deiseanna gairme in institiúide an AE

Employer Insights Getting the job

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 I found my role in café Riva through an online posting. I interviewed for the job, completed a trial shift, and found out shortly after that I was successful in my interview through a phone call from my now employer. This was new environment for me as it was my first taste of catering compared to my previous roles in restaurants. My role as director was one both my business partner Daniel and I have been developing for many years now. Fiona KeyesChef I applied for my job when I saw it advertised on the HSE careers in healthcare website and in a Sunday newspaper. I attended an interview where I was interviewed by two speech and language therapy managers and a representative form the HSE Human Resources department. The interview lasted approximately 30 minutes. I received a letter shortly afterwards to let me know that I had been successful in the interview. Lisa KellySpeech and Language When the position was advertised, I submitted my application. From there I was successful in obtaining an interview, resulting in the position being offered to me which I accepted. Hugh Heraghty Fish Farm Manager 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 created it. Liz ChristyTextile Design/Handweaver I have just sent out my cv to companies and because of my experience I always get offered work for the tour season. Bill MurrayTour Driver / Driver I have worked for Fota Collection for 18years starting initially as a Spa Therapist in Fota Island Spa to my most recent role of Group Spa Development Manager at both Fota and The Kingsley. Melissa JonesGroup Spa Development Manager

It was simple google search! I few friends of mine had begun working with AIB’s call team and I was hoping to follow suit. I sent my CV to [email protected] and was brought through their Graduate selection process. This included an aptitude test, along with an interview. I put a huge amount of work in preparing for the interview, and really wanted to demonstrate how much I had researched AIB and what it would mean to join an organisation like it.

Receiving the call to say I was selected was a big day – I still remember exactly where I was at the time, and who I ran to to share the big news.

My progression within AIB has been as a result of a number of internal interviews. The application process can feel tedious at times but putting in that extra effort to completing the submission and update the CV always prove worthwhile. I try to review my CV at least twice a year, just to remind myself of what I’ve achieved and where I want to go.

During my time in AIB, I’ve been promoted every two years to a new role. This progression has kept me motivated over the years and I enjoy reaching for that next goal. Shaping a career path can at times prove difficult, but understanding the various opportunities presented by an organisation like AIB can bring a new slant to the job. Lara MulveySenior Product Manager AIB 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 made sure to get the most out of the graduate programme, from fully participating in the formal aspects such as the IMI modules, to fostering good relationships with influential people within Musgrave. These people then became advocates for me as I sought a full time, post-graduate role in the company. Shane O'SheaSuperValu Regional Support Manager I’ve been with Center Parcs for 19 years, starting out as a lifeguard. From day one, I loved the fast-paced environment, the focus on safety and service, and being part of a strong team. I gradually progressed through various roles, eventually moving into outdoor activity management. It was in this role that I discovered a real passion for business management — leading teams, improving operations, and driving performance. At the same time, my fiancée (now wife) was working in the Spa. Listening to her talk about the Spa business sparked a growing interest in that side of the operation. When a position became available in Aqua Sana, I applied — and was successful.

I spent two years as Operations Manager within Aqua Sana Forest Spa, further developing my leadership skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the guest journey, commercial targets, and team development within a premium environment, whilst immersing myself in the fantastic Spa & Wellness Industry. When the General Manager position became available for the first time as part of a business restructure, I saw it as a natural next step. I applied and was delighted to be offered the role. It’s been a hugely rewarding journey — one that’s given me both personal and professional growth, all within a business I’ve been proud to be part of for nearly two decades. Shane CarterCenter Parcs Spa Manager The Public Appointments Service run competitions periodically for the position of Third Secretary. There are various stages involved from submitting an application to sitting psychometric tests and attending an assessment centre before the interview stages begin. I would be recommend anyone interested to sign up job alerts on www.publicjobs.ie. Shane SargeantDepartment of Foreign Affairs It was advertised in the national papers shortly after I completed my course. I applied for an interview & was subsequently offered the job in 2006. Denis ReidyFarmer - Dairy I saw it advertised on a Jobs website. Working in a broker role and having more direct contact with clients was always something I was curious about and wanted to try so it seemed like the perfect fit for me.  Kevin MoranInsurance Administrator I 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 The job was advertised in the paper and on the council website. I filled in the application, waited patiently for an interview, and happy days, here I am. Maria O'NeillCivil Engineer My current role I found through LinkedIn job search and recommendations. I applied through the companies portal where I was invited for a first interview , followed by a second round shortly after. Being successful with the interviews I was then offered the role. Laura NeillEvent and Engagement Manager 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 worked with children and families for almost 19 years, and whereas I loved my managing role within child protection services, following the Covid-19 Pandemic and many changes personally and professionally, I felt that I needed a new challenge. I applied for the position of Principal Social Worker in November 2022, and used my years of practice and management to prepare as best I could for the interview. I was successful in getting the role and commenced the new year with a new position. Jonathan O’ReillyPrincipal Social Worker Main challenges Energy projects including wind farms take years to develop. It can be many years before you see the fruits of your labour. Also, you may work a lot on a specific project, but it may not go ahead for various reasons. Des LalorWind Engineer At present managing properties when there has been a number of store closures due to Covid 19 has been challenging, our tenants turnover has naturally been impacted so we are closely liaising with them to assist where possible but also having our investors interest and keep rent collections as high as possible. Jenny DonnellyAsset Manager They vary, and it changes over the years. About five years ago there seemed to a shortage of skilled people in the landscaping sector, as the economy was booming and there was a big demand for skilled people in the landscape and construction sector. That seems to have sorted itself out over time, but that was a challenge, getting good, reliable, experienced people. Among the more challenging aspects of a Landscape Contractor's job would be 1. Identifying and making contact with possible new clients. 2. Organizing and co-ordinating new projects. 3. Time management. Managing my own time and ensuring that all members of my staff are gainfully employed throughout each working day. 4. Vigilance to ensure that our work is kept to a high standard. Paul DowlingHorticulturist Tax law is always changing, so it’s really important that I keep up to speed on these changes! Lorcan KellyTax Consultant Marketing - keeping up to date on trends and interesting content.
Sales - meeting sales targets and working with key customers to communicate USPs.
Business Development - sales leads. Fiona UyemaChef Negative stereotyping towards Gardaí can be challenging, however if treated fairly people more often than not respond very positively. Emilia GilroyGarda

There is many challenges when working at sea, but it really all depends on the person.

Homesickness is a big one, most people can manage on through it. Missing things at home on occasion is hard.

The work is hard, it’s not an easy job but very rewarding, wouldn’t love it as much if it was easy. Daniel Walsh Trainee Engineer/Deckhand Frequent market changes, with many price fluctuations. Impact of weather on culivation of shellfish, especially the rising sea tmeperatures and uncertainty surounding this. Increase in E-coli in waters and the effects this will have in the future with increaing population and housing in coastal areas. Elsa KellySales & Administration Manager

Maintaining the attention of a playful and curious little child for the purpose of psychological assessment is certainly a challenge! Understanding the speech of a person with communication difficulties also sometimes stretches my powers of listening and interpretation.

Working with staff groups who are struggling to understand and meet the needs of their service users sometimes really draws upon my abilities to motivate and explain psychological interventions in clear terms.

Organising and responding to referrals tests my capacity to gather information and prioritise effectively. The hugely varied nature of human behaviour, psychological difficulties, and the constant research activity means that I need to keep up to speed with developments in the field by reading psychological journals, attending special interest groups, and conferences.

Elaine MacDonaldPsychologist - Clinical I am most engaged when speaking to customers and making sure we are finding the right support for them. All customer’s circumstances are different and it’s important that I engage closely with them to understand their needs and help find the right product for them. Sarah TuiteAIB Sales Advisor The main challenges for me are managing expectations of those to whom I am presenting data and analysis as people can have differing or conflicting views. Denise HarringtonSupply Chain Analyst

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 Everyone will probably say time to try and fit everything in and I'd have to agree! Prioritisation is key in every walk of life and that helps me stay engaged and interested while at work. Michael McDermottAssociate Director, International Corporate Banking 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 You have to test yourself negotiating with people from other countries. Kevin KearyParliamentary Assistant The main challenges are the expansion of the milking herd. Also that we always have facilities ready for the cows when they need them. As well as meeting all the performance targets we have set ourselves in our plans. Bryan DanielsFarmer - Dairy I think the biggest challenge with cooking is staying organised and up to date as the seasons and trends change, there's a rhythm to turning over your dishes and ingredients with the seasons so you’re always emptying your fridge of one ingredient as you prepare for the next, without producing any waste, and of course the people management is hard, everybody engages with their work and motivation differently and understanding how to reach people and share my passion with them has always been an interesting challenge, but one I’ve always really appreciated. Eoghan O’FlynnHead Chef (Fota Island Resort) 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

Sometimes the cases are difficult and take longer than expected but I am aways well supported. We have also got support from other areas in Tusla like Data Protection so we work together as a team.

Diego GallagherSenior Solicitor Working remote and having a limited skilled work force locally. The feeling of “ doing it all” is a challenge. Ciara Shine Marketing Manager Typical day

On a typical day I would meet with some or all of the Learning and Development team and we would discuss our schedule of upcoming projects and learning deliveries. We would be discussing the design of training, who it should be delivered to, the technology or systems we use to deliver it, the organisation and logistics of how to actually make it happen and finally how we will communicate and promote it to fellow employees at the organisation. Often, I will also run a workshop on a topic such as Time Management, Resilience or Collaboration. This would usually be a 90-minute session using Zoom with about 15 people dialling in from different locations across the organisation. I would be presenting slides that explain concepts relating to the topics, as well as hosting group discussions and small 'break out' sessions to help people understand the topic and practice learning new skills.

There's usually an element of marketing to my day, this might be writing an email to colleagues to advertise a new course and get them to sign up or it could be writing a blog on our company networking page to get people thinking about a particular topic or creating content for a website to promote learning to help people perform their roles better. Normally, I have a few meetings, these could be one on one meetings with people who are looking to design and deliver training for their teams or large part of the organisation. This would involve trying to understand what it is they want to achieve, I ask things like: "what will people do differently as a result of attending this training?" Often people don't know!

Other times there will be project meetings, these will be for bigger items such as the implementation of new system that supports learning or putting in place a new approach to train salespeople. In these sorts of meetings, I am usually working with a project plan in excel, making sure we are on track with tasks, chasing up people or putting together documents to support the project such as guidelines or briefing documents.

Kathryn ReevesLearning and Development Lead

There really isn’t a typical day in health and safety. There are common themes though – lots of questions from clients, deadlines to meet, novel or complex problems that take time to work through and a need to communicate all this in plain understandable language.

For the astronomy side of things, a typical day would involve checking the weather. If we’re all go for a clear night, it’s a case of planning targets, writing scripts for the automation software and then getting the equipment ready for a night’s run of taking images. The images are then analysed and data generated. Thus is then formatted before being sent to the Jet Propulsion Lab or the Minor Planet Centre.

Dave McDonaldAstronomer One of my favourite things about this job is that there isn't really a typical day! The work of the coordinator goes through different phases throughout the year, so at the beginning of the year there will be a lot of planning and organising of documents and events. There will then be the promotional phase when I travel around the country promoting the JET Programme at universities and careers fairs. Next the applications come in and the coordinator processes them and arranges for the screening and interviews for applicants.

Then there is the selection and orientation of all the new JETs, and finally sending them off to Japan on their own new adventure! Throughout all of this I make sure all of the databases are kept up to date, answer any enquiries to the JET Desk and help out with other Embassy events. There's always something new to learn and enjoy which has kept this job exciting! Edel CarletonJET Coordinator - Japanese Embassy Oisín:
Assisting in a machine shop, assembly of joinery items, finishing joinery work i.e. oil laquer spraying. Keeping the surrounding bench area tidy and setting out of joinery work. 

Oisin MurphyApprentice Carpenter Generally, my days consists of attending meetings, collaboration with other team members or cross functional teams, working closely with Quality and EHS teams for approval and guidance on ongoing projects, providing support for new product and process introductions, ensuring that all activities are documented in accordance with the Stryker new product development procedures. Data tracking, analysis and presenting current work.  Laura FinneganProcess Development Engineer A day of a CEO in a start-up company is anything but typical. I could be talking to customers, making financial models, discussing stock options with my legal team, hiring new engineers or brainstorming on our algorithms with the technical team. All of which are fascinating and I am learning a lot, every single day. Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies 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 My day in the office typically starts at about 08.30 and ends about 18.00 The activities of the day generally fall into one of 3 categories
(i) Planning
(ii) Reporting and
(iii) Problem solving.

Typically the day involves lots of meetings - these can range from meetings with other members of the management team, to meeting with investors, existing and potential customers, lawyers, accountants and bank managers.

Generally speaking these meetings revolve around getting and providing updates on the progress of the Company compared against the objectives set out in the Company's business plan. Often times these meetings will inform the next iteration of the business plan itself and the strategies the Company must employ to achieve these objectives.

During busy periods I would often take work home in the evening and at weekends - but as I said earlier I am getting better at achieving a proper work/life balance. Brian KellyScience Entrepreneur 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 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 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

A typical day varies depending on the client groups that the therapist is working with. Speech and language therapists work with children and adults with speech difficulties and with language difficulties including understanding and using language. Possible client groups include clients with learning disability, physical difficulties such as cerebral palsy, genetic syndromes including down syndrome, delayed language development, stammering, stroke, head injury, autism, attention deficit disorder, cleft lip and palate, dyslexia, hearing impairment, voice difficulties, swallowing difficulties.

My typical day involves: I spend four mornings a week in a local primary school where there are two language units. These are small classes for children with specific language impairment. This means that they have average intellectual abilities but have severe speech or language difficulties. They receive their speech and language therapy during school hours several times every week.

In the afternoons and on Fridays I see children in two centres; the local health centre and an outpatient centre for children with physical and sensory difficulties. These children come to the clinic with their parents for assessment and therapy. The therapy I provide varies greatly depending on the client's individual needs. It may include: speech work, oro-motor exercises (these target the muscles involved in speech production), listening skills, play skills, following instructions, grammar, sentence production, conversational skills, and understanding of concepts.

This timetable can change as I sometimes visit schools to liaise with teachers regarding a child's speech and language programme. I also attend meetings to discuss and develop our service and I sometimes attend courses to learn new assessment and therapy skills. Working from a variety of locations every week requires organisation and forward planning. I have to plan ahead what I will need in each location and the children I will be working with.

Lisa KellySpeech and Language I am on site at the moment working as an Assistant Resident Engineer. I am supervising construction work of a Water supply scheme for the council.

Every day presents it's own problems. I get to work for 7.30am.  A few times during the day I walk around the site and make sure I know who is working. I answer questions for the contractor about the design, sometimes there are mistakes in drawings, or they have suggestions of different ways of building and I have to check if we are happy they are as good as the original design. I check levels to make sure its being built at the right height. I carry out concrete testing so we are sure we are getting the right concrete. I measure what they have built so we know what to pay them. I suppose no day is typical! Maria O'NeillCivil Engineer On a typical day, we begin the day with a team meeting where every team member discusses our tasks for the day and project deadlines. The team meeting is a safe space where we can share our ideas and hear each other's unique viewpoints. Projects involve a lot of team collaboration, each team member has unique ideas and skillsets which combined can create effective strategies for completing projects. Amy O’DwyerAssociate Sustainability Advisor

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 My day would usually start at 8am arriving on site. My duties include arranging materials and the days schedule for myself and the men, meeting clients, placing orders and ensuring everything is on site and ready to go for the next day. I usually finish work around 6pm. Fergal FeehelyApprentice Painter Decorator A typical day would be similar enough to any other company following the Agile way of working; stand ups in the morning to track everyone’s progress and give/receive support if needed, perhaps sprint planning or backlog grooming meetings (depending on what day of the sprint it is), and other than that I’d be spending my time coding and working on whatever project or task I’m doing at the time. I liaise with colleagues who may be working on a particular task or project with me throughout the day aswell, it’s an open plan office so this is quite easy to do quickly and efficiently. Claire PurcellSoftware Engineer I split my time between both locations depending on where needs my support the most on that particular day. My role is demanding, and includes developing revenue, facilities and our teams. I also oversee our Spa Therapist Care Programme and Team Development Plan, this is something I am particularly proud of. Challenge would be it’s a very competitive market so we need to be ever evolving, innovative and an exceptional employer as finding and retaining spa therapists is not easy. Daily tasks include manager walks, team meetings, pace and financial reporting, future planning. Melissa JonesGroup Spa Development Manager

Every day in the Defences Forces is different. There is never a mundane day in the Defences Forces. Generally they consist of lectures based on different situations and tactics employed by a soilder, and also training on different weapons and equipment.

The majority of the day is focused towards physical and mental fitness and strength. Each training sessions is geared towards a different aspect of this fitness ranging from: a simple run in training gear to a fully uniformed "battlerun" with equipment which is always both challenging and rewarding.

Keith LynchPrivate (Line) The most typical thing about my days is the fact that they all tend to be busy!

Days vary quite significantly in and out of term. Out of term days will be focused on course development, lecture preparation and research. In term, I generally try to have one day a week where I try to focus on research activity - at the moment I'm preparing two papers, one to present at a conference of researchers, and the other I'm preparing to submit for publication in a journal.

However, in reality this time tends to be distributed throughout the week. I have a network of people with whom I am developing my research. They are predominantly based in Ireland and the UK, but I am also developing some projects with European academics. So there may be e-mails or phone calls about something!

Otherwise, my days consist of a mix of teaching, an open office-hour where students can come to discuss their courses, assignments or concerns and administration. Aoife Mc DermottLecturer Further training...

Since graduating from College I have attended a number of courses to develop skills in specific areas. These have included courses on handwriting, posture & seating and sensory integration. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is vital for keeping your skills up to date as OT is a dynamic profession.

I hope to continue to attend professional courses to further develop my skills. In particular I would be interested in undergoing additional sensory integration training as this is an area of particular interest to me and it is relevant to my current caseload.

In the future there is the option of undertaking a Masters in Occupational Therapy or a Masters in Intellectual Disability. This is something I might be interested in doing in due course.

Tomas FlanaganOccupational Therapist 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 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 It is definitely my intention to return to education in the very near future. I am out of college two years and even now I can see the advantage to continuous education.

The one thing that is always recommended by engineers that I have encountered is to take any and all education that you can. Apart from the fact that it makes you infinitely more qualified for different jobs, it keeps you up to date with new technologies and methodologies.

Sometimes a company will contribute towards costs and give you time to attend college if it is related to upskilling for a role which the company values. To date, I have witnessed a number of people transition from one type of career to a completely different career within the same company.

Education is the tool that allows you to change your work life to whatever you wish depending on how you go about it. Lynsey GarganManufacturing Engineer 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 love on the job training, I worked in sales during my ‘year off’ for a few months and there was real life sales training, not theory. I always aim to upskill, the world is constantly changing and you have to stay relevant in the marketplace. Too many stories of people who ‘got comfortable’ then lost their job and didn’t have the relevant skills to pick up where they left off. Jonathan CleryGolf Experience Tour Co-Ordinator I have done courses on Special Education, Learning Difficulties inc. Autism, Asbergers. Deirdre SayersPrimary School Teacher Yes, I do ongoing training – I dedicate about 5% of my time to training. Des LalorWind Engineer 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 Currently, there are no extra courses I plan on taking at the moment. There are lots of interesting Masters/PHDs I could complete but I still feel like I would rather be in a job learning rather than undergoing more education. Patrick KinnairdMarine Biologist I decided to pursue the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification on joining Deloitte. I had undertaken some lectures with the Irish Tax Institute as part of my Masters in Smurfit and found them to be extremely well organised and professional. I knew that I would have excellent support pursuing my tax qualification.
Deloitte have really supported me in pursuing the CTA qualification. They offered me paid study leave for my exams and in house training sessions which made the experience of sitting my first set of exams as stress free as possible. Anna Holohan Tax Manager In the Garda College I have completed a suicide intervention course which has proved to be a very worthwhile course.

In the future I hope that I can further my education and build on the degree that I will attain at the end of the training. I think that furthering education will be crucial if I want to progress my career in years to come. Peter CliffordProbationer Garda 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 As a new recruit I still have the whole career ahead of me and I hope to be able to undertake as much training as possible. In particular I’d like to do a driving and specialist interviewer’s courses. Emilia GilroyGarda I plan on doing a specific pastry course down the line to enhance and upskill on this area in particular. I am also aware that BIM provides Fish Filleting master classes with a man Called Hal Dawson, a true gent who has an incredible skill set and wealth of knowledge behind him. Stephen CroninPastry Chef at Cush Midleton 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 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 I had no teaching experience before going on the JET Programme so I took an online TEFL course while I was over there. I also continued to study Japanese and took the Japanese Language Proficiency Test while I was there. Edel CarletonJET Coordinator - Japanese Embassy Yes I plan to go back this year and finish off my engineering exams for the class one engineer. Brendan CavanaghShips Engineer I am continually learning through my job. This summer, I spent some time at the European Space Agency learning the latest techniques in satellite data assimilation. Keeping up with technology is both fun and vital for my business. Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies Advice if considering this job

If you like working with others, and like problem solving then its definitely worth considering. Do you ever look at a bridge/skyscraper etc. and wonder how they did that? Or better still, are you looking at the way the road at home is laid out and thinking if they had of done something differently it would have been better.

Engineering is not a career people think about and say its helping people, but in many ways it is rewarding and just as much about helping people. Engineers design things used everyday that help people get to work, provide clean water, provide sewerage systems, care for the environment....

Maria O'NeillCivil Engineer Someone who wants to be where I am today shall need bucket loads of ambition and not be afraid of hard work.  They will need to not be afraid of starting at the very bottom of that big high ladder but at the same time have the eagerness and determination to get to the top of that ladder because the opportunities are there.

Education is very important.  It may only seem like a silly piece of paper but it's that Cert, Diploma or Degree that gets you that job and not the man/woman beside you.

The one thing that is vital in not alone this job, but any job, and alot of people don't seem to have it, is common sense. It's something so simple but really important. if you have no cop-on then nobody wants to know you. Kieran MageeFarm Manager - Dry Stock Try gain experience in some area of construction if possible to see if it’s for you. If you’re interested in a 9-5 job this is not for you!

If you like meeting with new people each day and dealing with issues which they may have regarding the project this is a good job for you. If you like to take charge of situations then this is also a good role for you to take on. Aidan MaherSite Manager - Grad Entry If you are unsure I would recommend coming to an open day in the college and if possible also doing the Garda Reserve. It gives the best insight imaginable into the work of Gardaí. Mark Spain Garda Trainee I think a career in tax is very rewarding and is an enjoyable career. There are a varied number of jobs which are available to someone with a tax qualification, including private practice, industry, Revenue, lecturing etc. The role of a tax adviser in practice or indeed within Revenue is, in my experience, extremely varied and challenging.

I would advise college students who are considering a career in tax to look into placements offered by their colleges / summer internships. I know from my time spent in private practice that a great number of the bigger accountancy / tax practice offer such positions to college students. This is a great way for such students to get a feel for what a career in tax entails and will help them in making a decision as to whether or not tax is something that they would enjoy. Edel ButlerAdministrative Officer The Department looks to hire people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. It is however important to be civic-minded, and to have a keen interest in domestic and international politics and current affairs. I would advise anyone interested in a career as a diplomat to keep on top of current affairs and to get involved in relevant fields; volunteering, university societies and newspapers etc. Languages can also give a competitive advantage! Shane SargeantDepartment of Foreign Affairs 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 As a tour operator you need to have a variety of skills: 

• Customer service
• Tech
• Sales
• Along with being patient, organised, focused, and outgoing just to name a few.

Jonathan CleryGolf Experience Tour Co-Ordinator If you enjoy business and are interested in how businesses operate working as a Business Bank manager provides variety - 'No two days are the same'. Work to achieve the subject qualifications and as much experiences along the way. You need to work hard and be determined! Madonna DalyBusiness Manager If you enjoy looking after people and have an interest in cooking, I think you should definitely look into beginning this career. A great resource is Chef Networks Open Kitchen Programme which gives those a taster of the industry before they decide to dive in. I think one of the main qualities I find important in this industry is always wanting to learn and being the best you can be, consistently developing yourself. Communication and team work is key to this role too but can be developed as you learn and work. Fiona KeyesChef 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 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 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) Get yourself into a good kitchen where you will be looked after and taught the basics properly. Once you have the fundamental principles of cooking you can fine tune the rest of it as time goes by. You will be working weekends a lot of the time and there is no getting away from that if restaurants/professional kitchens is where you want to be. Some days will be a lot harder than others. But overall the good days will outweigh the not so good ones. Enjoy yourself and look after the body and mind. Stephen CroninPastry Chef at Cush Midleton Its very specialised so one would really have to do Mechnical Engineering or a Transport Operations/Transport Management degree course. Foreign languages would be extremely useful. Ciaran MacSamhrainEngineer - Transport Infrastructure Ireland The Tourism industry is extremely rewarding, you will meet people from all corners of the earth who are interested in our beautiful country and see you as the link to their perfect travel experience. There are so many opportunities in the industry and it will take you any where you want to go! Catherine O'Grady PowersOwner Gleenkeen Farms Read a lot – it’s a great way to find new ways to express ideas. Write a lot, even if just for yourself, so that you get used to communicating your ideas on paper. Develop your time management skills – that is crucial when working in an area that has very tight deadlines. Learn more languages – it’s very helpful to have an insight into how people express themselves in different languages. Karen O'FlahertyScience Communicator When I filled in my CAO form, I had no idea that "Computational Material Scientist" was a job. I chose my course based only on the fact that physics and maths were my favourite subjects. If you know you love science, but aren't sure exactly what jobs exist, rest assured that people with scientific training will always be in demand by employers. Nuala CaffreyResearch Fellow in Computational Physics 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 My advice would be that if you are not afraid of hard work that construction can be a very rewarding industry. It is a constantly changing industry which is interesting to work in.

To be a QS the main values would be to be interested in dealing with financial data and be happy to work as part of a team. Having an interest in construction generally outside of the commercials will also help as it keeps you interested in the projects you are working on apart from what they cost. Eileen FahertyElectrician / Quantity Surveyor The lifestyle Yes it does, I am lucky that my career choice heavily overlaps with my personal interests so I guess I am lucky in that sense, there is also a lot of opportunities to travel. Jonathan FaullSpace Social Media and Communications Yes absolutely. I am lucky enough to currently work a Monday to Friday role. Like any job, something can happen when you’re not there and I am always happy to help where and when I can, but I have to say FBD hotels and resorts really do an amazing job at allowing us to have that work life balance. Donna-Marie CooneyReservations Manager - The Heritage Hotel Yes and no. I live and work in the centre of Dublin, which I think is amazing. My work has taken me to places all around the world including three years in London. I loved every bit of that aspect (others don’t). Job security is really poor. Most young scientists are on fixed-term contracts hoping to be given a permanent position. It’s very, very competitive. Then again, most jobs at that level (in law, business, etc.) are too. Far more needs to be done to help research scientists move from the lab to the non-academic world. Recent initiatives by government and industry have started to make positive changes here. Shane BerginPhysics Lecturer Absolutely. I get the best of both worlds. I work from home and do analysis myself, but also have the opportunity to go to different sites across Cork, Kildare and Belfast and meet new people. Denise HarringtonSupply Chain Analyst At the beginning when we started our business, it was difficult to juggle family and work life. I was very hectic for many years but that is the role you choose when you open your own business. I have found a more comfortable role within the company now that my family life is very balanced. I have learned that you need to step back at times and let your staff step up (the place will not fall to the ground without me). Anne StephensDirector - The Fish Market Yes – fully. Mark MeehanSTEM Learning Head My job allows for great flexibility so that I have a degree of control over my time. I am able to manage my work-life balance effectively as a result. My role has increased in responsibility since joining in 2016, which is very rewarding. Michael McDermottAssociate Director, International Corporate Banking To be perfectly honest, not exactly. On one hand, I love what I do and that motivates me to work relentlessly and fight hard for my hopes and dreams. On the other hand, this means that quite often I work long hours and have to sacrifice a lot of my personal time. I have found a way of living with it and I am fairly happy most of the time. I don't think I could ever be happy with a 9-5 normal office job, which is another reason why I enjoy what I do so much. It gives me freedom to be creative, propose my own projects, travel the world. Nevertheless, I do wish I had more time for my hobbies, friends and family. Michaela MusilovaMission Control Space Services

My job allows me to have a good work life balance, it's a 9-5 day job with good terms of employment.

There is good flexibility for working around personal commitments. There are many opportunities across Finance and lots that allow you to progress to senior decision making roles or in sectors that you have a personal interest in. Job security has remained strong even in recession times.

Madonna DalyBusiness Manager Working with horses involves long tiring hours of very hard work especially during the busy competition season. This, in my opinion is a non-negotiable part of the hands-on side of an equestrian career and people should bear this in mind.

In my situation I take advantage of our crap Irish winter and try to make up some time for myself when the weather is bad and the days are dark either by getting down time at home or by getting away in the winter when things are quiet. Luke DreaEvent Rider I think having a job that you love and doing what you are happy doing is key, if you are doing what you love in an industry that you enjoy working in then nothing is a challenge. No two days are the same, there’s a fantastic buzz working in this industry, once you have a good team to work with nothing is a challenge. Maree O’BrienGuest Experience Manager, Sustainability & Innovation Lead My job allows me to have a lifestyle that I am happy with. At the Marine Institute, there are clear opportunities for progression, and continuous training ensures that I am always developing my skills and knowledge. I also have the chance to travel to international working groups or training courses, which not only broadens my professional experience but also allows me to explore new places. In addition, the option to work partly from home provides flexibility and a good work–life balance. Overall, my role offers both professional growth and the lifestyle benefits that are important to me. Haleigh JoyceScientific and Technical Officer (Marine) Yes, I usually work a five day week, times can be flexible when required. Hugh Heraghty Fish Farm Manager 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 Very much so. Your job will always be as good as you make it. Steven KilgannonGarda Trainee

Yes, definitely! Being a Hotel Manager is busy and varied, but Leonardo Hotels really supports a healthy work-life balance. I have a good level of flexibility in how I manage my time, which makes it easier to balance work and personal life.

On top of that, there are some fantastic perks that make the job even more rewarding:

                  • Employee rates and family & friends discounts on hotel stays, perfect for personal travel or special trips.

                  • Lots of opportunities to learn and develop, through structured programmes like Accelerate and High Potential, as well as ongoing training.

                  • Networking events with industry partners and peers, which are great for sharing ideas and growing professionally.

                  • Excellent benefits, including a pension scheme, well-being support, and life assurance.

All of this means I can fully enjoy my career while having a lifestyle I’m happy with — it’s a job that’s challenging, rewarding, and supportive both professionally and personally.

Colm DalyHotel Manager

Lots of my friends don't work in corporate jobs and when I was younger I used to wonder if maybe I should have chosen something more glamourous or more obviously beneficial like a charity but over time I realised that I was really lucky to work for a corporate company. Firstly, you get a lot of benefits such as healthcare, bonuses, plush office environment, wellbeing initiatives, generous pension schemes and more which means your working environment is nice and you don't have to worry about money so much.

But the thing it took me a while to realise is that if you can make a difference working at a large corporate the difference you can make to the larger world is actually huge, when big companies start focusing on things like Diversity and Sustainability this can influence things at a global level. Working for an international company I also get to work with people all over the world and in the past I used to travel to some of our other offices in Europe and India which was fantastic as your colleagues would take you out to dinner and show you the sights. One time I got to visit the Taj Mahal

Kathryn ReevesLearning and Development Lead Yes it does. Having a work life balance, especially with a young family is curtail. My job’s location (north west of Ireland) allows for a relatively chilled day to day activities, no traffic and affordable housing. Ciara Shine Marketing Manager

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 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 Whats cool It allows me to live in Sligo on the northwest coast where job oportunities don't arise that often. Elsa KellySales & Administration Manager

• 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 The coolest thing is working with such a fantastic, hard-working, enthusiastic, energetic and intelligent team. We are a small company, based in Ireland and we are performing truly world-class research which will have a significant positive impact on the bottom line of many of the major pharmaceutical companies who we list as our customers.

Another cool thing is the nature of the work we do constantly changes in that we are always working on new projects with new customers which keep us challenged and excited. Brian KellyScience Entrepreneur I love travelling and meeting other people. You get to go to conferences and meetings abroad and meet other people who love your subject as much as you do. I love that I am my own boss (to a certain degree), though your supervisors are there for you to turn to for support. Cecilia FenechEnvironmental Scientist Working on Stephens Green and also getting on well with work colleagues. Des LalorWind Engineer Creating programmes to support people to reach their potential is really exciting. I've devised programmes to support grads, interns, people with disabilities, women returning from maternity leave. A lot of new HR technology is available now so you can do really cool things to understand colleagues and their preferences the way we try to understand our customers. Oonagh KellyHead of HR I really like the challenge of staying ahead of the programme and even gaining ground where possible. Each project is different so as a job you are never stuck completing the same tasks day in day out.

There is a lot of problem solving and thinking on your feet is a must. There is a nice balance between office and site works.  Aidan MaherSite Manager - Grad Entry

What I enjoy most is the variety — no two days are ever the same. There’s always something new to learn, and the environment constantly challenges you to grow. I also really value the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, whether it’s guests from around the world or colleagues with different backgrounds and experiences. It’s incredibly eye-opening and has helped shape a broader, more informed perspective of the world.

Liam Ryan Rooms Division Manager - Mount Juliet Estate 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 What I enjoy most about my job is the unique opportunity to spend my days at sea, observing whales and dolphins in their natural environment. Sailing around the Irish coast has always been a dream of mine, so being able to do this as part of my work feels incredibly special. It’s a rare combination of science, adventure, and personal fulfilment that I really value. Patrick KinnairdMarine Biologist Meeting and working with people Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist My job offers me exposure to a highly diverse pool of assets. As managers of taxpayers’ money, the team collectively holds a huge responsibility. The Fund is unique in its investment mandate; however, it is also highly agile in dealing with any new issues that may arise. A good example of this would be the setting up of the Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund, a €2bn fund to support medium and large enterprises in Ireland affected by Covid-19. Finally, is a fantastic team with people from many different backgrounds, giving me the opportunity to learn something new every day. Madhuvratha VasudevanSenior Investment Analyst

The programme’s feature many suppliers across the island of Ireland, from hotels, to transport providers, to activities, to restaurants and venues. Therefore, I am constantly discovering new suppliers and keeping up to date with what they offer, so that I can offer client’s the best possible experiences to suit the needs of their groups. I enjoy learning about new Irish suppliers and it brings me joy when I can offer a high quality service to guests travelling to Ireland. Equally, I am passionate about supporting Irish businesses and love to offer them to potential clients.

 

Hannah Smyth Events Programme Coordinator 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 really like that as a result of working in the cathedral, and working to attract visitors to this architectural, cultural and historic space, that I am a part of its history and legacy. Sophie GoughTourism, Events & Marketing Officer 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 As a Coillte employee, I can experience all aspects of forestry and I am not just restricted to one particular aspect. New forest management systems are currently being introduced within Coillte and it is great to be part of this exciting transformation. There are brilliant opportunities within Coillte at the moment. Kevin PowerResource Manager I love the fact I am working for a large successful organisation like Northern Trust. With the big name comes big opportunities which I find exciting. Jack BarryAnalyst, Transfer Agency I love the variety in my job, from working with different people across different projects, each with different challenges, expectations and targets. Shane O'SheaSuperValu Regional Support Manager

I’ve always strived to add value in whatever I do and my main objectives are always align to my personal values and I want to work for a company where that is embraced. Some of the work I’m doing is in relation to our workforce strategies and how we can make an impact to the life’s of our people it’s a really great opportunity to bring change and I am passionate about.

Sabrina StauntonDesign & Strategy Development Manager AIB Not so cool I really can't think of anything off the top of my head! Shane SargeantDepartment of Foreign Affairs I do not like billing but it is a very necessary part of working in a commercial firm! We need to record the time spent on client files and account for every minute while in the office and this can be difficult. Niamh CacciatoSolicitor Some days working from home can be difficult as something simple like asking someone a quick question becomes a task in itself, trying to find time between online meetings. Denise HarringtonSupply Chain Analyst 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 As a call centre and a developing business, we are always striving to meet the needs of our customers, part of that is that we operate 6 days a week and open late mid week.

Whilst a lot of insurance brokers operate on a 9-5 basis, this represents a challenge in managing and monitoring a call centre with extended hours. When resourcing the department it can also be difficult to find staff that will commit to shift work. Nicole FeigheryCustomer Care Manager As we are very busy through the winter months it can be very cold. We cannot have any heat on in the factory floor due to the nature of our products. This is not nice through the winter months. Brendan WhiteFish Filleter The downside of the school year is that there is no flexibility in holidays, this is not so cool when you have to holiday at peak times and pay top rates.

Dealing with disruptive children, or aggressive parents is not so cool!

One of the other aspects that can be testing is yard duty on cold winter days, cleaning up sick and dealing with "accidents" that small children can have. Deirdre SayersPrimary School Teacher I am not too fond of admin / paperwork but this is an essential part of the job here so I need to keep myself motivated to keep on top of it! Catherine O'Grady PowersOwner Gleenkeen Farms There’s always room to improve administration and processes - some of the activity is non-value add to our customers and consumes a lot of our time each day. Sarah TenantyFinance Operations Deadlines can be pressurising but it does ensure the work is kept up to date and to a high standard which benefits both my performance levels and that of Northern Trust. Jack BarryAnalyst, Transfer Agency The amount of paperwork. It depends which industry you are in but there is now paperwork in almost every job. On ships there is quite a lot nowadays. There is also a lot of paperwork involved in running a business. Manus O’BoyleMarine Engineer I have thought about this question and have asked a number of my colleagues.... None of us could think of anything that is not 'cool' about our jobs. For me, this is a dream job and I would not change a day of the time spent on the Air Corps so far. Oisin McGrathLieutenant - Pilot - Air Corp Interference with own social interests due to working hours Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist 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 There's no aspect of the job that I don't like. Rather, it can be frustrating to have to my work spill over into my personal time, to finish things to the standard that I want. But really that's a personal choice.

Next term I have a class with over two hundred students, so getting all of their assignments marked within a reasonable time will take a bit of a push! And sometimes it can feel like there are a lot of meetings - about specific degree programmes, about the HRM group, faculty meetings etc. But it is a huge advantage to work somewhere that emphasises including its staff in decision making, so there is a significant upside to that. Aoife Mc DermottLecturer There's always parts of any job that can get on your nerves but it's important to remember the positives and not to focus of the negatives. I'm very grateful that the positives far outweigh any negatives at work! Michael McDermottAssociate Director, International Corporate Banking Nothing so far. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer Repetition, so that would be opening and locking the building, completing daily cash sheets, it can become boring. Mary Jo SheridanTourism Manager - Dublinia I enjoy all the aspects of the job even the more stressful ones like meeting particular targets. Donal Og CusackAutomation/Energy Engineer Sometimes the paperwork can be time consuming, but necessary to do the job. Madonna DalyBusiness Manager