deiseanna gairme in institiúide an AE

Employer Insights Getting the job

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 I set up on my own / Self Employed Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist Prior to my current role, I was team coach of the Finance Operations area for three years and when the opportunity for promotion arose, I put myself forward.

I completed an interview with the Operations Manager and one week later I was offered the position. My predecessor had over 40 years’ experience and I was very lucky to have him as a mentor. With his guidance and support, I felt I was ready to take on the challenge. Sarah TenantyFinance Operations

I worked “front line” as a Care Assistant at the beginning of my “route” to becoming a Clinical Psychologist. One of the organisations I worked in was St Michael’s House. Right from the beginning I had huge respect for the way this service was run. I felt the staff interacted with people in a way which was very dignified and enabling.

I learnt so much about the area and myself. I decided then that I would really try to become part of the organisation when I’d qualified as a Clinical Psychologist. Then an opportunity arose to involve St Michael’s House in some research I did as part of my training. This gave me more links with the organisation, and at this time I also heard that the organisation was going to be recruiting Clinical Psychologists at my grade.

I applied for the post following a newspaper advertisement, and also on the organisation’s web site. I was interviewed by a panel and was delighted to be offered the post of Clinical Psychologist in the organisation.

Elaine MacDonaldPsychologist - Clinical There are a couple of ways that singers are hired for work, one is via auditions. Typically at an audition, you are invited to sing for an opera house or casting director, you bring 5 pieces with you, and they provide a pianist (sometimes there is no time allowed to rehearse with the pianist beforehand!) and you sing 2-3 pieces from your list, and based on what they hear, if they like you and have something suitable to cast, then you're in luck!

More often than not though, singers will be cast because a director or conductor has worked with them before and knows they would be suitable, or they'll have seen them on stage or in concert and want to work with them based on that. So it's really important that when you're performing, it's to the best of your ability. You never know who's in the audience! Sharon CartyOpera Singer I applied through publicjobs.ie. Aishling ButlerGarda Trainee I applied through a job listing on LinkedIn and had a series of interviews as well as an in-person trial where I was tasked with making two dishes in 2 hours that were fine dining orientated and presenting them. Eoghan O’FlynnHead Chef (Fota Island Resort) I 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 It’s a family business , so hard work and gaining experience. Ciara Shine Marketing 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 Community Policing was an area that always interested me and when a vacancy came up, I applied through my Sergeant and my application was accepted. Niamh BriggsGarda 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 have been very fortunate in my career to-date. Working with the Dublin Football 5-in-a-row winning team has opened a lot of doors for me. My experience is if you work hard and do great work, that will be recognised. Working in sport can be a ‘relationship based’ business ie. You are sought after based on reputation.
In the past I have also applied for advertised positions from Cricket Ireland and Sport Ireland. This is usually through a public tendering process. I have been successful in some and unsuccessful in others. It is very exciting when you land a contract with a team that may be, for example, working to qualify for the Olympics or World Cups.

Anne-Marie KennedyChartered Sport Psychologist 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 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 After Covid, I wanted a change of scene, a vacancy opened up in the Sales office at TCH, so I applied and started as a Sales Executive. I really enjoyed working in Sales, but when the Guest Experience Manager role came up, it felt like everything I loved doing, meeting guests, resolving issues, promoting the business and Offaly so I made the move. Maree O’BrienGuest Experience Manager, Sustainability & Innovation Lead 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 was working in the Energy Sector for another organisation and recruitment agency contacted me about a role working at Fidelity International. At the time I had never considered working in Financial Services so I had to do quite a bit of research to work out how the role would be different from my current role and how I could address that in an interview. I attended four interviews, with my potential manager, her manager and also with people I would be working with.

There was also a personality questionnaire and an aptitude test. It sounds daunting but everyone was really nice and friendly, it also made me realise that working in Financial Services wasn't going to be all that different from working in the Energy sector! There were more similarities than differences.

Kathryn ReevesLearning and Development Lead

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

Ross O'BrienGraduate Recruitment Team Lead

Donegal Sea Adventure: I set up the company in 2023. There was about 2 years of work in the background setting it up.

My job at sea: I heard about it through a friend and ex-colleague. I sent an application to the management company and got an interview. The interviewer then contacted me to say that I had been successful Manus O’BoyleMarine Engineer Main challenges A lot of the subjects are done through independent learning so self motivation is a really important part of college life. Mark Spain Garda Trainee

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

The first big challenge with becoming a pilot in the Air Corps is the initial 2-3 years of training....bit military and flying training. This is a tough few years and should not be looked on lightly.

Once finished and passed though it is probably one of the most rewarding days of your life!! From day to day, however, flying presents us with numerous challenges to keep us on our toes. No two flights are ever the same...there are so many variables including weather, wind, turbulence, type of job and numbers on board.

Having to make difficult decisions before and during flights is very challenging and needs flight crews to be up to speed and alert at all times.

Oisin McGrathLieutenant - Pilot - Air Corp It is getting more and more difficult to stay up to date with all the latest research published in my field. It is not unusual for several people to be working on the same problem at the same time and it is important to keep up to date so that you don't waste time repeating the same experiment. Nuala CaffreyResearch Fellow in Computational Physics There can be challenges for example where a client asks for something immediately and the manager/partner on the client is not in the office. However, I have found that working as part of a large corporate tax group there is always someone willing and available to assist with any problems I have. Anna Holohan Tax Manager 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 challenge is fitting it all in but I do always mange to somehow.

Other challenges can be keeping training relevant to everyone and engaging all learning styles and differing levels of motivation but I enjoy a challenge!

Kerri MartinTraining Development Officer The insurance industry is a very fast paced environment and my biggest challenge is that there are never enough hours in the day. Sarah TenantyFinance Operations I used to really dislike writing, but as I have developed in my career it has become easier, and sometimes even enjoyable. My biggest challenge is presenting to large audiences; I don’t like this. But it is unavoidable and usually once I begin talking it’s fine, however, I hate the nervous feeling before speaking.  Damien HaberlinEcologist (Post-Doctoral Researcher) 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 Out at sea everyday is different so each new day has it's own challenges! Brendan CavanaghShips Engineer 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 Meeting deadlines for orders. Ray PowerPotter The main challenges are dealing with diversity and mixed ability in the classroom, inclusion of all pupils in all activities and maintaining safety and high levels of participation in PE. Mary JoyceSecondary School Teacher Its varied position with alot of different aspects and no two days are the same, so it can be challenging juggling different responsibilities. Billy LarkinLogistics Coordinator Meeting our forecast commitments up to 2020 Maximising the value from the harvest Managing constraints (E.g. forest access issues) Kevin PowerResource Manager The sourcing and supply of fish is a daily challenge.  We are helped in this by other people in the industry and constant contact with the market. Nicola O'HigginsFishmonger I feel very passionate about working as a Clinical Psychologist. There is a high level of demand for our services and, upon qualification, we carry a lot of responsibility in our roles. This means that self-care and work-life balance are key. Cal Mc DonaghSenior Clinical Psychologist The main challenges are ones that effect society as a whole today, poverty, homelessness and trying to police the increasing rate of crime. Niamh BriggsGarda Time management! There is a lot of work to do, especially if you want to keep up with all the developments in the topics that interest you. I am good at maintaining to-do lists, and I spend a lot of time thinking about what is important and what is urgent on these lists and managing my time accordingly. Dr. Patrick CadwellLecturer Typical day Until recently, a typical day as an astrobiologist could range from collecting extremophiles on the surface of a glacier in Greenland; performing experiments in various laboratories; doing data analyses at university/research institutions; to being part of simulated Martian missions. Now, in a more managerial role, I also lead meetings, go to conferences, represent SOSA and my country at diverse meetings (for example at ESA headquarters) and design very big international projects. Michaela MusilovaMission Control Space Services I aspire to work 5 days a week (8am to 4pm) however since I am an entrepreneur who founded a start-up food company so my working hours can be less or more depending on the week and its demands. I don’t have a typical day. The advantages to being my own boss is that I can be flexible with my time to suit my family (I have 2 kids). This is really important for me. In turn, I need to make up for this time another way so I often work after the kids go to bed and sometimes I need to work on the weekends (in this case I’ll try to get another day back to spend time with my family). Balance is really important for me. Running my own company is demanding and challenging however I love what I do so I wouldn’t change it for anything! Fiona UyemaChef Each day can be very different, most of the time I am working on content for our wide spread social media campaign that we are running for SSP. Or I could be working on videos, photos and lots of communications with people from all over the world. Jonathan FaullSpace Social Media and Communications Because I am self-employed, I have to be very self-motivated and always provide quality and positive Leadership for my team, sometimes this can be challenging as I have to juggle a lot; we have a large working sheep farm coupled with my Husband Jim spending long stints away for work, we also have a 4 and ½ year old wonderful boy. While challenging this juggle is very rewarding, we live in a beautiful place, surrounded by wonderful people and happy Customers. Catherine O'Grady PowersOwner Gleenkeen Farms

Donegal Sea Adventure: Days vary with demand, weather and events, but a typical day in the summer starts with getting the boat ready, greeting the passengers and going out on the first trip of the day. Sometimes we change the route we take throughout the day depending on wind, tides and if we spot wildlife in certain areas. At the end of the day the boat is washed, re-fuelled and taken to its mooring.

My job at sea: Every day is different depending if we are in port or at sea. An ordinary day begins with sifting through emails, followed by a morning meeting with the engineering team. We set out the tasks for the day and get any paperwork ready – work permits etc. We carry out operational tasks throughout the day and do breakdown maintenance if required. I oversee everything that happens in the Engineering department each day and plan daily jobs and larger jobs that can only be done in port or during drydock/refit. Manus O’BoyleMarine Engineer "My role is all about focusing on the overall business, making sure the team is fully equipped with everything they need to run the operation smoothly and effectively. This means ensuring resources, training, and support are always available so colleagues can deliver outstanding service. A typical day involves a balance of hands-on leadership and strategic thinking.

I spend time checking in with different departments to understand their challenges and successes, removing any obstacles that might slow them down. At the same time, I’m constantly looking for opportunities to develop the business—whether that’s improving guest experiences, streamlining processes, or exploring new initiatives. Ultimately, my focus is on enhancing both the guest journey and the colleague experience, because I believe great service starts with a motivated and supported team. Managing this balance in a fast-paced environment, while responding to day-to-day pressures and planning for the future, is both challenging and rewarding." Shane CarterCenter Parcs Spa Manager A typical day is when I don’t get to work on what I had planned to work on! Each day I will spend some time commissioning new material or editing material that has been written by someone else. I spend a lot of time checking facts and statements. Some time is spent coordinating with other PR partners, running the editorial board, scheduling publications, and planning for new outreach projects. Karen O'FlahertyScience Communicator

The good thing about working in Creganna is that the job has a lot of variety to it. Unlike working in a R&D department of a large company, Creganna provides the service of device design to many different companies. Hence you could be working on a device for a cardiovascular application, like a stent delivery system one day & on a biomedical cement delivery device the next.

A project is usually kicked off with brainstorming sessions, which may involve 8 – 10 engineer discussing a possible device design & subsequently coming up with possible solutions. We will then try to construct prototypes in the lab. The next step involves testing these devices in conditions which simulate those experienced during application. Some projects may require additional research, for example, we often travel to NUIG hospital to view various procedures. This enables us to understand the conditions the device will be exposed to during surgery & the requirements of the surgeon.

Once a prototype has been refined & there is confidence in its performance against a defined set of specifications, animal trials will be carried out, which is a very important step. During these trials we can test the device to the extreme & ensure that once it is used in patients it will perform as expected & not cause any injury to the patient or physician.

Sinead KennyDesign Engineer In many ways there is no typical day. In any day one might be involved in a host of different activities. Such activities could include taking a careers class, doing one to one careers interviews, conducting psychometric tests, having one to one counselling sessions, liasing with parents and teachers, administrative work and attending career related or continuous professional training events. At different stages of the year different priorities come to the fore. Brian HowardGuidance Counsellor A typical day in Customer Care for me consists of Working directly with my team leaders to plan and organise call centre operations for the day ahead.

- Resolving complex insurance issues and managing customer complaints.
- Monitoring and analysing trends, metrics and customer feedback to ensure that we are consistently offering an excellent service.
- Liaising with other operational managers to ensure a concerted approach to organisational goals and projects
- Supporting and mentoring staff towards achieving goals and targets daily
- Working closely with Insurer Partners to resolve any potential issues and improve delivery and efficacy of service between both parties in the best interests of our mutual customers.
- Looking at process and service enhancements that will positively impact our customer’s experience. Nicole FeigheryCustomer Care Manager My typical day involves ensuring that my staff have sufficient work to keep them busy so they’re not idle. I feel it’s crucial to have plenty of interesting and challenging work to keep you occupied. Oz IlbrahmiManufacturing Specialist 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

I don’t tend to have a typical day; each day is different depending on the work in hand.

If I am painting, once I begin I tend to work for hours, then maybe not work on it for days and then come back to the canvas with fresh eyes. Some paintings take only days, some take months. Most of my paintings are explorations of the surfaces of other worlds. If I am doing a drawing workshop I pack the equipment in the car the evening before, so getting to the venue is my only pressure.

It’s very rewarding to impart the excitement of our solar system and space exploration via drawing to children. Sometimes several workshops in one day can be a challenge, especially if the venues are distant from each other. I have to be very flexible when I arrive as each venue is different and I need to adapt my presentation, equipment etc on the spot to suit the attendees.

If I choose to do a Moon drawing for a book or an article I am on tenterhooks hoping for a clear evening. On an ideal night I have the telescope set up early in the best position to follow my target. I might observe the area I intend to draw several times before I am ready to start. My drawing easel and pastels are ready and I have to be very focused indeed to capture the lunar feature in as much detail as possible. Full-phase Moon drawings can take up to two hours or more to complete, other features perhaps an hour.

Photography is involved if it’s a step-by-step article or book chapter that can be very awkward in the flow of the drawing. Mostly I would write an outline report on my drawing soon as it is finished.

Deirdre KelleghanAmateur Astronomer Maintaining the boat, ensuring it is kept clean and safe. 
Mainting the nets and the other tools / equipment that we use  John OglesbyDeck Hand 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 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 Arriving in, checking e-mails and going through data from tests I set up previously. Creating new ways to improve the products I am working on by thinking outside the box, and trying to make things as simple as possible. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer

A normal day in the army starts at 08:25. You would be on parade at that time where an NCO would inspect your uniform and make sure everybody is there and then do some foot drill with us. From 09:00 until 11:00 we are tasked with jobs that come from our superiors which can be anything from cleaning, weapons, training or lectures. We then have a tea break. Then physical training would be organised for us.

After lunch we have another parade followed by more tasks. On a normal day we would finish at 16:30, however you are expected to prepare everything for the next day e.g. clean and iron your uniform and prepare what equipment is needed for the next day.

Louise Mc DonaldPrivate (Line) I arrive at 7am, get some coffee and check my emails and instant messages. Then I work on projects that have the highest priority or have people waiting on me to do something. There are meetings scattered throughout the day, some are walking meetings which gives us a chance to get some fresh air! Megan WalshMechanical Engineer This can be anything from a full day of meeting, admin, physical labour in the form of packing orders or simply making sales calls. Ciara Shine Marketing Manager Further training...

I have commenced a Level 9 Certificate in Trauma Informed Care, and will obtain this qualification in June 2023. I intend to undertake a Higher Diploma in Mediation and Conflict Resolution in the next 12-18 months.

Jonathan O’ReillyPrincipal Social Worker 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 am passionate about learning, I actively encourage my team to commit to their studies by highlighting the benefits of continuous professional development. I will complete the MDI qualification which contributes towards credit for ACII. Nicole FeigheryCustomer Care Manager Yes, I do ongoing training – I dedicate about 5% of my time to training. Des LalorWind Engineer Not at present but may look into doing a Masters.  Ross O'BrienGraduate Recruitment Team Lead In my previous jobs, I had taken the opportunity to learn advanced financial modelling in Excel for valuation and to develop a good working knowledge of some of the key databases used to support several functions in Corporate Finance. In my current role, I plan to learn Data Analytics as it is a crucial function that has proven its importance in all businesses today and is highly useful as a tool to support decision making, which I believe will be helpful in my current and future roles. Madhuvratha VasudevanSenior Investment Analyst I plan to complete a masters in Employee Relations. I have done a year already but have taken some time out due to family circumstances. Another thing I would love to do is to do a course in employment law. Ejiro O'Hare StrattonClinical Nurse Manager 2

After completing my BSc in Physiotherapy, and then changing my career path, I worried a lot about doing the ‘right’ course this time around. In hindsight I probably was overthinking things! Within my first few years in AIB, I finished my exams to become a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA). This was a big achievement, and felt like a real milestone in establishing my career on the business side. I took a few years off studying to find a course that suited where I wanted to go, and recently completed a Diploma in Digital Transformation (Financial Services) awarded by UCD. I was delighted to receive a first class honours in this course, as it almost proved to myself that this is an area in which I thrive. This Diploma is a stepping stone to a wider Masters in Financial Services which I’m hoping to complete over the coming three years.

AIB have supported all my post graduate education to date – definitely another perk to the job!  Lara MulveySenior Product Manager AIB Plan to possibly look at project management. Madonna DalyBusiness Manager Yes I have and willing to do more. Rasaq FaladeGarda Reserve 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 I would like to study something more about business as it’s a rapidly expanding sector within the global space economy and it would be really useful to have. Jonathan FaullSpace Social Media and Communications I have received training on the use of the interactive whiteboard as a tool for teaching. 

Inservice days on new (1999) primary school curriculum. 

I have participated in many courses on Gaelic Games run by the local G.A.A. Club 'Kilmacud Crokes'.

Currently I am studying in U.C.D. on a Masters in Education programme. Brian CadiganPrimary School Teacher In the Defence Forces you are constantly furthering your career by undertaking military and educational courses. Tom TooherLieutenant - Army I continue to avail of all of the wonderful training workshops and online courses made available to us by Failte Ireland and the LEO Offices. We are extremely lucky in this country for all of the supports and resources available to businesses. Catherine O'Grady PowersOwner Gleenkeen Farms 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 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 As above I’m currently doing the FCII and a degree in International Finance & Banking. I’m also participating in a number of internal Aon courses. Karl CurranAssociate Director I have undertaken some brief upskilling courses, however I would love to take part in a fishmonger masterclass and butchery. I feel as though these are dying skills in our industry and I would love to be able to practice them. I also plan on completing my WSET (Wine Qualifications) in the coming year too. Upskilling and additional courses are only beneficial to your career and I am of the belief that you can never stop learning there is always new developments and areas to learn. Fiona KeyesChef Advice if considering this job I would advise them to give it a go - it doesn’t mean you have to work there long term. You must know how to speak a language other than your mother tongue reasonably well, as a good proficiency is essential. It’s also important to know and understand the cultural diversity that makes up the European Union.

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

It is also important for young Irish people to consider moving to countries that are not English speaking and working for the EU would be very useful to your long term career. Catherine DaySecretary General You need to be 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 To prepare your work place first thing in the morning would be the most important part of my job. Brendan WhiteFish Filleter Work experience is always a great way to figure out what aspect of property you are most interested in, a number of companies offer a summer internship which are helpful and often lead to a job after college! Jenny DonnellyAsset Manager I would strongly recommend a career in tax to any students who are considering it. Tax professionals are in high demand from employers and can add real value to any business. It is a challenging and rewarding career which can place you at the heart of business decision making. It can also be an excellent springboard to other careers in finance.

Just recently a new Chief Financial Officer was appointed to Irish Distillers who was formerly the Pernod Ricard Group tax director! Also do your research about the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification – from my own experience, the course is very practical and relevant to my day to day job. It provides a structured framework for achieving the knowledge of tax law and skills required to be a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA). Lorcan KellyTax Consultant 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 Being humble Enrico Galderisi Hotel Manager The advise that I would give to someone considering this job is to do their Leaving Cert and do the Transition year as this would give an opportunity to get some job experience or do some voluntary work within the community.

Do a Level 5 FETAC health related course. The skills and qualities that are needed to do this type of work are a real sense of caring for other people, communication skills, listening skills, be able to take and give constructive criticism without causing or taking offence, patience a willing to give your best effort to your work. Lydia PeppardCare Assistant The best bit of advice I could give anyone thinking about going into dairy farming is to go out and get experience first hand on a farm. This way you will know if you enjoy it and have a passion to do it first hand. If you do then studying agriculture in school and then onto an ag college is a great foundation to get the required knowledge you will need in the future. Bryan DanielsFarmer - Dairy I would offer 3 pieces of advice:

- Have a open mind and embrace change in order to grow
- Believe in yourself and your team - anything is possible!
- Be a problem solver, any problem big or small has a solution if you commit to finding one. Nicole FeigheryCustomer Care Manager If you're considering a career in spa management, my biggest advice is to be passionate about people - both your clients and your team. This role is about creating a calm, welcoming environment while juggling the fast-paced demands of operations, leadership, and guest care. Be ready to learn constantly, stay adaptable, and lead by example. The industry is ever-evolving, so staying curious and committed to growth will take you far. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of kindness and empathy - they’re at the heart of everything we do. Amy Brady Hotel Spa Manager Find something that you’re passionate about and it will make your life a lot more enjoyable.  David McKeownSpace Scientist You need to be interested in people, and want to help them. Interests in Creative Arts can help as well as having a degree in Social Studies and having plenty of work experience. Naoise PyeSocial Care Worker It can take between 7-10yrs to properly qualify so you need to be committed. There is limited work in professional sport in Ireland and this should be factored in when you weigh up the years of study versus the outcome. Anne-Marie KennedyChartered Sport Psychologist I would advise any college student considering a career in tax to undertake a summer internship or placement in a firm offering tax services. I found this an excellent way to understand what a job in tax would actually involve. Researching careers in tax online also shows the endless and exciting opportunities that a tax qualification can offer. I have found the more I have learned about tax, the more I understand how varied roles in tax can be. Anna Holohan Tax Manager Research the exams and the career progression through accountancy and see if this is something you can see yourself in long term.  Ross McKeoghMusgrave Retail Graduate Programme 1.Be open to new ideas. Think critically, and not just about the ideas of others. Be hard on your beliefs. Take them out onto the verandah and beat them with a cricket bat. Be intellectually rigorous. Identify your biases, your prejudices, your privilege. 2.Dedicate one's self to the pursuit of short-term goals. Be micro-ambitious.

Put your head down and work with pride on whatever is in front of you, you never know where you might end up. Be aware that the next worthy pursuit will appear in your periphery and when you least expect it. 3.You don't need to already know what you're going to do with the rest of your life. Many people who were sure of their career path at age 20 end up having midlife crises now. 4.Be able to speak in public and also in a foreign language. If you can do all that and tell a joke, you've cracked it. Fergal DonnellyEuropean Commission If you are considering full-time scientific research, try to get a work placement in a university department so you can see first hand what it’s like. It’s a relatively relaxed, flexible environment, but there is a certain degree of self-motivation needed. 

So I would say you need to be able to push  yourself and be proactive in terms of setting up collaborations with other scientists etc. Caitriona JackmanPlanetary Scientist If you look at the staff we have here, they've come from all over the place. Some have been ex-Navy or have been Comms officers on ships; we have people who have been involved in building work and ended up coming here..it really is very random how people have ended up here. Often people have studied science in school, but often they haven't done science degrees, but have ended up meandering through various different industries to get here; so most of all it's to follow what you're interested in and what you enjoy doing. Like I say to the gang here, if they're not waking up in the morning wanting to go in to work, they need to change jobs. Rory Fitzpatrick CEO of the National Space Centre It is essential to be a very patient and organised person. Also you must have a sense of humour, be easy going and not take yourself too seriously. Padraig ParleTeacher - Special Needs The lifestyle Yes, I enjoy my weekends off and I also get to keep another passion of mine alive in my spare time which is farming. A great work-life balance! Kevin O'HaganDesign Engineer Yes it offers me the flexibility to pursue other interests outside of my normal working day such as the ISA. Taking time off and switching off after work to enjoy time with my family has always been supported. I know this is not always the case in the hospitality industry. Melissa JonesGroup Spa Development Manager When I was younger, one of the most important factors for me was to earn a really good salary as I wanted to be comfortable (my parents struggled financially so I didn't want to have the same struggles). However, I realised in my late twenties that although I wanted a good salary to be financially comfortable it was equally important for me to be as happy in my professional life as I was in my personal life.

I was working as a tax consultant and my job was well paid with great benefits. I was getting bored and frustrated with the lack of excitement. Overtime, I transitioned to work for myself in the food industry using all the knowledge and key skills I gained in all my previous jobs e.g. I've financial and tax awareness from my previous job. Fiona UyemaChef

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 It does. I can balance work, family life and my social life very well. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer Working as JET Coordinator can be quite hectic as I have to visit lots of different universities and often have to get up early or don't get home until late, but it's nice to still be in a Japanese work environment after coming back from Japan - a great way to ease myself back into Irish society without as much reverse culture shock being home. Edel CarletonJET Coordinator - Japanese Embassy Unfortunately being a solicitor in a commercial firm can mean long hours and at least 9-530 each day but as I've progressed I've been able to manage my time better. I work from home on a Tuesday which makes a big difference to my week. With advances in technology wording remotely has become easier as I can log onto my pc from home and transfer my extension to my mobile phone. Hopefully more flexible working arrangements are to come for most professions. Niamh CacciatoSolicitor Absolutely. I really enjoy what I do and I also wanted to progress. I knew this would cost hours, so I set terms that would work and that I was comfortable with. Richard KinsellaManaging Director

What I love most is the flexibility and variety the job offers. No two days are ever the same, and the nature of shift-based work means you can often find time for personal travel or hobbies when others might not be able to. It’s allowed me to visit amazing places, meet people from all over the world, and learn about different cultures all while building a career I’m proud of.

There’s real scope for progression, recognition, and for anyone with a passion for people and service, it can absolutely support a lifestyle that’s both fulfilling and exciting.

 

Liam Ryan Rooms Division Manager - Mount Juliet Estate 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 Very much so. Your job will always be as good as you make it. Steven KilgannonGarda Trainee Being an Anaethetist is a well paid job providing a very good income.  However with the long working hours it can be difficult to balance work, training and family life, never mind hobbies! Dr Jan SteinerAnaesthetist

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 We built our business from scratch and it is now in a growth stage, we have had to make a tremendous amount of sacrifices. My husband Jim still works in America and our first little boy James was born in 2015 just one year after we opened our business. We need to work harder on a work life balance as unfortunately our business has always been at the forefront.  

What is rewarding from our job is the feedback from our guests on the connection they feel with Ireland, some visitors describe it as re-tracing their ancestors footsteps because our surrounding landscape acts as a living museum telling the story of centuries gone by from the interpretaion of the potato ridges, existing pre-famine cabins and bronze age sites.

There is a tremendous feeling of pride that we have preserved this place to share with others. Also, we employ local people and provide a platform for local crafters, knitters, jewellery makers and musicians to sell their produce in an area that lacks enterprise and employment, it is not just about Glen Keen, it is about Community and preserving Irish heritage. Catherine O'Grady PowersOwner Gleenkeen Farms My role at The Connaught Hotel allows me a great balance in terms of work and personal life. The Connaught is located in London, and living here over the past year has been an unforgettable experience. A great community exists in London that I have been cordially welcomed into. This community includes new colleagues from all around the world who I have made lifelong friends with and Shannon alumni who also reside London. The Connaught affords me a lifestyle that I am very happy with, and I am grateful to be a part of their diverse community Philip Lambert Hotel Front Office Supervisor 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) My job allows me to have a great work-life balance. We have a brilliant social aspect at Arup, as the company organises many events such as office cycles, soccer matches and tag rugby events.There are also brilliant opportunities to progress within the company. Since the beginning of my career, I have worked on large scale, important projects. I gained brilliant experience on these projects, which really stands to me and helps me to improve as an engineer. The opportunity to work on projects outside of Ireland has also helped me to progress within the company, as I have added to my skills in ways that I may not have achieved had I only worked on projects in Ireland. Shauna HurleyStructural Engineer Yes, it does. When I worked in social care I did 25hr shifts. I loved having time off when others were working “normal” hours.   My priorities changed when I had small children so moving to more regular hour suited our lifestyle. There are times, off course, when I need to be flexible and perhaps work longer hours to get projects over the line but when this happens there is always the flexibility from my management to take these hours back at a time that suits me. Kerri MartinTraining Development Officer A very wise colleague of mine put it perfectly being a singer is the best job in the world, it's just not always the best life, and this sums it up for me. It's not for everyone, the time spent preparing things alone, or long periods away from friends and family, and the pressure of having to perform regardless of what's going on in your life can sometimes be very very tough, so what you get out of actually doing the job has to be worth it.

There's no job security, if you get sick and have to cancel, you don't get paid, and no classical musician gets into it for the money! So you have to really want to do this job, but if you do, as my colleague said, it's the best job in the world! Sharon CartyOpera Singer Yes, right now I’m focused on learning and progressing my career and thankfully that is encouraged in my job and industry. Job security and work-life balance are also valued. And there are opportunities to travel and meet colleagues from across the global organization. Gillian MorganManufacturing Process Specialist Whats cool

I like it that my job is always challenging and never boring. Throughout the economic cycle, change is constant within financial markets. Interacting with our clients, hearing what it is that they are mostly focused on, allows us to tailor our solutions and be relevant.

Currently as economies are recovering from the pandemic, we are hearing more on how to hedge inflation risks, if house prices are reflecting asset price bubbles and on ESG investing. We have the opportunity to offer guidance and use our expertise to support our customers.

Semin Soher PowerSenior Inflation Trader There are a number of cool aspects of my job some of which perhaps only I find cool. I enjoy the fact that I can use my engineering experience to work on topics directly related to putting vehicles and people in space. I enjoy the fast paced projects that I am involved with and even though I do spend some sleepless nights worrying, the buzz when you find a solution is fantastic. In the past six months I have managed a project to put a reentry capsule in space, built hardware for astronaut training, taken part in a space debris study and more. Neil MurreyAerothermodynamics and Propulsion Design Engineer Cool is not a word I would really use in relation to my work, but what I like about my job is working within a team, having a say in how my work is done.

We have a good partnership committee at work and this allows us to have an input into the changes that are taking place and how they affect us in our working lives. As one of the union shop stewards I have always had some input, but partnership gives more of my colleagues a chance to have their say. This is a very good development because for years our group of workers have felt that they had no input into the work of the hospital and partnership has given a real sense of having some ownership regarding our work. Lydia PeppardCare Assistant Being able to work on something I'm very passionate about. David McKeownSpace Scientist

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

 

Jack FitzsimonsDirector of Sales & Marketing The children in this school enjoy a small teacher pupil ratio of 9:1. As a result teachers get to know the pupils a lot better and see progress a lot more clearly. Also, with small numbers, you don't have to be so strict and can have quite a relaxed classroom atmosphere. It is also cool to know you are making a real difference in peoples lives. Padraig ParleTeacher - Special Needs The Revenue Commissioners offers great opportunities to its staff. There is huge scope for movement within the organisation both in terms of lateral movements and promotions. Revenue has a great mobility policy which ensures that staff do not stay in the one section / area for long periods of time. As a result staff are regularly rotated around to ensure they gain experience in numerous sectors and areas of tax.
The nature of tax is extremely diverse. Tax is changing all the time and as a tax consultant you must stay up to date. After every Finance Bill / Finance Act it is necessary to review any changes brought in or new taxes introduced. It is a challenging and rewarding career. Edel ButlerAdministrative Officer

I am continuously challenged every day in my job which is great.

Dr Jan SteinerAnaesthetist 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 It is always varied so the work can be stimulating, interesting and exciting. It can also be stressful, pressurised and tiring particularly when a court case is at hearing but even when it is the diversity and adrenalin rush makes the long hours tolerable! Its often nice to escape the office and go to court for the day for a change of environment! Niamh CacciatoSolicitor

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 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 The holidays!! My colleague says “the education of our future generations”!!, that too, of course. Mary JoyceSecondary School Teacher

• 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 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

The coolest thing is that I am practically my own boss, provided projects come in on time and within agreed/set budgets.

I am very lucky in that I get to make the company better and in some instances make the lives of some people easier and less fraught.

I love working as part of a dedicated team that strives to continually improve all aspects of the organisation.

Jonathan PugsleyEnergy Manager Supporting the psychological wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities is especially rewarding. Research consistently shows that this population faces a significantly higher risk of adverse life experiences, including abuse, trauma, and discrimination, compared with both the general population and individuals with other types of disabilities. Mental health difficulties are also more prevalent among those with greater cognitive impairment. Despite this, recruiting psychologists into intellectual disability services can be challenging, making the need for expert psychological input even greater. I take great satisfaction in working to help meet this need. Dr Travis RyanSenior Clinical Psychologist I love the variety in my job, the people- staff and customers, when its busy and the day fly’s. There are days on my feet when I see on the App I have done over 9000 steps and 30 flights of stairs, just doing my duties and I have days when I’m at a desk all day with a list of tasks to complete and crossing each one off before heading home feels great. I like working in not-for-profit, I work for our visitors and not for shareholders pockets! Mary Jo SheridanTourism Manager - Dublinia Some of the new materials we get to use. Observing animal trials & seeing our devices being used. Observing procedures at the hospital & getting feedback from surgeons. The coolest thing of all however is to hear that the device has worked & the quality of life of many patients has improved. Sinead KennyDesign Engineer I really enjoy the design process and using my creativity to create a modern and unique product that is specifically customised to every single customer. I also enjoy using the program Solid works in my daily work routine – overall design is my passion and my favourite aspect of the job is seeing your finished product in action. Kevin O'HaganDesign Engineer Not so cool 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 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 Although you have the excitement and action of responding to calls the reality is when you arrive you have to deal with some horrific things, you will sometimes see people in great distress and suffering. On a positive note though once you get to do your job and use your skills you normally improve things. Keith HayesAmbulance / Paramedic Nothing so far. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer If material is returned to the library in a damaged state, I will have to ask for the cost of the item in order to replace it. This is not always popular with members but you must persist firmly when pursuing such a matter.

Sometimes, collecting overdue fines can be a point of contention, again staying calm but acting firmly is required. In essence we are providing a service and must be seen to do so effectively. Jonathan SmythLibrary Assistant 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 Some exercises can be very long and demanding. Sometimes you can be wet, hungry and tired and you just feel sorry for yourself.  But when it is all over I look back on it and realise the laugh that I had. Louise Mc DonaldPrivate (Line) It can be difficult working on legacy applications. It is important to upskill and to learn new technologies. Lynda O'LearySystems Engineer 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 Currently, working from home every day is not too enjoyable, I enjoy some variety in terms of office/home/on site work. Shane O'SheaSuperValu Regional Support Manager Everyone has days when you want to do nothing but lie in bed and dancers are no different. Sometimes it's tough to always have energy, especially on days when your body is hurting. I think people forget the immense physicality of dance but it's no mean feat to do an hour show every single night for 3 months straight with no night off. It's that exhausted feeling that I don't like. Megan McEvoyDancer Dealing with various regulatory bodies can be tedious and time consuming, but a necessary evil in this industry!! Shane CallananElectronic Engineer Not necessarily. I enjoy the role. It would be nice to have the ability to work home the odd day or two but that doesn’t really work in branch banking with a customer facing role. Cally O’LearyAIB Branch Retail Manager Because we work in such a regulated industry there is a lot of paperwork required. This involves validation of the design & all the various processes used to make the product. This represents the uncool aspect of the job but is extremely important as it reduces the potential that a patient will be injured or die as a result of a poor design. Sinead KennyDesign 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 The clean up after my events (TV cooking slots, cookery demonstrations etc). Yes I do a lot of the cleaning, packing up and carrying luggage. Fiona UyemaChef 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 Similar to many industries, different types of technology are constantly being introduced in the field of engineering. This means that it is necessary to attend training and spend time getting used to the various types of software.Only recently, I attended a training course on the essentials of seismic engineering. Earthquake design is not applicable to buildings in Ireland; however, it is a necessary requirement in other parts of the world. As Arup works on global projects, it is brilliant that I get the chance to attend this type of training, as I can apply what I have learned when I work on international projects. Shauna HurleyStructural Engineer Time management! It is a busy job and I don't always have time to do as good a job as I want to on some tasks because other things are more important or urgent. For example, sometimes you want to spend more time working on a piece of research but you can't because you need to respect a deadline given to you by a publisher. Dr. Patrick CadwellLecturer 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