deiseanna gairme in institiúide an AE

Employer Insights Getting the job I had previously worked with my current head chef and I simply sent him a message asking did he need a chef and he replied with a yes and we went from there. In other jobs I have done trial days too, some successful others not so successful, this would be a common way of seeing if you are a good fit for your new job. Even if unsuccessful you still will come away from a kitchen having learned something new hopefully. Stephen CroninPastry Chef at Cush Midleton 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) 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 I got my current job when I bought my own boat; it is my own business. Liz O'TooleSkipper

My current job was advertised in the national newspapers. Before applying for the job I phoned the Occupational Therapy Manager in St. Michael's House to get some additional information on the post. Then I sent in my CV and was called for interview.

I was interviewed by the OT Manager, one of the Senior OTs and someone from Human Resources. The interview lasted about 30 minutes. A few days after the interview I was contacted to inform me that I was successful in the interview and I was being offered the job dependant on a medical exam. The medical was completed the following week and I was then sent a contract to sign, to formally accept the post.

Tomas FlanaganOccupational Therapist On LinkedIn, I reached out to the Irish Network in San Diego group. Megan WalshMechanical Engineer

In 2008 I did a Masters in Advanced Engineering in DIT, with subjects picked to set me up for a career in renewable energy.

I started to become very interested in ocean energy and realised how important it is for Ireland. My thesis was about wave energy in Ireland, and this led me to see what companies might be looking for someone with my qualifications. Wavebob had not advertised any positions, but I sent in a CV anyway as I knew they were doing work that I wanted to be a part of.

Following some initial phone calls, and then an interview, I was offered a graduate engineer position.

Elva BannonMechatronic Engineer My husband saw a gap in the market for selling fish in Wicklow and after two years of looking for premises, we finally found one and just went for it! Nicola O'HigginsFishmonger

Being from the Midlands, I always knew about the Heritage Hotel, it is a fabulous venue!!! (I might be more bias now than I was before)

I heard about the role online, applied, was called to attend an interview and as soon as I arrived at the hotel, (My Mam came with me as company for the drive) I pretty much fell in love with it! Had an interview at the time with the Revenue Manager and then Weddings/Events Manager and I just remember being super comfortable and both ladies were employed by FBD Hotels & Resorts for several years, and I could see how genuinely happy they were and how it was a great place to work.

I got a call the following morning to say I was successful and was offered the job. I didn’t even hesitate: the timing was perfect, and I just knew this was the right move for me.

Donna-Marie CooneyReservations Manager - The Heritage Hotel We started planning our business venture of opening Glen Keen Farm as a tourism facility back in 2004, this took 10 years. We had to go through a lot of different challenges, obstacles and of course raising the funds to build a purpose built tourism facility was a major challenge. Eventually after our planning application, Environmental impact study, Archaeological impact study and a complex process of applying for grant aid we finally opened the doors of Glen Keen Farm in July 2014! Catherine O'Grady PowersOwner Gleenkeen Farms The process involved completion of an application form. This entailed a detailed description of my educational background together with a short essay detailing the reasons why I thought I would be suited to a career in tax as well as a number of references.
Following a short listing procedure, I was interviewed by a panel of three people. The interview mainly covered the information provided on my application form together with some general questions about the tax system in Ireland. Edel ButlerAdministrative Officer 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'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 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 heard about the opportunity from a family member and decided to apply online. The process moved very quickly, and I had an interview weeks after I applied. I was interviewed by a panel of two partners in Northern Trust. The interview went very smoothly there was no pressure at all. I got a call from HR two weeks after my interview to offer me the position. Abbie RiceAssociate Accountant/IFS Apprentice 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

Each year from December to February, Air Corps cadetships are advertised on National TV and the National Newspapers. Applications for this can be found online or by applying to the Defence Force competitions section.

I applied by sending for an application form and filling it in. The applications are generally due in at the end of Febuaury (the online applications are more popular now). Within one month of applying, I received a letter inviting me for fitness testing at Baldonnel. Details for the fitness test can be found in the Cadetship booklet, which is available online/career days/Defence Force competition section.

On passing my fitness test I was invited to attend a preliminary interview. This was with 3 air corps personnel and took place in Baldonnel also. This was a competency based interview, details of which is in the cadetship booklet. I was successful in the preliminary  interview and was then invited to attend for Apptitude testing. This took a full day, and involved a number of apptitude tests including numerical tests, mechanical reasoning and verbal reasoning.

I was notified that I was successful in the apptitude tests and was called to the final interview stage. This includes a final interview, hand-eye co-ordination tests and a psychological evaluation. This also takes a full day and took place in PARC Aviation, Swords, Co.Dublin. It is from this stage that the final Air Corps candidates are chosen.

I was chosen in my year to be one of four cadets to be taken in. (Classes have normally between 5-10 people) I was notified on the day the CAO offers came out of my success in the process and I accepted my place. I was then called for a Medical evaluation at the end of August and started my training at the end of September.

Oisin McGrathLieutenant - Pilot - Air Corp Firstly I served my time as an electrician, then I applied for a job with Johnson & Johnson in the DePuy facility in Ringaskiddy during which I became interested in the whole area of energy and I went on from there to become an Automation/Energy engineer. Donal Og CusackAutomation/Energy Engineer I just started this new job in the golf industry 6 months ago, I invested in myself and became a certified golf coach, I then pitched to a local business owner to work with him, he accepted - turned out one of his clients owned a tour operator business in the golf industry and needed to hire someone and so I was in the right place at the right time. Get out there and shake hands, network, put yourself out there. Jonathan CleryGolf Experience Tour Co-Ordinator Main challenges

Donegal Sea Adventure: Main challenges are the weather and passenger numbers. Like all types of seafaring, the weather is one of the most critical factors. Getting enough passengers to make the job worthwhile is also challenging.

Working at sea: I don’t think that any one day is the same. I would say the most challenging thing is unexpected breakdowns. Problems on ships/boats/yachts can be anything from a leaking pipe in the engineroom to a broken antenna on the mast. Sometimes the repairs or solutions aren’t straight forward and it challenges us to invent ways to get by. Manus O’BoyleMarine Engineer Attracting the right talent is always difficult. The coach transport business is a 24/7 job and there is very little ‘downtime’ for operators. Personal plans can be thrown out the window due to driver illness, passenger issues, flight delays and vehicle problem (diesel theft, vehicle damage/ vandalism). During peak season, within a family business, the job really dictates your personal life. Caoimhe Moloney-KavanaghCoach Company - Group Operations Director

The most challenging aspect of the role is its intensity. Living and working on a full boat can be socially demanding, requiring constant energy and positivity, even in poor weather conditions. At sea, you also have to remain alert and ready to react quickly, as sightings often occur unexpectedly and require an immediate response.

From a scientific perspective, one of the hardest tasks is accurately estimating the number of individuals within a pod while simultaneously keeping track of multiple sightings on particularly active days. It’s a challenge that keeps me focused and sharp. It’s not a bad problem to have.  Patrick KinnairdMarine Biologist

Working as a clinical psychologist with adults with intellectual disabilities is deeply rewarding, but it comes with unique challenges. One key challenge is communication. Individuals express themselves in many ways, ranging from fluent verbal communication to non-verbal or behavioural communication. This requires psychologists to adapt their approaches, use accessible formats, and attend closely to non-verbal cues. Understanding someone’s emotional wellbeing often involves interpreting behaviours and exploring what they might be communicating so that we can respond in ways that respect their autonomy, rights, and preferences.

Sometimes, working with autistic people who also have an intellectual disability can present particularly complex challenges. Many of these individuals have strong and highly specific sensory support needs, such as sensitivity to noise or light. These needs must be carefully accommodated in service settings to create a genuinely person-centred environment and minimise the potential for distress and dysregulation. Psychologists should approach these challenges as opportunities to provide support that truly honours each person’s unique neurodivergent profile.

Another challenge is adapting psychological assessments and interventions. Standard tools and therapeutic approaches often need modification to match the individual’s strengths, cognitive profile, and communication style. Person-centred adaptations ensure that assessment results are meaningful and that therapies remain accessible, relevant, evidence-informed, and ethically delivered.

Working within complex support systems can also be challenging. Adults with intellectual disabilities are often supported by multiple stakeholders, including families, disability organisations, healthcare providers, and residential or day services. Coordinating effectively across these stakeholders requires collaboration, advocacy, and sensitivity.

Additionally, adults with intellectual disabilities are more likely to have experienced trauma, discrimination, and other adverse life events, which adds complexity to assessment and intervention. Psychologists also need to remain vigilant against diagnostic overshadowing, ensuring that mental health needs are recognised alongside an individual’s neurodivergence.While this career presents challenges, it is precisely these challenges that make the work intellectually enriching and rewarding. Each one provides a chance to strengthen clinical expertise. The complexity of the role, coupled with the privilege of enhancing another’s wellbeing, makes my job truly fulfilling. Dr Travis RyanSenior Clinical Psychologist

The main challenges are the changes that are taking place within the Health Service, everyone has to be more accountable for the decisions they make while they are working in a hospital environment. All grades of staff have to be aware of all the work policies and the correct procedures to be followed while at work.

Up until the last few years attendants didn’t need any formal training, they were just there to assist the nursing staff but now they need to be trained and they have to take responsibility to ensure that clients get the care and attention that they are entitled to. Policies are changing all the time so you need to keep updated on them. This means taking time to read and understand them and the affect they have on your role at work.

Lydia PeppardCare Assistant The main challenge is juggling work, family, friends and trying to find some time-out time amidst it all. The main challenge at work at the moment is the market place and trying to get fairly paid for our produce. Kieran MageeFarm Manager - Dry Stock The early starts & the variety of practical & technical skills needed to run a large intensive dairy farm provide an on-going challenge Denis ReidyFarmer - Dairy As JET Programme Coordinator there is a lot of work to be done, and you really hit the ground running, as promotion usually begins soon after the new Coordinator begins. It's also really important to stick to deadlines, and make sure that the applicants are doing the same! This means that it's really important to prioritise your tasks, and to be prepared for travelling and long days. Edel CarletonJET Coordinator - Japanese Embassy On my last contract the main challenge for me was to learn all of the material for the shows in a matter of weeks. We had 4 shows and 3 weeks to learn it all so we were rehearsing Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm which, although draining, was really a great buzz. When everyone you're working with is as passionate about the job as you it really helps you to give it all of your energy.

The difficult thing was remembering everything we had learned in the previous weeks while still learning the new choreography. When we finally finished the rehearsals and had all 4 shows down there was such a feeling of accomplishment and naturally all of the dancers on the team had bonded through the learning process which made the challenge even more rewarding. Megan McEvoyDancer I am most challenged by the need to catch fish, i.e. enough to make good wages for the crew and myself. I get fantastic job satisfaction from this. Seeing a good catch of fish coming aboard gives me great motivation, you forget any problems and seem to get energy from no-where. Other aspects of fishing would stress me more; i.e. slack, fishing boat breaking down, bad weather, bad fish prices, and some of the ridiculous rules and regulations which are in force at the moment in Ireland. Liz O'TooleSkipper Shift work can be tough – our group works an alternating pattern of days and nights.  Also coming into a department that had only ever had Chemical Engineers working in my role was daunting, but it provides a great opportunity to learn, and to help others learn. Rachel BennettIndustrial Pharmacist As the people I work with face challenges with communication, learning what their needs are can be a challenge, this encourages you to think creatively and develop problem solving skills. It also develops good communication among the staff team. Deirdre LavelleCare Assistant

Sometimes, the biggest challenge is the complexity, when you’re working with people whose lives have been shaped by multiple factors. Navigating systemic barriers or limited funding and resources can be frustrating. And of course, keeping on top of new research and approaches means there’s always something to learn. But these challenges keep me sharp and motivated.

Dr Alexis Carey Health Psychologist Trying to work as safe as possible which isn't that easy.  John OglesbyDeck Hand Meeting deadlines for conferences and speaking in front of large groups of senior scientists about new work can be daunting at times, but it gets easier with practice!

Also, by its very nature, scientific research is always pioneering and new, so I have to come up with original ideas, and new approaches to old problems.

There is not necessarily a "right answer" that you can check your calculations against, so you do sometimes have to stick your neck out and come up with a theory. Someone else can then come along and say that they think you're wrong and you have to defend yourself, hopefully based on sound scientific principles! Caitriona JackmanPlanetary Scientist

Currently all the changes in covid-19 guidelines – constantly remaining vigilant to try to ensure that we follow all the guidelines in an effort to keep staff and guests safe.

People’s interpretation of how everything should be done.

Employment legislation – there’s so much information out there

Dealing with people – you cannot please 100% of the people 100% of the time! Social media can be great for promoting hotels and marketing purposes, however can be very dangerous and challenging for businesses when people use it to promote personal opinion and grievances. Laura DevlinHR Manager - Hotel Tax law is always changing, so it’s really important that I keep up to speed on these changes! Lorcan KellyTax Consultant Currently, the economic climate and planning to get through it. Glenn LucasWoodturner Staff recruitment, retention and leading our teams can be challenging on top of an already busy workload. However I know without a strong team the business cannot succeed. With this in mind we purposely invest a lot of time and resources developing our team. We treat our team as professionals and people, not just service providers. With that in mind as part of our therapist care programme we have implemented:

-Treatment quotas (to prevent fatigue)
-Dedicated wellness spaces for therapists
-Flexible schedules and mental health check-ins
-Regular training by both internal trainers and external brands
-Extended time off when needed

We know this works for us as we probably have the biggest spa team in Cork. Melissa JonesGroup Spa Development Manager Every part has to finished to a very high standard, dimensional and visual non-conformances are not acceptable. Also identifying trends during the machining process which would help contribute towards continuous improvement. Owen HughesManufacturing Technician Typical day Maintaining the boat, ensuring it is kept clean and safe. 
Mainting the nets and the other tools / equipment that we use  John OglesbyDeck Hand

It’s interesting to consider whether a ‘typical’ day looked different pre and post Covid. Working remotely took some time to get used to in the first few months, but now over a year in, the ‘typical day’ is much the same thanks to the remote working capabilities. I don’t miss the commutes but would love a face – face coffee with work friends which is hard to replicate over Zoom.

In my current role, I’m working on AIB’s Digital Team. I’ve always had an interest in all things digital, and it’s exciting to work in an environment that is ever evolving.

The day begins with a large coffee! I try to login at about 8.30am and catch up on emails from the day before. When 9am hits, it can often mean meetings. At times, back to back meetings become tiring, but where possible I block at some time to make sure I don’t fall too far behind on the ‘to do list’.

 

Every meeting should have a clear set purpose, and we’re getting better at that on the team. At some meetings I do the presenting, while at others different stakeholders may be the chair. No matter the session, making sure we achieve specific objectives from each meetings is key. Workshops are always an enjoyable part of the week, where we get together and get creative. I really enjoy being part of more collaborative exercises which often energise me for the rest of the day.

After some lunch, it can either be back to meetings or time to get some work done! I’m working on a large project at the minute, which has pressing deadlines and lots of spinning plates.

There’s nothing better than when a project you’re working on hits a big delivery milestone. Taking the time to acknowledge such achievements is so important. It’s always good to take the time to reflect and soak in the lessons we’ve learned, not just when stuff goes well, but equally as important when things go wrong.

I aim to log off by 5pm, but if I’m honest with myself I often find that hard. In reality, it’s closer to 6 / 7pm when my husband gets back from work. Although I may work late some evenings, I do try take back these hours and leave a little earlier on a Friday, when I have something nice planned. That balance and flexibility to the workday really helps during the longer weeks!

Lara MulveySenior Product Manager AIB

My role is very varied as a training and development officer. On a day where I am training, it will vary depending on whether the training is online or in person and what training I am delivering as each of the courses I deliver are very different. On the days I am not training, as well as general admin attached to the training, I am a coach on our coaching network so I could have coaching sessions. I am also on our digital team, so I always have a digital project on the go. This involves building elearning programmes, developing animations or making videos.

Kerri MartinTraining Development Officer Normally I have meetings and presentations throughout the day with my team where we work through analysis and draw conclusions from the data that is provided. I will then reply to any emails in between these meetings. Denise HarringtonSupply Chain Analyst The department I work in is called Partner Service Delivery. We are there to support the SAP partners through their lifecycle with as a SAP PartnerEdge Partner, through various difference services, from the recruitment of partners to registering their deals and providing general helpline support where and when it's needed. Our partners are based all over the world, so we have 6 different office locations globally to support them, with Galway being the main one. As you can imagine, there's a lot of diversity between the different regions we support. With this, it is important for our team to understand the cultural differences of each. You learn so much every day about the different partners and how their needs may vary from another. Laura GlendonMultilingual Software Support SAP A typical day in fund accounting is very busy, with preparation tasks split into four pods, each prep assuming one role. Our work is driven by deadlines so you can see on the allocation what time each task has to be completed by. It's important for us to be able to meet deadlines as delays can affect others down the line. As well as daily workloads, we also complete monthly tasks and reporting that's due at various points throughout the month based on deadlines. Abbie RiceAssociate Accountant/IFS Apprentice In secondary teaching, our day is more or less determined by the ringing of a bell every 35-40 minutes. I have 33 periods of class a week and teach both Junior and Leaving Cert. PE and Geography.

A typical day will see me meet over 150 pupils. All PE classes are double periods and Geography mainly single, except for one double at senior cycle.

During each lesson you are expected to correct homework and deliver new content. In PE you have to include a warm-up, the main body of the lesson and a cool-down. Some days time constraints or interruptions won’t allow you to complete what you have planned for so you have to adapt your lesson accordingly.

Time also has to be set aside to assess pupils in both subjects, more so in geography. At lunch or small break, I may have supervision and after school I have teams to train or study to supervise. Don’t be fooled - a teachers job does not end at 4pm!! Mary JoyceSecondary School Teacher There isn't really a typical day! If I'm in the middle of a production, this normally lasts for 6 weeks (if it's a new show) and there will be two rehearsal sessions, in a rehearsal room, with piano, for 4 weeks. Then there's what's called a Sitzprobe (German for Seated rehearsal) where the orchestra and the singers meet for the first time, and go through the opera from start to finish (the singers are usually seated, and there's no acting and no costumes).

Then for the final two weeks there are a series of rehearsals for the different departments to get stuff ready for opening night-Stage and Orchestra for the conductor to iron out any musical issues, and some Tech rehearsals where the lighting/costume/set departments can run things and check how they look, and finally Dress rehearsals where everything is run together in anticipation of opening night. There's a lot that goes into making opera run smoothly!

If I'm not in rehearsals for an opera I may be preparing roles or concert programmes, usually it will take up to a year of practicing a big opera role for it to be comfortable to sing, a bit like an athlete preparing for a big race, you need to do a little bit each day for a long time for the muscles in your body to become strong and develop the muscle memory for each piece. Of course you can (and often have to) work on a few different pieces at once, and things almost always overlap, so the skill of learning how to pace yourself is really important. You're very much responsible for your own preparation. Sharon CartyOpera Singer 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 No two days are the same but my typical working hours are from 8.30 – 5.30 each day.

I compile a “to-do” list every evening before leaving the office and I prioritise what needs to be done each morning.

My days would mainly consist of making /receiving phone calls and sending/receiving emails, attending meetings and interactions with my team. I very rarely get through all items in any given day and for that reason prioritisation of tasks is key. Sarah TenantyFinance Operations There is no such thing as a typical day in a life of a Guard. Each day is different as we are faced with different tasks, meet different people and given different responsibilities. Some days are very busy, while other are more relaxed. It’s a varied job and definitely not a boring one. Emilia GilroyGarda 7.30 Set up workshop for day’s work. Prepare wood for or finish work for an order or exhibition. Prepare workshop for a class – one-to-one or group. Update my website with recent press and new dates for classes. Make and return calls/emails to buyers, suppliers and potential students. Keep my machines in good working order. Glenn LucasWoodturner

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

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 Apart from managing the compliance work for my clients, my day also generally involves some ad-hoc work such as assisting with a project, proposal or piece of advice. This work is normally undertaken as part of a team with a partner, director, manager and trainees. Most businesses differ therefore the tax advice we prepare for these businesses differs. This ensures that every day brings a new challenge and a new learning experience.

Before joining Deloitte I did wonder if I would spend my days photocopying and filing however, I have found that even as a trainee I have been given plenty of responsibility. There is no shortage of interesting work to get involved in and there is excellent support with someone always available to answer any queries or concerns I have. Anna Holohan Tax Manager 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

As a pilot in the Air Corps, a 'days work' is usually very different from day to day. We are required to fly a number of jobs each day with many different customers. Each will present different timings, a new challenge...some rewarding and some more mundane.

Our official working hours are from 9-5 but due to the nature of the job this changes regularly!! Each morning at 9am we have a morning brief. This includes a weather brief, an update of what aircraft are serviceable and a briefing on the days operations.

Each day we would have a number of flying jobs to be completed. These range from Troop transport, air ambulance, VIP transport, surveys, area reconnaissance's, etc. Generally flying crews are assigned to these jobs and are required to liaise with those involved to organise timings/locations/number of passengers, etc.

Once all is organised, the jobs will be completed as requested by the customer. Each job requires the pilots to make difficult weather calls, which can lead to pressurised decisions and some very challenging flying conditions. So each day presents a number of new challenges, pressures, and requires solid decision making. This makes the job very exciting for me!

All jobs that are completed successfully are quite rewarding! It is rare that somebody can get up in the morning and look forward to going to work...

Oisin McGrathLieutenant - Pilot - Air Corp Buying, known as Trading within Musgrave, is very fast paced, and every day is different, from daily deadlines internally, to meetings with suppliers, focusing on a strong promotional plan for my category and driving sales as well as looking daily at commercials. Sara Hickey Assistant Trading Manager

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 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 Further training... Ongoing training is common and encouraged in my job, there is a large emphasis placed on things such as customer interaction and complaint handling. I have always taken part in this in the past and fully intend to do so in the future.

Continuous Professional Development is also highly important and I try to do as much as possible each year, obviously meeting my required target but sometimes exceeding the target if there are other particular courses that take my interest.

As regards education I have registered for the Professional Certificate in General Insurance for QFA’s exam due to take place in January 2016. Kevin MoranInsurance Administrator My training firm (KPMG) required me to complete the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification. The Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification is the most widely recognised and best regarded tax qualification in Ireland. Lorcan KellyTax Consultant

Yes of course as technology is constantly changing especially in global positioning systems and communications equipment constant training is needed.

Also, courses in health and safety, risk management and human resourses are very important these days.

David FlemingSub Lieutenant - Navy Im a life long learner and I have signed up to do a corporate coaching wellness diploma – with the impact of the pandemic on everyone I want to make sure it’s a topic I can support in. Sabrina StauntonDesign & Strategy Development Manager AIB Yes I am currently studying in DIT for a level 7 degree in Construction Management which I was allowed advanced entry into because I have a trade qualification. Colin ButterlySite Manager - Trade Entry I don't have anything in mind right now, but I am open to the possibility of further study or continued professional development. I think everyone should be. Sophie GoughTourism, Events & Marketing Officer As part of the job there a lot of job specific courses that can be completed during your trade . I have completed mobile tower assembly, boom and scissor lift driving, confined space training, occupational first aid, abrasive wheel training. I hope to follow up at the end of my trade and do engineering. Mark MaguireApprentice Electrician Yes, I would like to get an Anaesthetic Fellowship, Pain Diploma, MBA Health Care Management and maybe a diploma in computer networking & database control. Dr Jan SteinerAnaesthetist I have done a number of different courses for my job. I did a Filleting Course one year ago. I also did a Forklift Course two years ago and I've have done two HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) Courses in the past few years. Brendan WhiteFish Filleter Yes I plan to go back this year and finish off my engineering exams for the class one engineer. Brendan CavanaghShips Engineer Most definitely. It’s important to upskill yourself at every opportunity, even if you’re happy with your current role. It can be a challenge at times, as day-to-day work can get in the way and you can end up putting training to the bottom of the priority list. For this, I set reminders in my calendar do something small every week to up-skill myself. Laura GlendonMultilingual Software Support SAP One of the best things I like about my job is that every day I learn something new. As engineers we are continuously having our skill set ‘upgraded’, so ongoing training is almost a requirement. When I was employed by a multi-national corporation we had many engineers world wide who were experts in various fields, and we used in-house training sessions to improve our knowledge. Over the years I have also attended numerous international seminars, and industry gatherings. Each project that we work on always involves a research stage where we have to acquire a new piece of knowledge as we continue to develop cutting edge products. Shane CallananElectronic Engineer There will no doubt be things that I will come across in the future that I will need training in, we are always learning. I could definitely do with a bit of social media training, its an area I’m not that good with. Anne StephensDirector - The Fish Market Continuing professional development is an important part of my job. This includes attending courses that are organised to train new assessment and therapy skills. I have had the chance to attend several courses over the past year and a half since I began working. It also involves keeping up to date with new research and evidence for the therapy techniques that we use and also undertaking research.

On a day to day basis all the therapists share new ideas and information with each other and it is very useful to discuss clients with more experienced therapists to get extra ideas. It is also possible to further your formal education by undertaking a masters or a higher level diploma course. There are several of these available in the area of speech and language therapy. Lisa KellySpeech and Language I would like to when I find the time! Fergal FeehelyApprentice Painter Decorator Im constantly looking to upskill. Last year I was looking to get some mortgage training andended up being a support to one of the Mortgage Advisors for the year so this was great experience. Since taking on my current role I have also got to complete some Opex training to allow me help out other management and in other areas of the branch. I am still relevantly new to the management side of things so I am still learning the role everyday. Cally O’LearyAIB Branch Retail Manager The training I have undertaken includes a very basic computers course before my first computer purchase, a Monaghan County Enterprise Board business skills course, training with Fáilte Ireland and a Leader funded website and internet skills course/2.0 skills course. 

I am also embarking on stage two of the Leader funded Web2.0 skills course with a view to attaining digital media skills to market and develop online aspect of business.  Liz ChristyTextile Design/Handweaver 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 have actively sought opportunities to enhance my skills throughout my career. Recently, I worked with a business coach to further develop my leadership abilities and to focus on areas where I recognise I face challenges. This coaching has helped me become more effective in managing teams and driving business performance. Shane CarterCenter Parcs Spa Manager I am always open to upskilling; I regularly attend webinars so that I am up to date on current matters. Jenny DonnellyAsset Manager Advice if considering this job 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 You need to be prepared to work hard, work long hours & work unsociable hours. Starting out, be prepared to take the jobs that nobody wants to do - make your contacts through that and progress to follow your dream Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist If you have a good attitude, a willingness to work hard and can work with others then I believe you could achieve high results in this job. Jack BarryAnalyst, Transfer Agency Someone considering this job I feel should work well under pressure as we can get very busy at times and you'll have a lot of tasks to complete. I think it's very beneficial to be social and outgoing as we all work very closely together as a team and its very helpful to have good relationships with your team when you need a helping hand in completing tasks. Abbie RiceAssociate Accountant/IFS Apprentice

Look up the Defence Forces website at www.military.ie and talk to serving personnel. If its possible try to visit a barracks.

Tom TooherLieutenant - Army While I find my career extremely rewarding there are some aspects of it that I hadn't been prepared for. It's a very harsh industry and you need to have thick skin. You could go to 10 auditions and get a no before you get a yes and this process can be quite draining. For that reason it requires not only extreme dedication but also a lot of passion as without the love for dance sometimes it could all seem too much.

I would say to anyone hoping to dance professionally to get into as many technical dance classes as they can now as they'll help you greatly in your training. Pay attention in business studies as soon you'll be promoting yourself as a business be it as a teacher, choreographer or performer. Confidence is key in this career and while that is individual to each person, in general, the more experience and knowledge you have the more confident you're going to be so watch videos, read books and most importantly go to see performances to get a feel for what's involved. Megan McEvoyDancer You don’t need a history degree to do this job. There are lots of skills that will help to make you good at your job. Be interested, personable, punctual, organised and ambitious. Neal DohertyPrivate Driver Guide I think they'd need to be a team player, open to stepping outside of their comfort zone and immediate remit on occasion, and be able to manage stress at times. An education/background in the industry is a bonus but a lot can be learned by doing the job and working closely with key stakeholders through events, online training, ups killing etc. Sophie GoughTourism, Events & Marketing Officer

Need to have a belief about the value of the sort of education provided by the school to which you are applying.

Need to be able to cope with ambivalence - being leader in the school is not a black and white thing.

Need to believe in people, whether it is staff or students.

Paul MeanySchool Principal Find something that you’re passionate about and it will make your life a lot more enjoyable.  David McKeownSpace Scientist 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 Perfect your skills while working for others. Know your market. Ray PowerPotter

This career involves working with people in a caring capacity. If you have no interest in helping people personally or educationally then this may be the wrong profession for you.

Empathy, patience and respect are important qualities for this job, in addition to be able to relate well to the person you are dealing with. As there is also a large amount of information to be handled in the job, good organisational, IT and time management skills are also quite important.

Brian HowardGuidance Counsellor It can be challenging, but very rewarding. Choose subjects and coursework carefully. Owen HughesManufacturing Technician Go for it!  But realise that its not going to be easy and things take time and there are LOTS of sacrifices to make. Also make sure you learn from your mistakes - because you will make them. It is really only a mistake if you don't learn from it. Brian KellyScience Entrepreneur I’d start watching every video and reading every book on space that you can find, that will help you figure out what area of space you are most interested in. Having a solid education can’t hurt but don’t worry if you’re not a straight A student, I’ve managed to work myself into the career somehow! Jonathan FaullSpace Social Media and Communications

I would advise having a degree in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations. Professional training in nursing is necessary in order to understand patient care and what standards are required to provide quality care in an acute hospital setting.

One would also have to understand the value of planning, implementing and evaluating work practices in order to get the best out of employees. The person coming into the job would need to be patient, able to negotiate and work under pressure, as well as work on their own initiative.

Ejiro O'Hare StrattonClinical Nurse Manager 2 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 Earth Observation is quite technical and has a number of research opportunities. I’d advise trying to achieve a PhD in Remote Sensing and get comfortable with a variety of computer skills, from coding to databases and cloud computing infrastructure. Also, do not overlook the value of learning to work in teams. Sam FranklinEarth Observation Specialist

I found having education in a number of different areas of engineering to be beneficial to the work I am doing.

There is a whole world of possibilities out there for engineers, and it is difficult to know what subjects are necessary for the industry you will end up in. I was always interested in robotics and environmental issues, but it was not until my Masters that I really knew what I wanted to do.

General entry courses are quite useful, as you get a taste for a few different areas before you have to specialise, a lot of companies offer on the job training, and there is also the possibility of further study.

An engineering qualification teaches you so much more than just the technical subjects, but a way of looking at the world and solving problems in a logical and systematic way.

Engineers are sought after for these skills as much as the technical ones, and it opens up incredible opportunities. Engineering is not an easy route through college, but it is incredibly rewarding.

Elva BannonMechatronic Engineer The lifestyle Being honest, to a degree yes, but not fully. The nature and reality of private practice is that we are busiest outside of everyone else's 9-5 schedule. This means early mornings, which are great, and I enjoy. Late evenings however impact on family life, social life, and sporting endeavours.

I haven't been as involved in my chosen sport of Gaelic football as I'd like to have been this past few years as its quite the challenge to juggle work and making training, especially when GAA fixtures change so frequently and at such short notice.

I have a comfortable lifestyle thanks to putting in long hours and working hard, this is something that I enjoy so it's never an issue for me aside from the aforementioned clash with my own sporting interests. Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist

The role involves working in the office/work from home and also in other venues such as in the Courts. The truth is that your time is not always your own as the demands of protecting children may not fit neatly with a 9-5 job.

Diego GallagherSenior Solicitor I always knew I’d prefer a “Monday to Friday” type job with regular hours where you can plan ahead more easily and have two consecutive days off each week. Since I’ve had kids, it works well to be off at weekends. I feel I’ve got job security in my current role and I like that there’s a clear progression path, with ample opportunities to progress for those who wish to avail of them. Orla AherneInvestment Consultant I'm lucky to be part of a supportive team that encourages work/life balance, it is so important to remember to keep active and see friends and family even during busy times. Amy O’DwyerAssociate Sustainability Advisor My job allows me a good lifestyle with regard to owing our own home, providing for my children's education and leisure activities. It also allows me to indulge in my hobby of showing dogs. Deirdre LavelleCare Assistant Working as a Paramedic some sacrifices have to be made and sometimes it’s difficult to keep a regular lifestyle mostly because of working shift work and unsociable hours like weekends, nights and special occasions such as Christmas. However you can still have the lifestyle you desire, there are many Paramedics in the service all from different backgrounds and with different interests keeping the lifestyle they enjoy. Keith HayesAmbulance / Paramedic 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 Yes 100%. I get to travel the world AND get paid for it. What's not to love?! You work hard but you play hard and I get 3 months holidays to enjoy back at home with friends and family. I save a lot of money on the ship so when I have my 3 months off I get to treat myself a lot. Kate WalshBeauty Therapist Yes I can vary my hours to suit my lifestyle when required. I make a large amount of decisions independantly each day. Aidan MaherSite Manager - Grad Entry I'm paid well enough. As regards to whether I'm happy; it's like being paid to do your hobby, to go and have fun. It's like boys toys: space, the final frontier, Star Trek. I grew up with Star Trek, so for me every day is fun. I set up the company in 2010, so I created the job myself, effectively. Rory Fitzpatrick CEO of the National Space Centre My job makes me very happy as it is a great mix of clinical work, practice development, research, teaching and learning. My children are grown up so I can give time back to psychological community through work in PSI. My lifestyle enables me to pursue love for leisure (sea swimming, cycling, meeting people, travelling). Dr Katarina TimulakovaSenior Clinical Psychologist

I am very happy in my current role as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Heritage, like anyone who has worked in this industry, there are stages when you work in operations and have to do long hours, but I feel that is where a barrier lies from the outside, is the perspective of hospitality being a job that does not allow a lifestyle, I have been fortunate to work in Food and Beverage, Front Office, Guest Relations and now in Sales and Marketing, so my former roles have given me a great appreciation for the operation, but equally now allows me a more structured work week to spend time with family and friends.

Jack FitzsimonsDirector of Sales & Marketing Most of the time. Getting the work / lifestyle balance is critical if you are going to able to deliver results on a continuous basis, otherwise you will run out of steam very quickly. I won’t lie to you, being an engineer in the workforce today can be a very demanding role, but this can be said of most career options. The nature of projects and customers is that you often find yourself having to work outside of the ‘normal hours’ to meet deadlines. This is particularly true when you work for a small company. Sometimes you will find yourself having to re-arrange planned events outside of work, but you can make up for this time during quieter times (if they ever occur!!) However, the satisfaction of providing a solution for a customer, which results in a sale, has a real feel good factor, which is hard to beat! Shane CallananElectronic Engineer Yes, it is part-time with relatively flexible hours so it gives me the opportunity to do other jobs and study as well as spend quality time with my family. Rasaq FaladeGarda Reserve

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 My career is often very flexible so you can have a good lifestyle, but sometimes you have to work long unsociable hours. However, working with the Defence Forces is a very satisfying career choice Tom TooherLieutenant - Army 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) As a trainee we don't really fully understand the lifestyle yet but hopefully in 16 weeks I will find out what type of lifestyle we will have and I've no doubt I will adjust. Aishling ButlerGarda Trainee This is very important to understand but will change as you get older and go through different chapters of life. In your 20’s most people aren’t married and don’t have kids yet so your job can vary. Some people will want to set themselves up for life in their 20’s while others will want to travel as much as possible. In your 30’s/40’s your priorities will change with family etc and therefore your priorities with your career will change. As mentioned above I’m focused on building a career I don’t need to retire from and I’ve been focused on this since my early 20’s. Jonathan CleryGolf Experience Tour Co-Ordinator Yes I get to see different countries fishing.  John OglesbyDeck Hand Whats cool "What I really love about my job is the team I work with. Watching each colleague’s journey and growth over time is incredibly rewarding — seeing them develop their skills, take on new challenges, and gain confidence makes the role meaningful beyond day-to-day tasks. Another thing that think is really ‘cool’ is being part of a business that genuinely impacts people’s well-being.
There’s nothing quite like seeing our guests leave Aqua Sana Forest Spa feeling refreshed and revitalised. Knowing that the environment we create contributes to their happiness and relaxation gives me a real sense of pride. " Shane CarterCenter Parcs Spa Manager The variety and the people I meet everyday. Aishling ButlerGarda Trainee

First and foremost – it’s the people (without sounding too corny about it!).

I’m surrounded by a great team, and it makes any job more enjoyable. I strongly believe you can tackle almost anything in the day job with the right people who have an open and honest outlook.

Before AIB, I worked in smaller companies, and always thought the concept of working in a big organisation would be quite daunting. With so many thousands of people, how would you know where to go, or who might be able to help etc? Now I see it as the very opposite. Meeting new people is something that I really enjoy. And as new projects arise, or changes and restructures take place on different teams, you often get the opportunity to learn about somebody new. The diversity amongst the team makes each day interesting.

Flexibility has more recently become a nice perk, and the annual leave is always something I cherish! Each employee was recently granted an extra days holiday to ‘digitally disconnect’ – definitely something I welcomed, but more so it was AIB’s acknowledgement of the importance of switching off.

Lara MulveySenior Product Manager AIB Delivering for the Irish public is a key personal driver of mine. When a new depot, tram Luas line is launched, my colleagues and I do feel (justifiably, I believe) very proud. Ciaran MacSamhrainEngineer - Transport Infrastructure Ireland

The best things about my job:

• Working with great people every day who are fun to be around
• Working on some of the biggest deals in the Irish and Global market
• Meeting new people every week and learning about their businesses
• Seeing how technology is changing the world around us
• Having a chance to progress in the company through hard work
• Being able to work flexibly, and ensure a good balance between work and family life

Brian DelahuntyHead of Corporate Banking Being able to work in one of the best five-star hotels in the world is a part of my job I am extremely proud of. Working with such an amazing team here at The Connaught facilitates an enjoyable working environment. Being able to ensure our guests have an unforgettable experience is a part of this job that gives me immense joy. Philip Lambert Hotel Front Office Supervisor Being outside! Getting out in the boat to take samples is great and I really enjoy going to sea in the larger research vessels, and heading offshore for days/weeks at a time. I enjoy meeting other scientists, and meeting people within other industries. Damien HaberlinEcologist (Post-Doctoral Researcher) Getting problems solved and corrective actions implemented so I am confident I will never see the issue again. Managing a group of people and seeing the group succeed in achieving its objective Michael BohaneQA Manager The opportunity to travel is one of the aspects definitely favoured. I also work with a group of really great people who rise to the challenge on a constant basis. Lynsey GarganManufacturing Engineer Written interview unavailable... Mary McCaugheyHead of Communications Being able to see how a few of the different areas of the business function, as there are significant differences between the retail and wholesale businesses. Ross McKeoghMusgrave Retail Graduate Programme My friends think that it is exciting and cool that I fire weapons and carry out war games in the mountains etc.  I also find it exciting and really enjoyable. My friends also think it is cool that we get to travel over seas for long periods of time. I like the fact that I get to meet a lot of different people and make many friends. Louise Mc DonaldPrivate (Line) In painting we get to experience a wide range of skills from paperhanging to shotblasting and we are never in the same place for too long. You also get to work on different sites and different buildings totally transforming them from what they were. Fergal FeehelyApprentice Painter Decorator There is a great team feeling in the Defense Forces and this is seen best in the sports activities that we engage in regularly including Gaelic, Soccer Orienteering and Golf. The fact that we regularly get to spend time in the open air doing physical activities as opposed to being stuck in an office block or call centre is one of the main reasons that I love my job. Time off is also very important and can be taken at your own desired time once requested. This is an aspect of my job that I find cool. Keith LynchPrivate (Line) Right now, artificial intelligence and robotics. But I’m biased! Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies 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 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 The work I do is really diverse and there are constantly new projects and challenges so you are always learning and developing. What most appeals to me though is working with people- interacting with colleagues and clients on a regular basis, meeting different people from different backgrounds, industries, etc. You will typically never encounter the same two scenarios in tax; there are always different facts involved, different organisations and different desired outcomes. I like that the work is so varied. Sinead LewSenior Tax Manager I love the ability to talk to clients and colleagues all around the world (and I get paid to do something I love)! I have been the local lead on launching a new product in the bank, which very few people get to do in such a mature industry. Michael McDermottAssociate Director, International Corporate Banking The holidays!! My colleague says “the education of our future generations”!!, that too, of course. Mary JoyceSecondary School Teacher Not so cool If there is something I don’t like about it, it would have to be the public scrutiny and negative perception. Saying that, it truly is coming from minority of people and most encounters are very positive. Emilia GilroyGarda For me it is the repetitious work in wintertime such as bedding cattle & preparing cow cubicles twice daily. Denis ReidyFarmer - Dairy 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 Doing my VAT returns! Glenn LucasWoodturner A school is run on tight budgets and limited supports and this makes management difficult at times. Paul MeanySchool Principal 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 Written interview unavailable... Mary McCaugheyHead of Communications The downside would be when you get bad, wet days, and you have still got to get on with the job. You have to keep it moving, you've got to get out there in all weathers. Also, when suppliers let you down with late deliveries, and you have staff hanging around, waiting for deliveries with consequent loss of productivity. It doesn't happen that often, there is normally plenty to do on the sites before deliveries get there but it can hold you up. When you're running a business, you have to do the bookwork as well as the things you enjoy doing, you have to do the nitty gritty things. Tax returns, VAT, PRSI, PAYE, etc. It's not all the glamour stuff like planting or designing new gardens! You have got to be a Multi Tasker. Paul DowlingHorticulturist 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 The things that are not cool but are necessary aspects of the job are dealing with bed pans, commodes, cleaning up after clients have had a toiletry accident or have vomited, smells can be bad sometimes. Dealing with the death of clients, most of our clients are long stay residents and you get to know them and their relatives very well, so this is not one of the nicest parts of the job. Lydia PeppardCare Assistant Dealing with various regulatory bodies can be tedious and time consuming, but a necessary evil in this industry!! Shane CallananElectronic Engineer People complaining about the free food! Laura GlendonMultilingual Software Support SAP Sometimes the early morning starts and cold weather can be difficult but as time goes on you start to get use to it. Mark MaguireApprentice Electrician Chasing payments from customers. Ray PowerPotter Budget control. In the pharmaceutical industry the financial aspect of running the dept is very important and all spend has to be controlled.  Budget compliance is reviewed monthly with the finance group and this can be quite tiring having to justify spend to non-science people whose sole focus is bottom line (which they need to be of course). Michael BohaneQA Manager No… Sarah TuiteAIB Sales Advisor Burying animals or having to put them down. Being so busy some days that you don't have time to eat - starving in the evenings. Not getting home as often as maybe I should. Kieran MageeFarm Manager - Dry Stock 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 Lots of challenges come with working with big data. Performance and scaling problems can be tough, and finding bugs can be frustrating at times, but it is very rewarding when all of the work finally comes together. Catherine AhearnData Scientist It can be a very demanding job at times. Donal KaneConstruction Site Supervisor