deiseanna gairme in institiúide an AE

Employer Insights Getting the job 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'm currently an entrepreneur. I founded my own company a few years ago. For previous corporate roles I applied online and did several interviews. Then I was contacted by the agency if I was successful. Sometimes they don't contact you if you were unsuccessful! Fiona UyemaChef I applied through publicjobs.ie and was guided through the process. Mark Spain Garda Trainee I received my tour guiding badge in March of 2024. I had my first season last year. I found it hard to get a position in Tour Guiding as I had no previous experience. That was difficult for me and it hurt my confidence. All I needed was someone to give me a chance and so I continued to hand my CV's for any tour operators in the country. I was determined to get a job and I went to any interview I got offered. I find you can learn so much from interviews even if it's truly not the position you intended to have. Thankfully a company gave me a chance and the rest is history. I have set up an Instagram account "nicolemcguiretourguide" this is a place where companies can see the kind of person I am the people I have met, there reviews etc. I find it's all about putting yourself out there the first year is the hardest just like any job day one will always be the hardest.   Nicole McGuireFreelance Tour Guide I set up my own workshop in 1997. I am continually upgrading the workshop and developing work and teaching programmes. Glenn LucasWoodturner

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 was approached through the University of Limerick by Northern Trust to do an interview for their co-op programme. I was successful in my interview and was offered a chance to do my co-op with them which I gladly accepted. I really enjoyed my co-op and was then offered a chance to come back to Northern Trust upon completion of my final year of college. Jack BarryAnalyst, Transfer Agency I saw my current job advertised online on LinkedIn and applied for it. I got offered an interview and a few days later I was told I was the successful applicant. Haleigh JoyceScientific and Technical Officer (Marine) I submitted an application form, with details of my qualifications and work experience, and was invited to an interview a few months later.

It was a competency-based interview and included questions about what I would do in a range of clinical scenarios working as a Senior Psychologist. The next stage of the recruitment process involved Garda vetting, qualification checks and occupational health checks. Cal Mc DonaghSenior Clinical Psychologist 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 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 had been hoping to get back into library work and spent many months scanning the newspapers. Eventually an advert appeared and I phoned Cavan County Council for an application form. After forwarding the application, I was called for interview.

Initially, a panel of successful candidates was prepared by the Council Interview Board. Some months later I got a phone call asking me if I would like to work for Cavan County Council as a Librarian. I could only have said yes, and to this day I have never looked back. Jonathan SmythLibrary Assistant It was a career I was always interested in. I submitted a written application form which I was then selected from and called for interview. On completion of this interview I was then selected and called for a second interview, psychometric testing, medicals and a fitness test. The offer arrived the same day as the CAO offers. David FlemingSub Lieutenant - Navy I started my own company a year ago. I hired some people that I have been working with for several years and together we are building something incredible! Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies I set up on my own / Self Employed Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist 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 finished my PhD and heard that a position was to become available at the university where I studied. I applied by filling in a very detailed application form (it took me several weeks to write my answers and be happy with them), I taught a sample lesson and made a presentation about my plans for the job if I were to be successful, I sat an interview with a selection panel, and got told by phone that evening that I got the job. Dr. Patrick CadwellLecturer I 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 Oisín:
Sending an application email and interviewing for the position.

Oisin MurphyApprentice Carpenter It was advertised in a job section on newspaper. I went for a formal interview and received a letter stating my success in getting the position. Within the HSE, a panel of successful applicants is formed after the interviews and this panel usually remains ‘active’ for a year in that there is a chance you may be offered a position within that timeframe. Mary Ita HeffernanSocial Worker Main challenges

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

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

Lydia PeppardCare Assistant Trying to work as safe as possible which isn't that easy.  John OglesbyDeck Hand Meeting our forecast commitments up to 2020 Maximising the value from the harvest Managing constraints (E.g. forest access issues) Kevin PowerResource Manager

Main challenges in my role are:

Time management & people management - when managing a group of people there is always a variety of different needs and approaches. The team works best when all feel they can contribute in their way etc and this needs to be accommodated

Technical - I need to stay abreast with changes in the regulatory environment in Europe and US especially. The pharmaceutical are is highly automated and I need to be familiar with the manufacturing processes so any decision I make is sound and based on good science.

Michael BohaneQA Manager

Over the past year, the main challenge but equally an opportunity, has been putting The Heritage back on the map for MICE business, our combined efforts have been successful but we still have more to cover moving forward in different locations such as the UK and Europe which we will be actively targeting next year.

 

Jack FitzsimonsDirector of Sales & Marketing Time management & Self accountability Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist Travelling week in week out and spending time away from the family can at times be difficult. Ian McKinleyRugby Player As the people I work with face challenges with communication, learning what their needs are can be a challenge, this encourages you to think creatively and develop problem solving skills. It also develops good communication among the staff team. Deirdre LavelleCare Assistant The main challenges I find and that keep alert is customer satisfaction. I want people to feel comfortable in my presence, that they can come to me with any questions and problems. It can be draining sometimes dealing with different types of people some can be harder to break there barrow then others if that makes sense. That definitely keeps me motivated. Also everyday is a learning day. There is always something new around the corner or a new discovery or a story a local has told me in a place that you don't find typically online or in a book. Keeping up-to-date with what's going on in the world allows you to connect better to people. Nicole McGuireFreelance Tour Guide My biggest challenge is to run a Hotel being compared with a similar property in the UK or Europe. Irish market stands far away from standard operating systems of same type Hotels across the UK. Enrico Galderisi Hotel Manager Meeting deadlines for conferences and speaking in front of large groups of senior scientists about new work can be daunting at times, but it gets easier with practice!

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

There is not necessarily a "right answer" that you can check your calculations against, so you do sometimes have to stick your neck out and come up with a theory. Someone else can then come along and say that they think you're wrong and you have to defend yourself, hopefully based on sound scientific principles! Caitriona JackmanPlanetary Scientist 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 The main challenges include managing staff schedules, recruitment, maintaining high service standards, handling guest feedback, staying on top of stock and budgets. It’s a demanding role, but with the right support and mindset, it’s incredibly rewarding. Amy Brady Hotel Spa Manager AIB is quite new back to the market in the Graduate Space – Playing catch up but we are very fast to do so. Ross O'BrienGraduate Recruitment Team Lead We are a small company and we need to be able to react quickly to survive in a challenging and competitive commercial environment. From a personal perspective this means constantly ensuring that all the team "are singing from the same hymn sheet" and that everyone is focused on fully realising the commercial opportunity which presents itself at the time.

This can be challenging particularly in a research based company where sometimes ruthless decisions have to made with respect to dropping certain lines of experimental investigation. Brian KellyScience Entrepreneur Written interview unavailable... Mary McCaugheyHead of Communications Staying in control of my to-do list is the main challenge… You need to be very organised in this job. You need to plan ahead, know what meetings are coming up, make sure those who work with you on a particular client are aware of the upcoming meeting and what’s required for it.

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

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

Having said that, I’m very lucky to work in a team of highly-motivated, hard-working and conscientious people. We work well together as a team, helping each other out as and when necessary. There’s always someone ready and willing to help if you have a problem or if you simply need to bounce an idea off someone. Orla AherneInvestment Consultant I feel most challenged by the changing children in front of me! Children are more questioning than ever, they need more diverse methods of teaching to keep them engaged. The child with learning difficulties and the child with above average abilities as well as the average child all have to be kept engaged. This is not an easy task working within the confines of the curriculum which you are under pressure to deliver. Deirdre SayersPrimary School Teacher Main challenges for me right now include aligning the cool algorithms that the technical team can create with customers, and trying to commercialize them. Some of the technology we can create is very cool, but getting people to see the value of it and buy it can be very difficult. Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies It’s important to understand what the political priorities of the Commission are and to try and deliver them while keeping the machine running reasonably smoothly at the same time. It’s a constant challenge to make sure you have the right information before you make decisions. Catherine DaySecretary General Typical day My days are extremely varied, no day is the same but hopefully this will give a flavour: I arrive in and have a 9am Conference Call with the French company who supply our trams. The discussion might include things like a new energy-monitoring system we want on future trams, the Floor Slip Resistance of the existing trams, the new Door Control Software safety approval certificate and independent testing, etc. as well as prices for equipment and new trams. 10am: get to see my emails and generally there would be 10 to 20 new ones since the evening before, relating to, say, Extension of the Tram Lifting System for new longer trams we have (e.g. power consumption query from supplier); or an email from someone requesting me to give a talk or an email from HR requiring me to attend an IT Security briefing or an email about Maintenance spares.

12pm: e.g. Meeting with the MetroLink team to review latest issues under discusion with the external Engineering Design consultants. This could include discussions on Vehicle Fire Standards, passenger capacities, low-floor versus high-floor, infrastructure (segregation) requirements if driverless, etc. 1-2pm LUNCH! 2pm e.g. More emails akin to those earlier. 3pm e.g. Meeting with Risk Manager to review risk registers e.g. Functional (Department) Risk Register (sample item on this: the need for and reasons why additional staff are required); and Project Risk Registers e.g. Make sure the contract for X includes us getting an Advance Payment Bond before we make the first payment.

4pm Catch-up and brief my manager. 4:30 / 5 / 5:30 / 6pm. Emails, plus e.g. Preparation of report (e.g. commercial report for final settlement of a contract at cost neutral, i.e. our late delivery penalties match their additional unforeseen costs/claims or Preparation of a Business Case for the National Transport Authority in order to get approval for expenditure for something) Ciaran MacSamhrainEngineer - Transport Infrastructure Ireland Most of my work is done on a computer. I’ll read about the subject I’m working on, find out the questions that need to be answered, and figure out how I can contribute. The process works a bit like this: find a gap in the knowledge, try and fill that gap as best you can, discuss your findings with your peers, go back and improve, then share with the world.   Shane McDonaghRenewable Energy Engineer A typical day would begin with prayer and roll call. Then we would go through the timetable for the day beginning with Irish then Maths, English, Religion, History or Geography, Drama, Music, or PE -  just a sample of the many subjects we get through in a day. 

Most classes are of half an hour duration during which time you are trying to keep all levels of ability engaged and also two classes working as I teach in a multiclass situation. The timetable can be completely altered by visitors, dramas, choir practice and preparation for first holy communion to name just a few! Deirdre SayersPrimary School Teacher "A typical day as a Sustainability Leader involves a mix of planning, communication, and hands-on tasks. I often start by checking in with different departments (Housekeeping, Maintenance, F&B, Reception, and Marketing...) to see how our sustainability initiatives are progressing. I could spend the day tracking energy and waste data, follow up on action plans, and look for areas where we can improve. The role is very rewarding, especially when we hit our goals or introduce new ideas that actually make a difference. Every small change, like reducing plastic use or improving recycling in a specific department, feels like a win." Sissyane Rodrigues Sustainability Leader - The Sandymount Hotel

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

A typical day for me it really depends on what type of tour you are doing. For example I could be doing bus tours which is bringing a group of people from A to B safely all while enjoying themselves. This would involve telling them about the area we are traveling through the history, folklore and key points targeting the points of interests all while making it light hearted. My goal really is to treat everyone like a friend not a history lesson they are the holidays and want to enjoy themselves and by the end I have a bus load of friends. I tell them good places to eat, answer any questions they have, make sure they know a return time to the bus and where to get it and everything in between.

Some days I could be doing food tours, describing the local cusine, other days I could be doing walking tours. Every tour you do , you have to take into consideration the type of group you have are they elderly , any mobility issues, are they students, is there first time in Ireland, where are they from,  everything you can think off and all of this will allow for a more enjoyable day for everyone.

Pressures can present themselves in different ways. Time management definitely is one of the most important things for me you want them to have the best possible day and hit there itinerary with what they have planned to do. It's so important to stick to this or adjust it in ways that guests enjoy themselves and they are getting the full experience. Some things can go wrong that's out of your control, diversions on the road, bus break downs, guests falling etc Your dealing with the public anything can happen.

I find that you prepare yourself as best you can for all scenarios but most of all remain calm and collected the last thing you want is guests to feel stressed. So go with the flow things will happen but at the end of the day if everyone is happy and they enjoyed themselves that is the most important thing. Nicole McGuireFreelance Tour Guide

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

Diego GallagherSenior Solicitor 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 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

I should preface this by saying there is no ‘typical day’ in my experience of social work, with each dawn bringing its own new learning, opportunities and challenges. However, I would routinely start the day by reviewing my work priorities’ list for the week, checking my calendar and responding to emails that may have been sent the previous evening. After a brief check in with my teams, the day generally consists of a cocktail of meetings with my teams, advocacy on behalf of them, strategy meetings with external agencies, and ensuring that the department is operating efficiently. As a Principal Social Worker, my role is less ‘front line’ now, and my responsibility is to provide support and governance to my various teams to ensure that the young people we work with are getting the best service they can.

Jonathan O’ReillyPrincipal Social Worker It’s difficult to describe a typical day in research, because there are several aspects to what we do. During field work, our day can be dictated by daylight, tides and the seasonality of the species we study. In my case, jellyfish mainly occur in summer so most of my fieldwork is done then, which can mean long days in a boat, sometimes working around the clock. During the winter tends to be when I can focus on lab work, analysis and writing. In addition, we would attend meetings, conferences and workshops to discuss our work and look for new research opportunities.  Damien HaberlinEcologist (Post-Doctoral Researcher) I usually arrive in school about 8:15. Classes don’t start until 9:00 but I like to get some corrections and preparation done first. I would usually have between 6 and 9 class periods each day. Each class lasts 40 minutes.

On a typical day I would teach a variety of different classes and age groups, ranging from first year through to Leaving Cert. At 11:00 there is a ten minute break. Some days I would be required to supervise the corridors at this time.

After break there are two more classes before lunch at 12:25. Lunch is a good chance to catch up with colleagues in the staff room. At 1:25 class starts again. There are 4 classes in the afternoon with school finishing at 4pm.

I coach the school soccer team so I might have a training session for an hour and a half after school. Other days I might have to supervise in-school study for 2 hours. If I’m not doing extra curricular activities or study I usually stay in school and do some corrections, photocopying and preparations.

There is quite an amount of paperwork involved for a resource teacher as daily logs of student’s progress and activities must be kept. I might also use this time to update a student’s individual education plan (I.E.P) and make changes based on my assessment of their progress this week. Paul GalvanResource Teacher I start my day with a good strong coffee! I work in the RCI department in BD Dun Laoghaire and most of my projects involve working with colleagues overseas. In the morning, I start with my project action items, this could vary from R&D support work to liaising with external vendors. Then the afternoon usually comprises of meetings with my overseas colleague to discuss the progress of our project. Xiaona HouProduct Engineer

As I am the Fire Safety Marshall in my unit my first task is to do fire safety checks, check fire alarm, make sure all exits are clear etc.

Our service users start arriving a about 9am and we greet them and read communication books from home. Some of our service users prefer to have a drink on arrival and we get this for them while others like to wait till break time. Our service users need assistance with personal care and this is usually done after break and after lunch.

The most important part of our work is supporting our service users to access the community, so most days we go out between 11am and 1pm. We visit a variety of places such as local shops, park, coffee shops, trips on the DART, swimming pool, shopping centres etc. Twice a week they go out for lunch and the other days we have lunch in the unit, We also carry out physiotherapy programmes, do cookery, art, relaxation and sensory work.

Part of the afternoon is devoted to writing communication books, daily reports and any paper work that needs to be done. Another aspect of my job is administering medication to the service users, to do this I received training in the safe administeration of medication from my organisation. The most rewarding part of my day is to see the service users happy and enyoying themselves

Deirdre LavelleCare Assistant My work is very personal as I am with up to 5 clients for a full day touring and showing the wonderful places in the west of Ireland from the Cliffs of Moher to Yeats Country in Co Sligo. I pick up the clients from their accommodation, do my intro in Irish then in English and start with a funny ‘thought for the day’ to get the tour up an running. My commentary covers all aspects of everything Irish: history, music, literature, government, weather, television, movies, actors you name it we talk about it. I also like to find out more about the clients and their life in the US. It’s a two way conversation. Apart from the payment, it is gratifying to get five star reviews from clients following the completion of the tour. Neal DohertyPrivate Driver Guide 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 A typical day for me can be very diverse which is why I love my role, usually there is a number of meetings in the diary with property managers to discuss any arrears and how we plan to deal with this, we also have a number of team meetings to discuss any issues with the properties. We are hands on with communicating with our tenants, so this is daily also. Jenny DonnellyAsset Manager From 9:00 to 5:00 I am involved in manufacturing, sending out orders, and dealing with customers in the shop. I do the accounts at home after hours. Ray PowerPotter 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 Further training... I'm always learning. I would really like to study something in relation to digital leadership & transformation next! Oonagh KellyHead of HR As part of the job there a lot of job specific courses that can be completed during your trade . I have completed mobile tower assembly, boom and scissor lift driving, confined space training, occupational first aid, abrasive wheel training. I hope to follow up at the end of my trade and do engineering. Mark MaguireApprentice Electrician 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 I would like to learn sign language so I can impart my enthusiastic talks and workshops to the hearing impaired. Deirdre KelleghanAmateur Astronomer No plans in the short term. Ray PowerPotter Yes, I am planning to take the CFA Certificate in ESG Investing, wish me luck! Amy O’DwyerAssociate Sustainability Advisor I would definitely consider further studies in the future. I finished my undergraduate degree in May. At the minute, I am enjoying work life and using the skills I have developed through my honour’s degree in Engineering. Kevin O'HaganDesign Engineer 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’ve undertaken training as part of my job and I plan to continue upskilling. For example, I’ve completed mandatory courses like Personal Survival Training for going to sea, and training in using underwater video survey methods. Haleigh JoyceScientific and Technical Officer (Marine) Yes, there is still a great number of things that I would like to learn or get better at. This includes learning new languages, improving my IT skills (for example by learning new programming languages or using new software), refreshing certain skills (such as First Aid Training) and challenging myself to learn something beyond my comfort zone (for instance learning to make good sales pitches and generally marketing) Michaela MusilovaMission Control Space Services One of the main features of my job is constant improvement and training. I will, throughout my career in the Defense Forces, take part in many training courses and development programmes including; Snipers Course, Mowag Driving Course, Potential NCO's Course and RECCE Course. Keith LynchPrivate (Line) My job involves me constantly learning. This is both in terms of formal courses (mostly day-long seminars etc) as well as informally as I build up experience through the daily carrying out of my job. Brian KellyScience Entrepreneur I have done courses on Special Education, Learning Difficulties inc. Autism, Asbergers. Deirdre SayersPrimary School Teacher Yes it’s always necessary to keep up to date with best practice in special education. I have completed a Cert. in Dyslexia which is DES (Department of Education and Science) approved. In the future I intend to study for a Masters degree. I also read books and publications on special education and teaching methodology. Paul GalvanResource Teacher In all my roles I have had since completed my degree I have had the opportunity to grow and further my learning. I have done courses in leadership, Microsoft skills , finance training and many more. Laura NeillEvent and Engagement Manager Ongoing CPD keeps my work current and evolving, health psychology is a field that constantly adapts to new evidence and the changing needs of the communities we serve, and that’s one of the things I love about it. RehabCare places huge value on CPD and staff development, and are very supportive of any training or further education we want to undertake. Dr Alexis Carey Health Psychologist 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 As of yet, no I haven't, but hopefully when I get to grips with my job and settle down I would like to do a Horse Management course, maybe online. Other than that I can't see me having much time to go back to college in the near future. Kieran MageeFarm Manager - Dry Stock Absolutely I am open to any courses which will improve my performance and effectiveness within the organisation. Steven KilgannonGarda Trainee The QP course was undertaken through distance study while working in a previous role. I intend to study for an MBA within the next two years. The course will enable me to understand the business needs of the company and meet these requirements. Michael BohaneQA Manager Advice if considering this job You don’t need a history degree to do this job. There are lots of skills that will help to make you good at your job. Be interested, personable, punctual, organised and ambitious. Neal DohertyPrivate Driver Guide Everyone is different but definitely listen to your group read the room and don't be afraid to ask people in the industry for help and advice when on the road.  Bill MurrayTour Driver / Driver Finding what you’d like to do day to day, working in a big team, at a desk, on a site, is as important as the area you want to work in. Just because you like maths in school that doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy accounting, and likewise just because you don’t like physics that doesn’t mean you won’t make a great engineer. Shane McDonaghRenewable Energy Engineer Take every opportunity available, don't be afraid to do voluntary work and get involved in communities. Aishling ButlerGarda Trainee 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 Work hard, it is important to have a good work ethic and to always be open to facing new challenges. An open mind is very important as the financial services industry is one that has undergone and will continue to undergo many changes. An appetite for learning is also very important as the need to broaden ones knowledge is paramount. Kevin MoranInsurance Administrator Get making as soon as possible. Do plenty of classes with a range of different teachers. Find your unique style and product. Get as much relevant feedback as possible and use it to the best of your ability. Make a business plan and amend and change it regularly. Get into shows and exhibitions and build up a cv. Glenn LucasWoodturner

The Irish tourism product is a diverse one, this role requires knowledge of multiple elements of Irish tourism. Therefore, it is so important to keep up to date with trends, offerings and be proactive about developing your knowledge of what is on offer in Ireland. With great knowledge of what is on offer, this will enable fantastic creativity and flexibility when developing itineraries for clients.

Hannah Smyth Events Programme Coordinator I would highly recommend this job but I’d say to start taking insurance exams as soon as possible and get them done while you’re young.

I’d also recommend talking to as many people in the industry to see what area of insurance you want to go into i.e. Insurer, Broker, Loss Adjuster etc. – they’re very different! Karl CurranAssociate Director

Be curious and kind, those are the heart of psychology. Get as much experience as you can, whether through volunteering or placements to work out what area you might like to focus on. Psychology is a varied and rich subject.

Learn to see beyond symptoms to the whole person and their context. Strong research skills help a lot, as does a passion for human rights and social justice. You need to enjoy learning. To become a chartered psychologist, you undertake a degree (typically 3 years), a Master (typically 1 year) and a Doctorate (typically 3 years). Each are highly competitive to get in to so having a varied experience in for example, community mental health settings and research, would be necessary. It is also important to note that there are many opportunities for health psychologists in the NHS in the UK but there is a HSE recruitment issue as currently they hire Clinical, Educational and Counselling Psychologists. However, I have been able to navigate this through working in the non-profit sector, education, universities, HSE funded community organisations, and through private practice.. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding career.

Dr Alexis Carey Health Psychologist

Ask loads of questions and be curious. There are many different areas of law and just because one area is popular does not mean you will like it. You may find that another less known area of law might be right up your alley! Child law is a niche area but I like it.

Diego GallagherSenior Solicitor

Communication and team skills are probably the most important aspect overlooked.

In energy management, it is not I that saves the energy, but often it is folks on the ground using the equipment.

It is the energy managers job to educate by communication, the importance of doing the right things, savings then come as a result.

Jonathan PugsleyEnergy Manager Talk to people currently in the job. Get a few days work experience. Check out the courses (through BIM) Liz O'TooleSkipper Try and get as much practical experience before entering the job as possible. Dr Jan SteinerAnaesthetist 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 Oisín:
Be as open to advice and teaching as possible. Craft your own methods and ways of doing things and always continue to learn and devlop yourself and your skills.

Oisin MurphyApprentice Carpenter 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 If someone is considering a career as a clinical psychologist working with adults with intellectual disabilities, I would emphasise the significant positive impact they can have throughout their career. I would encourage them to keep this in mind while exploring the field practically. They might consider volunteering or working within an intellectual disability organisation to gain firsthand experience and the opportunity to spend meaningful time with people with intellectual disabilities. For those in professional training programmes, completing core or elective clinical placements in this area can provide invaluable insight. Qualified psychologists can also apply for posts, meet with the relevant manager, and explore whether the role aligns with their interests and skills. Finally, there are many excellent resources to support an informed decision, such as Stephen Urwin’s Beautiful Lives, which offers thoughtful perspectives on the experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities, including an accurate appreciation of how society has historically failed this population and what needs to be done to address this. Dr Travis RyanSenior Clinical Psychologist Be willing to be challenged, be open to other perspectives and 100% be willing to learn. This is a fast-paced environment, most learning will be done on the job so if you are open to these three elements, you will certainly come out the other end better prepared for you career. Shane O'SheaSuperValu Regional Support Manager

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

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

Dave McDonaldAstronomer The lifestyle Yes, because of the fact that I am into sport, teaching allows me the time to ensure I can attend training sessions and games all the time. In relation to progression there is always plenty of areas that you can explore from a background in education. It is a very secure job. However, It would be impossible for me at the moment to buy a house in Dublin on my salary. Brian CadiganPrimary School Teacher Yes, I love what I do. Sara Hickey Assistant Trading Manager Yes, I have a little girl and another baby on the way so work/life balance is very important. I work from home one day a week. Des LalorWind Engineer Yes I can vary my hours to suit my lifestyle when required. I make a large amount of decisions independantly each day. Aidan MaherSite Manager - Grad Entry

I find job security a very important feature of my job. Althought I may not make my millions, I will never be unemployed. A large part of my lifestyle revolves around sports and fitness and I feel that my career is perfect for that aspect of my life.

There is also the prospect of promotion within the ranks and with that comes responsibility which I'm looking forward to as a new challenging aspect of my lifestyle. Being overseas can be a difficult aspect of the lifestyle, being away from loved ones for months at a time, however, living so close to my home unit offers me much more time to spend with family and friends.

Keith LynchPrivate (Line) Aviva offers a great work/ life balance. They understand the importance of family life and wellbeing of their employees. Within Aviva there is a number of communities and wellbeing events also that you can benefit from. Jenny DonnellyAsset Manager Cheffing is relentless enough for unsociable hours however that seems to be changing somewhat. I have missed a few birthdays here and there and 21st celebrations etc but unfortunately that's the downside to working when the majority of everyone else is off. For me personally it doesn't bother me massively. One thing I found is it can be hard to play team sports as most matches are played on the weekends. Some places will try and give you a weekend a month off where possible. Usually what happens is you make friends with your colleagues and socialise on your days off with each other. Luckily I’m a member of my local golf club which does allow me to keep up a hobby on my days off. Stephen CroninPastry Chef at Cush Midleton 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, usually I work regular hours Monday – Friday. Occasionally, weekend work or longer hours are required when on site, however, this is always exciting work and my favourite part of my role when I am out meeting new people and working with fantastic Irish suppliers.

 

Hannah Smyth Events Programme Coordinator 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)

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 Yes, its very important to have a good balance between work and other interests in your life. Niamh BriggsGarda

My current role allows me to maintain a healthy work / life balance. I have a family with four children which takes up a large amount of time. I am active in a number of sports especially rugby and triathlon, also time consuming. I have progressed in my career satisfactorily so far but I would still have ambitions to progress further.

The company I currently work with encourages such ambition and allows people to seek responsibility and develop. It is important for a company to reward good / excellent performance and I am fortunate to work for such a company. Financial reward, while not being the most important aspect, is still important. My current role within the pharmaceutical industry pays well especially since I gained the Qualified Person qualification in 2001.

Michael BohaneQA Manager The hours are good, you still have enough time in the evening to follow pursuits which interest you. In the last number of years, I got married abroad, in fact, in Cyprus and my wife and I bought our new home in 2005.

The house has a study/ writing room, to which I go in the evening time. I'm not big on excessive luxuries but we do have a car and like to go on family holidays, usually somewhere hot like Spain. I also have my series of dvd collections, for example 007 movies and cult t.v. shows like 'The Prisoner', which I regularly add to. We also have a lovely garden where the children can play and I can relax, if only!. Jonathan SmythLibrary Assistant I would like to have more time for leisure & social activities!

The job is interesting but weekend work & early starts are to be expected in agriculture. Denis ReidyFarmer - Dairy

Engineering is a secure job. There are jobs in Ireland, and all around the world in Engineering. There are long days sometimes, but not all the time. As a lifestyle, Engineering presents a good lifestyle. I play football , and my job never interferes with that. My dad is an engineer too, and he was always around at home, evenings, weekends. The pay isn't bad either.

There is a great social aspect to Engineering, social events through work, keeping in touch with friends from college. Progression is good. There are many types of employers in the Enginnering world, they all encourage training on the job, any I've met have anyway.

Maria O'NeillCivil Engineer Yes I’m lucky that Johnson & Johnson are such a fantastic company to work for and that the job enables me to travel a lot which I really enjoy. Donal Og CusackAutomation/Energy Engineer Absolutely, the work life balance within Musgrave is completely in sync. Shane O'SheaSuperValu Regional Support Manager Absolutely! Having a balanced lifestyle is very important to maintain high levels of work output. However, I’ve had prestigious engineering jobs that have had over 100 hour working weeks, and I now use balance as a main piece of criteria when choosing a new position. Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies

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

The position I'm currently at Tour Guiding can be quite seasonal. I currently love this factor of my work. I also love the fact that everyone you deal with is on there holidays and are happy to be hearing about your country and culture, folklore, history etc. It is such a rewarding and mood boosting job, you meet so many amazing people from all walks of life. Everyday is a learning day and I love that. As it is seasonal I have had the opportunity to travel some of the countries to learn about other cultures inspired by the people I have met. It's also allowed me to plan ahead to further my growth as this winter on the off season I plan to get my bus licence as Ireland is one of the only places in Europe that allows driver guides. This will further my opportunities more. Nicole McGuireFreelance Tour Guide Whats cool Right now, artificial intelligence and robotics. But I’m biased! Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies I love the variety that comes with this job, not knowing who you are going to meet or what you may come across. I also love that more often than not I get to work outdoors and meet so many different characters. Niamh BriggsGarda Teamwork, I’ve always liked working as part of a team. I’ve found that working with others has always been far more beneficial. Listening to other people’s perspectives helps us see things in another light and thus helps broaden our approach and for me this improves our attitudes to work. Kevin MoranInsurance Administrator I enjoy the fact that there is a lot of patient contact and that we have the opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives through sometimes relatively simple actions. For example, just taking the time to sit down with someone and listen to their concerns or explain what each of their medicines is used for could make the difference between them taking medication or not. I found working as a community pharmacist quite an isolating experience and enjoy working alongside other healthcare professionals in my current role. Rachel BerryPharmacist Having my own workshop in the Castle yard. Flexible hours, and selling what I make. Ray PowerPotter Tax professionals can add real value to a business and can be critical in shaping major decisions. I really enjoy seeing the value that I can add to the business. The tax analysis is critical in so many business decisions and in a lot of cases drives the decision. Lorcan KellyTax Consultant Knowing that what I do every day is seeking innovative solutions which strive to improve healthcare products. Xiaona HouProduct Engineer Everything that I make goes into space, it's nice to know your own contribution to every launch is so valuable. Developing a new manufacturing process is pretty cool too. Owen HughesManufacturing Technician

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

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

Nicole McGuireFreelance Tour Guide What I really like about my job is that it's very social. I did not expect that coming into an office environment. There's a very friendly atmosphere in here, which makes any stressful day a lot easier. We also do a lot of events and meet ups outside of work too, which is great for team building. Another thing I must include is the free tea, coffee and on-site lunches. It saves so much time in the mornings! Laura GlendonMultilingual Software Support SAP

I like working with dozens of different staff members every day as we work as a team to protect children’s rights.

Diego GallagherSenior Solicitor I am very much a people person and love the opportunities which this job provides. Steven KilgannonGarda Trainee Not being Irish but with many years in the country the best part of my daily time is getting to know my customers, giving the best touristic tips about this beautiful country and letting them get fascinated by it.  Enrico Galderisi Hotel Manager I like the diverse nature of the role, its very exciting as no two days are the same. We regularly get out to inspect properties also which is great. Jenny DonnellyAsset Manager I really like everything about my job, I love kitchens, I love the people, and I love the food, every day is a new day, there's always something changing or evolving and getting to be a part of the constant push forward as a leader in the kitchen is inspiring. Eoghan O’FlynnHead Chef (Fota Island Resort) "What I really love about my job is the team I work with. Watching each colleague’s journey and growth over time is incredibly rewarding — seeing them develop their skills, take on new challenges, and gain confidence makes the role meaningful beyond day-to-day tasks. Another thing that think is really ‘cool’ is being part of a business that genuinely impacts people’s well-being.
There’s nothing quite like seeing our guests leave Aqua Sana Forest Spa feeling refreshed and revitalised. Knowing that the environment we create contributes to their happiness and relaxation gives me a real sense of pride. " Shane CarterCenter Parcs Spa Manager Meeting and working with people Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist 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 A good catch, especially when you catch more than a boat thats bigger than yours! When you’re able to fix a possibly life threatening problem out at sea, and continue fishing and you always have plenty of opportunities to do so. Fishing is continuously a test of one’s abilities, so when you are tested and come out successful, it’s good/cool. Liz O'TooleSkipper 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 Not so cool

Like many social work departments, there is more work than staff available to do it.

Jonathan O’ReillyPrincipal Social Worker Heavy administration process. Ross O'BrienGraduate Recruitment Team Lead

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

Kerri MartinTraining Development Officer Seeing people upset and not knowing how to help them. Deirdre LavelleCare Assistant People management. I hate it, it's one of the things that I despise doing, but it's a key part of the job, something I have to do and it's something I'm not good at, i'ts not my natural instinct. Rory Fitzpatrick CEO of the National Space Centre Although it's been interesting travelling to different parts of Ireland, I can't say that I have gotten used to having to get up super early in order to travel for hours to get to my destination on time! Office work can also build up during the days you are travelling so when you get back there's often a lot to do! Edel CarletonJET Coordinator - Japanese Embassy Administration tasks!!! Mary Ita HeffernanSocial Worker Definitely drafting meeting minutes. I don’t think anyone enjoys that. Orla AherneInvestment Consultant The constant cleaning is mundane.  At the end of a long day on your feet you have to clear the counter which is heart breaking, putting everything away which took so much time to get ready and look good. You have to clean the counter, the fridge and  the floors - nothing can be left undone. Nicola O'HigginsFishmonger Not that I don't like it as, it can be a nice change of pace at times but the administrative/system entry side of things can at times be a bit repetitive. Billy LarkinLogistics Coordinator I definitely don’t like getting up at 5.30 on cold winter mornings and commuting to work. Peter CliffordProbationer Garda As I already said administrative side of work can be tedious, however still very important and necessary. When combined with more stimulating activities and organised effectively, it can be managed well. Dr Katarina TimulakovaSenior Clinical Psychologist There'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 I don’t have any major complaints, but sometimes there can be a lot of demands on my time that mean I must juggle what is the most important task at hand. Lorcan KellyTax Consultant So far I can't say I dislike anything. Things are challenging but you grow to like the tasks. Aishling ButlerGarda Trainee 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 Lots of challenges come with working with big data. Performance and scaling problems can be tough, and finding bugs can be frustrating at times, but it is very rewarding when all of the work finally comes together. Catherine AhearnData Scientist Sometimes, I found at times it was difficult to balance work and studying for the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification, especially when work was busy. However, I was lucky enough to be working in a company which allowed for study leave and so I had sufficient leave to allow me to adequately prepare for the exams. Edel ButlerAdministrative Officer 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 I'm sure there are, but nothing springs to mind. Richard KinsellaManaging Director