deiseanna gairme in institiúide an AE

Employer Insights Getting the job Fishing is the family business so I grew up with it. Alan O'NeillFisherman The contract that I just finished was as a production dancer on a cruise ship. The ship was called the MS Silja Serenade and cruised between Sweden and Finland. I saw the audition advertised on Facebook and as I fit the criteria I decided to attend. They were auditioning in Madrid and London but I decided to audition in Madrid as the date suited me better and as I speak Spanish I knew there wouldn't be any problems.

There were approximately 60 people at my audition and I knew that they only needed 8 girls so the chances weren't great. Luckily I got through to the final round (it was a long day) and was told that after the London auditions they would watch the recordings they took of the auditions and let the successful people know.

The night of the London audition I was emailed to say that I had been chosen and to forward the necessary paperwork to them. A few weeks later they sent me my flight details and I headed to Madrid for a month of rehearsals before flying to Stockholm to board the ship. Megan McEvoyDancer I had been registered on publicjobs.ie for many years and knew they were recruiting soon.

I applied and we had to do:
1.  Online aptitude
2.  Online aptitude
3.  Test centre Dublin to repeat the online aptitude tests in a supervised setting along with a report writing exercise      and job simulation test
4.  Competency based interview
5.  Medical, fitness test and vetting Peter CliffordProbationer Garda

I had won a scholarship from Intel in 1997 which subsidised my remaining university years, so after finishing in there in 1999 it was a pretty quick migration to the corporation here.

As I recall, I finished my last university exam on a Thursday and started work here on the following Monday. There were interviews naturally and the standard process was adhered to, I just scheduled them neatly. After passing the entrance interviews etc. the next step was to find a particular role which best suited my skills, which led to a system administrator role: managing an array of computers which controlled a respective set of tools in the factory. The position in my current job is the result of a number of smaller transitions/promotions from there.

Jason RuaneComputer Programmer I set up on my own / Self Employed Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist I was lucky enough to win a scholarship and attend the International Space University (ISU)’s summer “Space Studies Program” (SSP17) as a participant. My current boss was also attending SSP17 and got a job following that course. Sam FranklinEarth Observation Specialist 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 originally applied for an electrical apprenticeship with my company and through the years progressed from this to a Quantity Surveyor. Eileen FahertyElectrician / Quantity Surveyor Drive, determination and confidence. It was a tough application process but by using these three qualities I suceeded. Steven KilgannonGarda Trainee I was working in the agency side of the business carrying out commercial lettings on behalf of landlords, I spotted my current job on LinkedIn and it really appealed to me as I always had an interest in working for Aviva. My experience is predominantly in retail, so this aligned with Aviva's fund having a number of retail assets. I had an interest in moving to the client side also.

Given it was during a pandemic having applied online everything was done virtually from initial discussions to interviews, the interview process consisted of two interviews with the second being a presentation. My direct line manager called to say I was successful, and this was followed up with an offer letter from HR. Jenny DonnellyAsset Manager I rang the army and requested an application form which was sent out to me. I submitted the application and in time was called for an interview.

The interview board consisted of three soldiers, an officer and two sergeants. They asked me questions about myself, my background, and what knowledge I had of the Defence Forces. I was sent a letter to tell me that I had been successful in my interview. 

I then had to complete a medical and a fitness test. I got a letter about one month letter telling me I was successful and when I was to start my training. Louise Mc DonaldPrivate (Line) I responded to an advertisement which appeared in the Irish Independent newspaper. I attended an interview in the school and the school principal rang me the following day to say I was successful in my application. Brian CadiganPrimary School Teacher Setup on my own in 1992. Ray PowerPotter 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 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 Written interview unavailable... Mary McCaugheyHead of Communications 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 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 A friend working within the company. Donal KanePlumber / Construction Super. Oisín:
Sending an application email and interviewing for the position.

Oisin MurphyApprentice Carpenter Main challenges The main challenges are:

-Taking in a lot of information and techniques to perform your job to a high standard.

- Coming towards the end of the job , there are deadlines which may require you to work late hours and weekends. Mark MaguireApprentice Electrician The main challenge in the job is successfully balancing the wide range of responsibilities associated with the role. This can lead to some tension between the desire to perfect lectures and a wish to move my publication plan forward.

Managing this tension requires self-discipline and clear boundaries on the amount of time allocated to each component of the role. As an early career lecturer I spend a lot of time trying to ensure appropriate and engaging content and teaching delivery methods. This can be challenging as there are a variety of different audiences to consider - undergraduates, postgraduates and executive students with significant work experience.

However, I have a really supportive group of colleagues who I can chat to and the culture here is very supportive of innovative teaching methods. I'm still very much learning what works effectively through trial and error. Aoife Mc DermottLecturer They vary, and it changes over the years. About five years ago there seemed to a shortage of skilled people in the landscaping sector, as the economy was booming and there was a big demand for skilled people in the landscape and construction sector. That seems to have sorted itself out over time, but that was a challenge, getting good, reliable, experienced people. Among the more challenging aspects of a Landscape Contractor's job would be 1. Identifying and making contact with possible new clients. 2. Organizing and co-ordinating new projects. 3. Time management. Managing my own time and ensuring that all members of my staff are gainfully employed throughout each working day. 4. Vigilance to ensure that our work is kept to a high standard. Paul DowlingHorticulturist Dealing with things that don’t work is the main challenge. You are doing research into a new area, so many things work, but many things do not work. It is not a series of great discoveries, but a series of non-discoveries and hopefully one discovery over a period of years. Cecilia FenechEnvironmental Scientist Funnily enough I don’t like doing paperwork, in fact I rather despise it! Oz IlbrahmiManufacturing Specialist Construction Projects are very competitively priced these days. There are challenges with completing most projects within the budgets set out. While it is not easy to achieve sometimes it is a good challenge to work with the construction team and see if we can look at new ways to complete the project differently in order to make it more cost efficient. Eileen FahertyElectrician / Quantity Surveyor

The fields of medicine and pharmacy are constantly developing: new clinical trials are published, new drugs developed and new ways of using medicines are introduced. It is a challenge to keep up to date with all this new information and it can appear quite daunting at first. I've recently started studying for a Master's in Clinical Pharmacy and have found it to be a great help as my learning has become more focused, manageable and "real" (I can relate it to actual patients).

On a day to day basis there is always something new or unexpected. These things could be interpreted as a challange but I like to think they keep me alert and interested in the job. In terms of the pharmacy department as a whole I think the main challenge is addressing how best we can meet patients needs and provide a quality service in the face of limited resources.

Rachel BerryPharmacist

The challenges are many and varied, again any number can arise during a patrol or even over a day, from someone in your division who faces a domestic problem that needs advice/help, adverse weather or a search and rescue situation which requires everyone’s complete concentration.

David FlemingSub Lieutenant - Navy Debugging code- your own mistakes are always the hardest to spot… but then again that’s a necessary part of any job in Software Development! Claire PurcellSoftware Engineer I recently worked on a project where the scope of the project was constantly changing and we were under considerable pressure to complete the project by an agreed deadline. How I dealt with this is by working efficiently, being decisive and helping out the team in whatever way I could to ensure we met our commitment to our client. Sinead LewSenior Tax Manager Everyone will probably say time to try and fit everything in and I'd have to agree! Prioritisation is key in every walk of life and that helps me stay engaged and interested while at work. Michael McDermottAssociate Director, International Corporate Banking Keeping abreast of all the changes is a major challenge. There are so many bright people all working away on their topics and changing the game so often that it is essential to keep abreast of your peers work. Go on holidays for two weeks and it could take another week just to catch up with everything. The technical challenges I experience here are often involved with the intricacies of minor details in operating systems, networking protocols or programming. Staying on top of the game involves continually keeping track of what are the trends and technologies outside the corporation too. e.g. subscribing to blogs to stay informed of trends in the processor industry. Jason RuaneComputer Programmer Each child is different and has his or her own difficulties. In a class of nine their may be as many as nine dramatically different levels of reading/ writing/ spelling ability. Knowing at what level to pitch a lesson can be challenging. This is why we practice a lot of group work/ games and learning activities in this school to meet the needs of the children, and ensure they are working within their own abilities while still being challenged and motivated Padraig ParleTeacher - Special Needs Working in a fast-paced environment can also be challenging at times. It is an environment that demands high productivity at high standards.  Laura FinneganProcess Development Engineer The main challenges are: - the ever tightening quotas - the increasing costs of running vessels. - finding crew - Departmental constraints Alan O'NeillFisherman Keeping standards to a high level through accurate reporting of the financial information. The industry is very fast paced and as a result the needs of the business are constantly changing and therefore you need to adapt quickly. Ross McKeoghMusgrave Retail Graduate Programme Cost / Time constraints. Sourcing correctly skilled and knowledgeable labour. Donal KanePlumber / Construction Super. It would have to be working with people from across different countries, industries and cultures: it’s important to keep good communication with everybody. Jonathan FaullSpace Social Media and Communications

Although it’s a positive when working in the digital sector, the ever evolving landscape can be challenging at times to keep up with. Working in AIB, trying to bring together old systems and new systems creates it’s own problems.

On top of that, we cover different brands and jurisdictions. Understanding that you’ll never be an expert in all the various products we have out there can be frustrating at times. But trusting your colleagues is what’s important there. In my role now, I see myself often as a ‘Jack of all Trades’, which could be interpreted as a ‘Master of None’. But there are so many subject matter experts out there too, that when we combine all the skillsets we can achieve almost anything.

All of the above means for a busy day – probably the biggest challenge of all. Time management is testing, and the importance of good prioritisation is something which our team has to put at the fore of our working day. Lara MulveySenior Product Manager AIB Training and riding horses is extremely time consuming and it is the clock that I guess I feel the most pressure from. Particularly in the winter when the weather and the dark evenings make the days very short. Horses don't wear watches and there is no substitute for time and patience when training them. Trying to allocate time equally to all the horses I have to ride can be difficult. Luke DreaEvent Rider Typical day Generally, my days consists of attending meetings, collaboration with other team members or cross functional teams, working closely with Quality and EHS teams for approval and guidance on ongoing projects, providing support for new product and process introductions, ensuring that all activities are documented in accordance with the Stryker new product development procedures. Data tracking, analysis and presenting current work.  Laura FinneganProcess Development Engineer Each machine is unique if there are parts that need customised, I create them on solid-works and then I send them to be machined. I also go out onto the factory floor and check the machines to see if there are elements/parts that need changed. Kevin O'HaganDesign Engineer I am usually in to train at 8 in the morning until 4 or 5 in the afternoon. The day is usually consisted of meetings, gym and field sessions. Ian McKinleyRugby Player My typical day is a busy mix of lectures and laboratories with undergraduate students. I also make sure to catch-up with my graduate (PhD) students working in the lab on our research. We chat about results, and try to understand what they mean by plotting graphs, applying theories and comparing them with what other scientists have reported. Recently, I started working with the School of Education here in Trinity on new methods to teach physics lab-classes to our undergrads.

Collaborations with colleagues from different schools and departments in the university is really fruitful. Some days I get to chat with visiting children from primary or secondary schools about science – it’s important to get beyond the ‘can you blow something up’ attitude to science lectures. I also get to talk on the radio or at the Science Gallery in TCD about scientific topics. Clichéd and all as it sounds, I love my job. I’m always keen to share this with others. Shane BerginPhysics Lecturer There is a lot of diversity working with J&J and there isn’t any set routine. I like to rise early - in a previous life I used to do a lot of training. With this job, some days I’m working offsite, some days I’m working in different countries or with people in different time zones so there are no two days the same. I generally finish about six in the evening. Donal Og CusackAutomation/Energy Engineer

A typical day is not necessarily typical at Sea, a whole range of different tasks need to be undertaken depending on the plan of the day and patrol requirements.

From being responsible for a Navigational Watch to being in charge of a gunnery shoot or leading a boarding party on a fisheries boarding... these are only some of the tasks a Posted Officer at sea is required to do on a daily basis.   Also you are in charge of a division, on my last ship I was responsible for 23 people spread over four divisions Seaman’s, Comm’s, Cooks, and Supplies.

Ashore now I am in Charge of a Potential NCO’s Course. This is a six month career course where there are 39 students, who on completion of the six months will be promoted from Able rank to Leading Hand Rank.

David FlemingSub Lieutenant - Navy It’s split half and half between the ‘people’ side and the technical side. Yesterday for example, I spent the morning working with a team on their yearly goals and I spent the afternoon getting up to speed on some of ESB’ plans regarding Solar energy. Des LalorWind Engineer The most typical thing about my days is the fact that they all tend to be busy!

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

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

Otherwise, my days consist of a mix of teaching, an open office-hour where students can come to discuss their courses, assignments or concerns and administration. Aoife Mc DermottLecturer There is no such thing as a typical day in a life of a Guard. Each day is different as we are faced with different tasks, meet different people and given different responsibilities. Some days are very busy, while other are more relaxed. It’s a varied job and definitely not a boring one. Emilia GilroyGarda I have a meeting every morning with the HR team followed by a review of metrics for a different topic in the Training arena on a daily basis. During the day I'll meet various business leaders across all roles to promote and drive a learning strategy that gives results to the organization & the people within.  Mark MeehanSTEM Learning Head

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 There is no typical day in An Garda Síochána there is huge variety in the job. We could be doing anything from walking the beat to attending community meetings to visiting schools or being involved in the regular policing of the district which involve arrests, searches and interviewing. Niamh BriggsGarda Every day is a little bit different which is why I love my job. I get to meet different people/customers every day and spend my day interacting with either team mates or other people across the business. I also get to work on large deals which I find very rewarding too. There are around 40 people in the team and I really enjoy the teamwork that comes with that. I love sport which is mainly due to the team aspect if it and work is very similar. If you like dealing with people banking is a great career. Being able to build rapport with customers is crucial and we do get to socialise with them at events occasionally which is also fun. Brian DelahuntyHead of Corporate Banking My day in the office typically starts at about 08.30 and ends about 18.00 The activities of the day generally fall into one of 3 categories
(i) Planning
(ii) Reporting and
(iii) Problem solving.

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

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

During busy periods I would often take work home in the evening and at weekends - but as I said earlier I am getting better at achieving a proper work/life balance. Brian KellyScience Entrepreneur Start @ 6:30 milking, feeding calves, checking cattle & complete all feeding & routine tasks by 11.

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

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

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

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

I got an opportunity to move to a workforce organisational design role in our chief technology office which is leading the development of a strategy for new and existing workforce. In the CTO, we provide the wider AIB Group with thetechnology and data solutions that enables the AIB Group to back our customers so it’s a really great area to work in.

It might sound cliché but no two days are the same.

Sabrina StauntonDesign & Strategy Development Manager AIB

• 6am - 7am - Emails and Admin
• 7am - First Appointment
• 2pm - End of Clinic
  
  
• 4pm - May start second Clinic
• 9pm - Finish of Clinic
  
  

 

Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist

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 A typical day in fund accounting is very busy, with preparation tasks split into four pods, each prep assuming one role. Our work is driven by deadlines so you can see on the allocation what time each task has to be completed by. It's important for us to be able to meet deadlines as delays can affect others down the line. As well as daily workloads, we also complete monthly tasks and reporting that's due at various points throughout the month based on deadlines. Abbie RiceAssociate Accountant/IFS Apprentice I'm in the office at 7:30 while the Asian market is still open, work throughout European trading hours and the US morning session and leave around 18:30. Every day is different, depending on the market price action, data releases, political events and our client meetings. The themes we follow change from macroeconomics to geopolitics to commodities and lately even epidemiology! Semin Soher PowerSenior Inflation Trader Further training... Management training is a constant over the past twenty years This is necessary both for good practice and for keeping abreast of developments in the management skills area and in the area of legislation.

Most recently I attended a four days course on Leadership in Catholic Schools. Paul MeanySchool Principal 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 only plan to keep up with developments in International Standards relating to trams. Ciaran MacSamhrainEngineer - Transport Infrastructure Ireland

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 developed my skills through the range of industries I have worked in within the EU, in the Industry Department on competition, and in External Relations. I also worked on Environment Policy and then with three separate Commissioners, all giving me the broad knowledge I needed to prepare me for taking top job as Secretary General. Catherine DaySecretary General 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 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 In our organisation, continuous learning and personal development are encouraged. As part of my role, I attend training workshops on a regular basis which are facilitated by our learning and development team.

We also have access to an online academy where there is a library of courses available at our disposal. Sarah TenantyFinance Operations Yes, I believe in continuous learning and seeking new challenges. There are always industry events, projects, trainings as well as online education opportunities. Semin Soher PowerSenior Inflation Trader 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 I'm planning to undertake a coaching qualification Kathryn ReevesLearning and Development Lead I always look to do some level of new training every year and this year I will do training through Barclays to keep me moving forward. Brian DelahuntyHead of Corporate Banking I am currently studying for a BA in Social Studies (Disability). My organisation offers on the job training to the staff on an ongoing basis. This enables staff to update and expand their skills. Deirdre LavelleCare Assistant Not at the moment Denis ReidyFarmer - Dairy Engineering Course - 3 week basic course. This gives you the essentials. Alan O'NeillFisherman I'm always learning. I would really like to study something in relation to digital leadership & transformation next! Oonagh KellyHead of HR I am always open to upskilling; I regularly attend webinars so that I am up to date on current matters. Jenny DonnellyAsset Manager I have completed Law Society Diplomas in litigation and insolvency since qualifying as a solicitor. I also did a course on personal insolvency at the Law Society when the personal insolvency legislation was introduced. Niamh CacciatoSolicitor

At Intel we are encouraged to continue our training and there are a number of courses available on site whether it is a Time Management course or a statistic source. My job deals with million dollar machines which have hundreds of different mechanical components as well as numerous different types of software so I need to be trained to a high standard so that I am able to fully trouble shoot any of problems that are encountered on this machine.

Training for this takes place in America, so my job also provides a great opportunity to travel and see the world while at the same time learning. I have also lived in USA for 1 year as part of training for our new factory. This gave me the opportunity to train under world class engineers and the experience was amazing. Not only did I really enjoy the experience I came home with a lot of new knowledge and skills that have been applied in my job here on an everyday basis.

Kerrie HoranEngineer - Process The training I have undertaken includes a very basic computers course before my first computer purchase, a Monaghan County Enterprise Board business skills course, training with Fáilte Ireland and a Leader funded website and internet skills course/2.0 skills course. 

I am also embarking on stage two of the Leader funded Web2.0 skills course with a view to attaining digital media skills to market and develop online aspect of business.  Liz ChristyTextile Design/Handweaver Advice if considering this job At a minimum get your Leaving Cert, that’s required anyway. But don’t sell yourself short aim for a third level college qualification, something like a science degree. It may not have obvious benefits now but the career is changing direction so fast it could stand to you big time.

Take your time in applying I joined the service when I was 25 yrs old and looking back I think around that age is the right time. When you consider some of the calls we attend and things we may need to deal with, joining at 17 or 18 after the Leaving Cert with little or no life experiences may turn you off because it is very demanding physically, mentally and emotionally. Keith HayesAmbulance / Paramedic Being an Engineer is a great career choice. It offers so many opportunities both in Ireland and world-wide. Most positions will have terrific travel opportunities after a few years experience under your belt, and if you choose you course carefully your qualification will be recognised by employers all over the globe. Also an engineering qualification will open doors into management roles if that is your preferred career choice, but the reverse is not the case (if you do a course outside of engineering, you will probably not be able to branch off into engineering a few years after graduating). Shane CallananElectronic Engineer Go for it! Intel is a fantastic company to work for. Darryl DayIQ Engineer

“We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down”  

Damien HaberlinEcologist (Post-Doctoral Researcher) Science research and lecturing needs people who are curious, creative, stubborn (they like problems that take ages to solve). You need to like communication – you’ll be teaching, writing, debating and discussing science all day, everyday. If you like to be challenged intellectually, are creative about ways to solve problems, like working with teams people from the four corners of the world, then science is for you. It’s more David Attenborough than Sheldon Cooper. Shane BerginPhysics Lecturer Talk to people currently in the job. Get a few days work experience. Check out the courses (through BIM) Liz O'TooleSkipper Know what you like and dislike, and what you are good at and not so good at so you study or do an apprenticeship in something that you will love so that work is a job as well as a hobby. Choose a more general degree eg science or engineering where you do a lot of subjects in first year then specialize. If you don’t get the course you want you can still do a similar one as the fundamentals are the same. Niamh YatesValidation Engineer I would advise those considering the job to be patient and to be good at what you are doing and when the opportunity comes to join An Garda Siochana just take it!.

If you are part of a minority group in Ireland and considering joining An Garda Síochána then my advice to you is to go for it because as a foreign national working in the organisation I promise there is no discrimination in An Garda Síochána. Nan Hu Garda 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 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 Try gain experience in some area of construction if possible to see if it’s for you. If you’re interested in a 9-5 job this is not for you!

If you like meeting with new people each day and dealing with issues which they may have regarding the project this is a good job for you. If you like to take charge of situations then this is also a good role for you to take on. Aidan MaherSite Manager - Grad Entry It can be challenging, but very rewarding. Choose subjects and coursework carefully. Owen HughesManufacturing Technician 3 words JUST DO IT. You have nothing to lose so why not give it a go? It has made me the person I am today and no one said it would be easy but it was worth it in the long run. Kate WalshBeauty Therapist Once you’re willing to listen, take advice and work hard there are many options for career paths / future development. Donal KanePlumber / Construction Super. In terms of education, people on my team are generally either actuaries or hold the CFA qualification. While I’m an actuary, I would advise anyone setting out on this career path to head down the CFA route. It’s (arguably) more relevant and, while the exams are very challenging, there are “only” three of them, so even if you’re finding it tough, at least the end is always in sight!

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

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

In terms of advice, don’t under-estimate the skills you’re developing while still a student – regardless of what career you choose, communication skills are really important. Any presentation you do in school or college is fantastic experience. Any part-time or summer job you have is so helpful in developing really important life-skills that will stand to you in any career e.g. the ability to work well as part of a team, meeting deadlines, prioritising etc. Orla AherneInvestment Consultant The advice I would give is firstly talk to someone you may know that is already in the trade and ask them any questions that you may have or ask them about some of there first hand experiences.

Another good piece of advice would be to go onto YouTube and search some basic electrics, keep in mind that these are the kind of things that you will face when you go to the college phases of your apprenticeship . There are books and e-books that can be purchased to get an understanding. Mark MaguireApprentice Electrician

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

Tom TooherLieutenant - Army It is a very rewarding but also extremely challenging job. It requires a lot of resilience, mental strength, patience and compassion. It means seeing people at their worst in the most difficult circumstances.

It involves making difficult decisions, which will have life changing consequences for the offenders. If you think you have the ability to handle all that, it is a truly great job with amazing opportunities. Emilia GilroyGarda Consider your options carefully. It is likely that you are expecting top grades in your Leaving Certificate if you are considering pharmacy as a career so there will be plenty of doors open to you. Make sure you do plenty of work experience in different areas of pharmacy and if it is healthcare you are interested in then consider getting some work experience in medicine etc. I know quite a few people who have completed a pharmacy degree only to realise they actually want to do medicine! Rachel BerryPharmacist

I would advise anyone interested in Occupational Therapy to read up on the profession or else try to meet a qualified Occupational Therapist and talk to them about their work.

The internet can be a great resource in getting information. Also information from the universities might indicate if this is a course that is suited to you. A lot of the course work relies on you being a self-directed learner. This makes the course different to other more mainstream/academic courses as the onus is on the student to complete a lot of work independently.

As this is a caring profession an interest in working with people is a must. You also need to be a good communicator as you will be working closely with clients, families and other staff on an ongoing basis.

Organisational skills are essential to enable you to manage a caseload.

Tomas FlanaganOccupational Therapist The lifestyle I'm paid well enough. As regards to whether I'm happy; it's like being paid to do your hobby, to go and have fun. It's like boys toys: space, the final frontier, Star Trek. I grew up with Star Trek, so for me every day is fun. I set up the company in 2010, so I created the job myself, effectively. Rory Fitzpatrick CEO of the National Space Centre One of the undisputed benifits of primary teaching are the hours! It allows you spend a lot of time with family.Without wishing to sound sexist it is an ideal job for somebody with small children as your hours and holidays coincide with theirs.It is also a secure job and has a very attractive pension.The downside is it doesn't have great progression opportunities especially in small schools. Deirdre SayersPrimary School Teacher 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 Yes, absolutely. I think that one of the most important things to have is a work/life balance. We're on flexi-time, which means I can work an extra hour during the week to leave an hour or two early on a Friday. It's a very social place to work, with many internal and external events happening throughout the year. Laura GlendonMultilingual Software Support SAP Being self-employed comes with its advantages as well as disadvantages. As my own boss I can choose the type of work I want to do as well as deciding which days I need free for holidays which is a privilege not many have. Not one of my days is exactly the same so I'm constantly on my feet and adapting. The instability can sometimes be stressful as at certain times during the year there might not be much work and you're never quite sure when your next contract will be.

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

On the upside some contracts come with accommodation provided (e.g. cruise jobs) which means it's not something you need to think about or pay for. To summarise, being self-employed is a lot of responsibility but the lifestyle is very rewarding. Megan McEvoyDancer It enables me to have a happy work life balance. I work long hours but my job is very sociable. I meet a lot of people within the job, but outside of that I play sport in my free time with the Belgian GAA club and I also do some travelling at the weekends. Kevin KearyParliamentary Assistant

My current job is nine to five, Monday to Friday with around 5 weeks annual leave per year so it allows plenty of time for leisure activities, family, friends etc. Other hospitals I have worked in had a weekend/on-call rota but it was easy enough to organise my social life around this. The job comes with a decent salary and I am pretty much able to take holidays and treat myself to the odd shopping trip or whatever as I please (within reason)!  I am very happy with the lifestyle working as a hospital pharmacist allows me to have.

There are opportunities for career progression as a hospital pharmacist although compared to the NHS the HSE has some catching up to do. Hopefully the role will develop in the coming years as it has in the NHS where pharmacists are becoming highly specialised, have prescribing rights and are integrated more fully into the healthcare team. From my experience of the HSE there isn't really a structured training/career path after registration that all pharmacists follow but there are plenty of opportunities if you go out and look for them.

Rachel BerryPharmacist I always knew I’d prefer a “Monday to Friday” type job with regular hours where you can plan ahead more easily and have two consecutive days off each week. Since I’ve had kids, it works well to be off at weekends. I feel I’ve got job security in my current role and I like that there’s a clear progression path, with ample opportunities to progress for those who wish to avail of them. Orla AherneInvestment Consultant Getting the work life balance is difficult, made even more so by the current economic climate. However the crossover between work and home is something I am comfortable with. Liz ChristyTextile Design/Handweaver

Working for Intel it strives to always help out and be flexible with your work life balances. Often working long hours are an integral part of the job (any job really) but overall if you need time off it is never seen as a big problem. The pay is competitive so it allows me enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Within Intel we also have a Sports and Social club. There are often events like Cinema nights or a Halloween Party and Summer BBQ's which are laid on which are always good craic. As well as that we have a Gym onsite with Circuit classes etc. laid on in the evenings.

Kerrie HoranEngineer - Process This is not a typical nine to five job and as a result my work life balance wouldn’t be exactly where I want it to be. It’s perhaps more skewed on the work side but I don’t regret any of the choices I’ve made. Catherine DaySecretary General Yes, I do my own research, generate trade ideas ahead of the market and have the opportunity to be in contact with policy makers, academics, thought leaders and of course our clients. Semin Soher PowerSenior Inflation Trader It does. I can balance work, family life and my social life very well. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer 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 My job through the years has allowed me to progress with time and I feel that while it is hard work you can earn a good living from it which allows a good lifestyle. Eileen FahertyElectrician / Quantity Surveyor 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 Generally yes it would as I know I have weekends off and the industry allows you to meet a wide variety of people. The early mornings can be hard if your trying to participate in sports clubs etc. on week nights, so it requires trying to find a happy balance. Colin ButterlySite Manager - Trade Entry My job gives me security, it has helped me to be able to afford to build my house. I have been able to go on holidays and enjoy time with my family, but sometimes the unsocial hours have a real impact on family life, such as working on Christmas Day or other bank holidays when the rest of the family are all off work or school.

Unfortunately unless you want to go on to be a nurse there are no progression opportunities within my grade of staff within the hospital where I work. Lydia PeppardCare Assistant 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 Thankfully in my current job, I am able to balance my work life commitments. When I trained with KPMG, they gave me more than adequate study leave when I was pursuing the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification which was great. It can be difficult to go to lectures some evenings after work and at the weekends but if you can’t make it they’re also available online to catch up on in your own time. Lorcan KellyTax Consultant Whats cool I love the variety the job offers. It sounds like a cliché but no two days are the same. I also like the satisfaction of knowing I am helping people.

People sometimes see the Gardaí as disciplinarians but in a lot of situations we help people who are very emotional and vulnerable such as victims of crime. Peter CliffordProbationer Garda It’s very interesting because no two days are the same so that’s good. You get a sense that you’re representing your own country and also you have the opportunity to develop a broader outlook on the world.

You also gain friendships with people from all over Europe that all have interesting things to say and as a result, have a very active social life. You’re never stuck for too long behind your desk either. Kevin KearyParliamentary Assistant I love problem-solving and also the inventing process. Oz IlbrahmiManufacturing Specialist I love lots of things about my job, the friendly/laid-back environment, the people, the place, but most of all I love what I do! Writing code and having something to demo is such a satisfying feeling Claire PurcellSoftware Engineer Getting to travel and present to new people with whom you discuss new ideas, and debate different aspects of your work. Plus, this travel often brings you to cool places around the world. Shane McDonaghRenewable Energy Engineer I love the ability to talk to clients and colleagues all around the world (and I get paid to do something I love)! I have been the local lead on launching a new product in the bank, which very few people get to do in such a mature industry. Michael McDermottAssociate Director, International Corporate Banking The holidays!! My colleague says “the education of our future generations”!!, that too, of course. Mary JoyceSecondary School Teacher The HSE is a good place to work. As an organisation, it tends to "get hammered" by the press but these are usually very isolated incidents. It rarely gets credit for the majority of good things its' staff achieves.

Work within the HSE is usually very challenging and tends to keep you on your toes. You won't get bored. Due to its size, the chances of promotion are quite high if that's what you want.

However it never forces people in this direction. It supports staff through out their employment from a variety of different angles, i.e. in house training, support for further education, regular updates, staff development, appraisal if required, Occupational Health etc. Frank MorrisonRecruitment Manager Space. For me, this is absolutely so much fun. When you look at where we are right now, there are a couple of majors points in human history: we came from the jungle and stepped out onto the plains was one, we crossed the ocean (number two), and number three is we move into space and become an interplanetary species, and we're right there at the start of that. This is, for me, the most exciting thing of the whole lot, everything we're doing now; and you can see that the general public are buying into this, with all of the movies at the moment. In the sixties you had a bit of this, when people saw what was possible.

And then, we went to the moon, and it was massive, and everyone was cheering, and ticker tape and all the rest of it. And then, it settled down, because we realised what we couldn't do; we got to the moon, but in the process we realised all of the things that we couldn't do, so science backed off and focused on what we need to do to move to the next step, now that we understood what it was like being in space. Since then, we've been gently gently probing, but now we're on the edge of a move to Mars, and I reckon in my lifetime, I'll see a Martian born, which is really exciting. Rory Fitzpatrick CEO of the National Space Centre Meeting people from all walks of life and no two days being the same. Donal KanePlumber / Construction Super. 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

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

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

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

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

Lara MulveySenior Product Manager AIB Modeling something from scratch, and seeing the physical part after manufacture Megan WalshMechanical Engineer I love the variety my job presents. I love to meet different customers and hear how they started in business and what their future ambitions are and how I can help them get there. Madonna DalyBusiness Manager 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

The best things about my job:

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

Brian DelahuntyHead of Corporate Banking 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 Getting problems solved and corrective actions implemented so I am confident I will never see the issue again. Managing a group of people and seeing the group succeed in achieving its objective Michael BohaneQA Manager You will get to know all the latest book releases and may have opportunities to meet a visiting author. Librarians will have an input in creating and organising library events.

The Library is a place where you are working within a team, and we are people who enjoy working among the public. I think you also need to have a liking for knowledge and learning, a good general knowledge is an asset.

It can be very satisfying to successfully assist people find what they want, whether this may be on, (for example), building a garden shed or screen writing. Each morning I look forward to my days work, that to me is cool. Jonathan SmythLibrary Assistant The job is exceptionally rewarding. The Irish citizen lies at the heart of all we do and that makes the work important. The opportunity to travel to and live in so many different cities around the world is also one of the most appealing aspects of the job for me! Shane SargeantDepartment of Foreign Affairs Not so cool Chasing payments from customers. Ray PowerPotter Sometimes people can be seasick, which they don't boast about and thats not cool. The anti-social aspect of the job is not cool; having to work weekends and during holidays. Sometimes cramped living/working conditions on board a boat are not great. Government rules and regulations which are making the job very hard and are forcing a lot of fishermen to go to sea in very bad weather. Liz O'TooleSkipper Having to tie the vessel up because of no quotas! Brendan CavanaghShips 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 The time away from home is definitely an endurance. It can be hard at times to be away especially if something has happened at home or even missing a family event. But that being said, If it is something very important or an emergency of some kind, relief’s will be made available and time off granted David FlemingSub Lieutenant - Navy The downside would be when you get bad, wet days, and you have still got to get on with the job. You have to keep it moving, you've got to get out there in all weathers. Also, when suppliers let you down with late deliveries, and you have staff hanging around, waiting for deliveries with consequent loss of productivity. It doesn't happen that often, there is normally plenty to do on the sites before deliveries get there but it can hold you up. When you're running a business, you have to do the bookwork as well as the things you enjoy doing, you have to do the nitty gritty things. Tax returns, VAT, PRSI, PAYE, etc. It's not all the glamour stuff like planting or designing new gardens! You have got to be a Multi Tasker. Paul DowlingHorticulturist Sometimes tight deadlines mean that it can be very fast paced and challenging, but working as part of a team really helps here! Sinead LewSenior Tax Manager If there is something I don’t like about it, it would have to be the public scrutiny and negative perception. Saying that, it truly is coming from minority of people and most encounters are very positive. Emilia GilroyGarda People constantly asking if you can get them cheaper car insurance! Karl CurranAssociate Director Sometimes people are working under a lot of pressure and the work situation can be stressful at times but on the whole people approach their work in a professional manner. Ejiro O'Hare StrattonClinical Nurse Manager 2 There is very little I do not like about my job but if I had to select one it would have to be the the lack of control I have over my day-to-day activities as my day is timetabled by others. However generally I find this a minor annoyance. Keith LynchPrivate (Line) I'm not a fan of having to memorise music! Sharon CartyOpera Singer It is always a challenge to manage ever-changing requirements within the business. It ultimately means you have to always compromise a bit in terms of the scope of what you are doing with the time available. However, you get used to it! Sam FranklinEarth Observation Specialist 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 Long production times and paperwork can be a bit boring sometimes. Owen HughesManufacturing Technician For me it is the repetitious work in wintertime such as bedding cattle & preparing cow cubicles twice daily. Denis ReidyFarmer - Dairy Burying animals or having to put them down. Being so busy some days that you don't have time to eat - starving in the evenings. Not getting home as often as maybe I should. Kieran MageeFarm Manager - Dry Stock Occasionally there can be an important deadline to meet that requires extra hours in the office but this is the exception rather than the norm. Anna Holohan Tax Manager 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 I'm sure there are, but nothing springs to mind. Richard KinsellaManaging Director