supervisor

I least like the business side of being self-employed ie invoicing, tax returns etc.

The career can look very glamourous from the outside but it is hard work and nobody sees the hours and hours of research and study that goes in behind the scenes. Anne-Marie KennedyChartered Sport Psychologist No Neal DohertyPrivate Driver Guide Having to tie the vessel up because of no quotas! Brendan CavanaghShips Engineer

• Waiting lists and time pressures can create stress at times
• The behaviour of clients can be challenging at times
• Dealing with children and adults with difficulties can be emotionally upsetting. However the knowledge that as a profession we can help them is uplifting in these situations
• Occasionally we come across difficult or upsetting situations that cannot be changed by our profession alone. This can be difficult.

Lisa KellySpeech and Language For me it is the repetitious work in wintertime such as bedding cattle & preparing cow cubicles twice daily. Denis ReidyFarmer - Dairy Time management! It is a busy job and I don't always have time to do as good a job as I want to on some tasks because other things are more important or urgent. For example, sometimes you want to spend more time working on a piece of research but you can't because you need to respect a deadline given to you by a publisher. Dr. Patrick CadwellLecturer As I already said administrative side of work can be tedious, however still very important and necessary. When combined with more stimulating activities and organised effectively, it can be managed well. Dr Katarina TimulakovaSenior Clinical Psychologist There are lots of nights away from home, whilst this sounds fun when starting out in your career, let’s be honest, there really is nothing like your own bed! Caoimhe Moloney-KavanaghCoach Company - Group Operations Director The pay at the moment. Coming from a full time job it was very hard to adapt to the allowance paid during training. Mark Spain Garda Trainee Sometimes people are working under a lot of pressure and the work situation can be stressful at times but on the whole people approach their work in a professional manner. Ejiro O'Hare StrattonClinical Nurse Manager 2 There are repetitive aspects to my job that are very necessary but not necessarily enjoyable. There can be a lot of data entry tasks which nobody really enjoys but which is a crucial part of how we get to the end product. Lynsey GarganManufacturing Engineer Documentation. Filling out the large number of necessary project documents can be very repetitive. Elaine KellyMechanical Design Engineer