deiseanna gairme in institiúide an AE

Employer Insights Getting the job I applied for my current job through a recruitment agency. I had two interviews as well as a psychometric test. The interviews focused on my skills background, as well as some technical knowledge. The psychometric test was focused on numeric and analytical skills and was conducted by a third party. Lorcan KellyTax Consultant I have previously worked for my employer so it was promotion. Being due to displaying leadership attributes as well as a flare for the retail area and the drive to increase turnover there.  Mary Jo SheridanTourism Manager - Dublinia I applied to a job opening and went through the interview process. I was lucky in that I was working at a world-class manufacturing site in Cork at the time, and the skills I had learned from working at a site with such a high focus on quality were skills that MOOG were looking for. This was my third industry changed (I had previously worked in oil & gas in London and medical devices in Cork) and I think the variety of skills I had learned in these industries helped me in my application. Elaine KellyMechanical Design Engineer My current job was a leap of faith as I switched to the sell side after 18 years on the buy side. It is a challenge to set up a new business line from scratch, but also a learning opportunity. But of course, the first challenge was to convince my new boss and my new company to hire me and provide me with resources to set up inflation trading. Luckily our visions were similar, and I convinced them. I'm happy that we beat our targets three years in a row now. Semin Soher PowerSenior Inflation Trader

My current job is a Health Care Assistant.  I have worked for the Health Service for the last 20 years as an attendant. Up until the last year an attendant was the only non-nursing role within the hospital.  All non-nursing roles were classed as attendants. This role consisted of some care of the clients, cleaning and some catering duties.

In the last few years the national strategy within the Health Service was to break up this group of staff into three distinct roles, Health Care Assistants, Catering Staff and Household Staff in order to provide a better service to the clients using the service. The staff working at ward level were given the option of which group of staff they wished to be part of. The role of Health Care Assistant was determined by staff who had completed the Health Care Assistant's course, staff undergoing the course and then seniority of staff.

My role for the last 20 years was as an attendant within a kitchenette at ward level. I have completed a Skills VEC FETAC Level 5 Course Modules including: Communications, Care Support, Food Preparation and Service, Legislative Procedures & Quality, Nutrition, Work Experience, Infection Prevention and Control and Stock Control and Material Systems.

I wanted to return to the caring role so I opted for the Health Care Assistant's role.

Lydia PeppardCare Assistant 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 I have a background in Agriculture. I grew up working on various farm machinery. I had a part time job in Combilift while I was studying at University. Combilift are great for accommodating summer work opportunities across various departments. I gained hands-on experience on assembly lines where I seen the process come together. I got to see a truck go from a bare chassis right through to a truck ready for delivery. It helped me to gain knowledge on building a truck through Combilift standards. Kevin O'HaganDesign Engineer

I was contacted by a recruitment consultant who described the role and enquired if I was interested. I expressed an interest and an interview was arranged. I was interviewed by HR and my current boss. It was a general interview exploring pharmaceutical experience to date, general interests etc.

I was invited to attend for a second interview, again with HR and my current boss. This was a more specific interview based on the star interview model (situation, task, action taken, result). I was presented with a number of situations (20-30) to describe what was the action I had taken and the outcome. Th recruitment consultant then arranged a medical test and reference check.and I was informed in a number of days that I had been successful and the company would like to make an offer. The company contacted me directly and made an offer. I had some extra requests and these were met. I accepted the role. The entire process took about two months.

Michael BohaneQA Manager

When I came out of the Botanic Gardens, I went to work in Holland for the summer and when I came back, I joined a Landscaping firm. This was in the early 1979/80 when the economy was not as buoyant as it is now. We were working on dusty sites, doing landscaping and lawns.

When the weather got bad, you were let go and got a pound an hour "wet time". I remember standing in out of very heavy rain one day in an industrial unit, reading the paper. I saw a job for a Sales Rep to sell horticultural machinery, chainsaws, lawnmowers, golf course equipment etc. I applied for and got the job as an indoors Sales Rep.

It was a great learning curve, I got training in sales, and I was selling equipment related to the industry I was in. That was one of the reasons I got the job as a result of my background in horticulture. That was great training, and I really enjoyed it. I was getting on very well with that job, but when the weather was good (around March/April) I really missed being out in the fresh air.

Within a short period of time it turned out that the company ran into bad financial difficulties, and they let about eight people go and as I was one of the last in, I was also let go. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it gave me the impetus to set up on my own.

I went out and started working for myself then. It was a big decision for me. I was lucky to get onto a Start your Own Business course, run by the Irish Productivity Centre and FAS. The course was excellent, it ran over sixteen weeks - eight weeks of lectures and practicals, and the second eight was about getting it off the ground.

It was great doing that, and I had a job I used to do on a Saturday. I managed to get another contract for a couple of days a week shortly afterwards, and I just built it up from there. That's really how my own Landscaping Business got off the ground.

Paul DowlingHorticulturist I went about getting this job by becoming an intern in Jim Higgins’ MEP office after spending a while pestering him. Then, after I developed experience, I was able to apply for this post as Parliamentary Assistant.

I had a series of interviews with the prior staff of the MEP and also with the MEP himself, where I was questioned on my knowledge of European Union law and also my work ethic. Kevin KearyParliamentary Assistant I had heard in the papers that St. Michael's were hiring people. Once I called to enquire I was sent out an application form which I filled in and then I was called for interview about a month later.

I felt that went well, it was with 3 women working high up in the organisation and I relied a lot on previous experience and gave examples of how I would work in a certain situation.

This seemed to be what they were looking for and so about 3 weeks later they offered me the job. I accepted it but they didn't start me for another month!

I had to go for a medical also before I started. Naoise PyeSocial Care Worker I began to think a career in tax would suit me so I decided to apply for a summer internship. I attended a talk about Deloitte in UCD and I was struck with the enthusiasm the speakers had for their jobs so I applied for an internship there. Both the application and interview processes were handled smoothly and professionally.

While the interviews for the professional services firms can be quite competitive, I really felt that every effort was made to make my interview less daunting, the staff in Deloitte really put me at ease. I have since discovered that this friendliness and helpful attitude exists throughout Deloitte. Anna Holohan Tax Manager I got my first job with St Michael's House through answering an advert in a local newspaper. I attended an interview with a panel of three people and was informed by letter that I had been successful. I was then covering a maternity leave vacancy, when a full time post became available in the unit.  I applies for the position, attended an interview and was successful. Deirdre LavelleCare Assistant A Customer Service Manager role is a hybrid between a contact centre manager and an insurance service manager. In order to show I was capable of such a diverse and dynamic position, I began looking at ways to build the required skills and knowledge.

In June 2014, I Began a QQI certificate in contact centre management, this helped me develop new skills such as scheduling, forecasting and Workforce management needed in a busy contact centre like ours.

I’m also studying towards my MDI qualification with the III to give me a competitive edge and improved technical competency in insurance and insurance products. Nicole FeigheryCustomer Care Manager

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

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

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

Elva BannonMechatronic Engineer 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 was offered the job by the director of the company and promoted in house. I did not actively seek my current position. I had always been involved and had opinions on the direction the company should take with regard to Health & safety, and became safety rep as a result.

As Duty manager and later Deputy GM, recruitment and selection was part of my role. As the company grew to 4 hotels, there was a need for HR department, and I was offered the position of HR manager & H&S co-ordinator the group RCOI. Laura DevlinHR Manager - Hotel Setup on my own in 1992. Ray PowerPotter I went on college placement for 6 months as a product developer which really showed me what career path I could go down as my degree was very broad. This helped me gain experience in the food and drinks industry. I started a full-time job as an own brand analyst after college and then eventually apply for the Musgrave Graduate Programme. Sara Hickey Assistant Trading Manager

I was a science and maths teacher in my school for a number of years. I took a study leave year which allowed me to go back to university to train to be a Guidance Counsellor.

Having completed the training, a full time position came available in my school. Having already been involved in guidance in the school informally it seemed a logical progression to move into the formal role of Guidance Counsellor.

Brian HowardGuidance Counsellor Main challenges Marketing - keeping up to date on trends and interesting content.
Sales - meeting sales targets and working with key customers to communicate USPs.
Business Development - sales leads. Fiona UyemaChef

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 Given the economic difficulties of the past few years I would say that the main challenge in working in financial services is gaining the customers trust. Clients are now more careful and in many cases very cautious about dealing with financial services providers.

However in many ways this can be looked upon as a positive as it give us a chance to showcase our knowledge and capabilities and sell ourselves to the customer and thus building up relationships. Kevin MoranInsurance Administrator 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 The main challenges are the expansion of the milking herd. Also that we always have facilities ready for the cows when they need them. As well as meeting all the performance targets we have set ourselves in our plans. Bryan DanielsFarmer - Dairy

Starting up a new technology in Intel is always challenging especially when we have to install and deinstall new or old machinery. There are tight install schedules that are planned and developed months in advance and they are all interlinked into other areas within the factory and hence meeting these schedules will determine if the product starts being made on time.

To qualify new machines there is heavy engineering involvement for installation of the machinery itself, the support facilities it uses and then the qualification of the new process which has to meet tight criteria before it is allowed run any new product through it. Although it is a challenging time, it is an exciting time and there is a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction when the machines start running for the first time

Kerrie HoranEngineer - Process The main challenge is to meet demanding targets, both financially and time wise, with multiple competing projects often involving the same few personnel. Jonathan PugsleyEnergy Manager Balancing all departments’ priorities. Sara Hickey Assistant Trading Manager They vary, and it changes over the years. About five years ago there seemed to a shortage of skilled people in the landscaping sector, as the economy was booming and there was a big demand for skilled people in the landscape and construction sector. That seems to have sorted itself out over time, but that was a challenge, getting good, reliable, experienced people. Among the more challenging aspects of a Landscape Contractor's job would be 1. Identifying and making contact with possible new clients. 2. Organizing and co-ordinating new projects. 3. Time management. Managing my own time and ensuring that all members of my staff are gainfully employed throughout each working day. 4. Vigilance to ensure that our work is kept to a high standard. Paul DowlingHorticulturist My main challenge in my current role in the ISIF was joining the team remotely. I was the first member in the ISIF to join in a work-from-home environment. It took a good bit of work and effort on my part to learn different tasks on the job virtually. A bigger challenge that I still face while working from home is developing strong working relationships with everyone on the team, especially those that I may not work with on a regular basis. I have always found it a lot easier to build rapport through in person interaction. However, it has been a year of working remotely for me and I am always learning ways to make it work. Madhuvratha VasudevanSenior Investment Analyst The main challenges are keeping to a deadline when issues arise or when a sub-contractor or supplier can’t meet the demands. Colin ButterlySite Manager - Trade Entry

Waiting lists for services and supports for example, play therapy, mental health services etc.

Fiona O'SullivanChild Protection and Welfare Social Worker You can get stuck on certain problems which becomes frustrating quite quickly because you don’t have a big team to help you. And if you’re like me solving the problem is the fun part, writing up your results not so much although it is probably the most important bit. It can take some time and requires a lot of focus. Shane McDonaghRenewable Energy Engineer Every part has to finished to a very high standard, dimensional and visual non-conformances are not acceptable. Also identifying trends during the machining process which would help contribute towards continuous improvement. Owen HughesManufacturing Technician One of the biggest challenges is lack of awareness of our location and region by the International market, we rely heavily on our International Coach Tour Customers and this has been a challenge in attracting new customers to schedule this area. The lack of accommodation in the area also poses as a challenge. Catherine O'Grady PowersOwner Gleenkeen Farms A lot of the subjects are done through independent learning so self motivation is a really important part of college life. Mark Spain Garda Trainee

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 Multitasking and the pressures of keeping up to date in one's chosen field. Fergal DonnellyEuropean Commission Working at a start-up, there are challenges in terms of limited resources and time. You have to be able to do multiple jobs and tasks, as the business demands. This is not a negative, it just means that you need to be willing and prepared to become an expert at something you’re not trained in. Sam FranklinEarth Observation Specialist The main challenges for me are trying to fit everything into one day!! It’s important that you manage your time well, and identify what is important and what really needs to be completed before you can leave the office. Because of the nature of application support we are constantly being forced to re-prioritise our work schedules. Having a good professional relationship with the customer is paramount to understanding just how urgent their request might be. Also because of the wide scope of our sales, dealing with different nationalities and cultures can be a challenge at first. Shane CallananElectronic Engineer Typical day I start my day with a shift handover from the previous shift to get an update on process status for each product.  I have a team of six pharmaceutical technicians reporting to me so I try to spend time with them to plan their day.  We then have update meetings with other department managers, and spend the rest of the day ensuring the smooth running of each process, answering technical questions, scheduling maintenance work, troubleshooting, and report writing. Rachel BennettIndustrial Pharmacist My typical day involves taking part in a lot of different meetings with people from around the site. As manager of my area it is important that I am always planning ahead for what new activities may be coming into the group. Some of the meetings are for this planning while others deal with day to day activities in the lab. I talk to my supervisors daily to discuss any issues in the lab. We monitor the number of batches that we release on a weekly basis and any errors that occur in the lab. Knowing everything going on in the lab is very important so that I can communicate anything critical in a timely manner to my own boss too. Brian O'ConnorAnalytical Chemist Our team does a lot of computer simulations. We make mathematical models and draw 3D models that represent a rocket. We can simulate an entire launch from Earth to orbit. David McKeownSpace Scientist

There is no typical day. For example one day I could be involved in training soldiers, another in unit administration, another I could even be deployed overseas.

I am mainly employed in a leadership/management role with responsibilities for unit training, career development and operations. There is constant pressure being placed in a leadership role but that's just part of the job. The rewards are good, good opportunities to travel and to be promoted.

Tom TooherLieutenant - Army I manage on behalf of the Bank the lending requests from various businesses. Providing finance to SMEs for various projects to help grow their businesses. Projects such as business acquisition, capital investment in equipment and premises, property acquisition, etc.This can be very rewarding when you see business grow and become more successfully with your help. Madonna DalyBusiness Manager Each working day is very different and that keeps the role interesting and challenging.
8 30 am: Arrive to the office and catch up on any emails I may have received the previous evening.
9 30 am – 10 30 am: Conference call with our legal director and Pernod Ricard USA on the US tax consequences of a new project.
10 30 - 11 am: Assist the financial accountant with the tax accounting for a group company’s financial statements.
11 am – Midday: Meeting with Financial Controller and CFO on the liquidation of a group company and the tax implications.
Midday – 1pm: Call with our professional VAT advisers in preparation for an upcoming VAT audit.
2 pm – 4 pm: Working on Corporate Tax computations and researching a VAT query I received from a colleague in the marketing department.
4 – 5 pm: Call with the Paris tax team on the Irish Tax implications of a group restructuring project and prepare slides for the next morning’s month end meeting.
So you see the day varies between desk based work / research and calls, meetings etc. Lorcan KellyTax Consultant I begin my day meeting the various contractors responsible for the design and construction of the new Fab 14 building. We discuss the construction schedule, milestones and any current or potential roadblocks. Although the various trades are highly skilled in their areas of design and construction, they have never designed a ‘next technology’ Intel fab! Therefore, experienced Intel tool owner input is extremely valuable here; from advice about fab layouts to details on a specific valve on a facility line.

A visit to the design “cave” is next up, where I problem solve any issues with the 3D modellers and can look real-time at the status of any 3D tool design. Before lunch, it’s either into the sub-fab construction zone or the new cleanroom to witness the current days’ work; which could be anything from area surveying to cleanroom readiness to tool pedestal move-in.

It’s a very dynamic environment at this time! After the busy mornings, the majority of the day is taken up with design reviews of the latest 2D and 3D models and any design meetings that have been scheduled for that day. Darryl DayIQ Engineer

08:00	I arrive at school to get ready for the day ahead. Day commences at 08:40
08:40 - 09:00	Assembly period when children come into class to get ready
09:00 - 10:30	Formal instruction begins
10:30 - 10:40	Children leave for small break
10:40 - 12:10	Teaching time
12:00 - 12:40	Children go to yard for big break
12:40 - 14:20	Teaching time
14:20 - 15:45	Usually hurling training after school
16:00	Leave school.
After School	Spend one-two hours at home preparing for next days lessons and correcting assignments

Brian CadiganPrimary School Teacher

As a Child Protection and Welfare Social Worker no day is really the same, all the families that I work with present with various complexities. I will attempt to explain a typical Monday morning, I usually have my morning coffee while at home while I read my emails and listen to any voicemails received over the weekend. I try to keep Monday’s diary free as it is usually a day where I will be completing various unannounced visits and follow up with any referrals or concerns highlighted over the weekend. My day can change really quickly depending on what comes up, I try my best to meet with the children and parents that I work with as often as possible to build a meaningful relationship to ensure that they can talk to me about any worries and concerns that they may have.

Fiona O'SullivanChild Protection and Welfare Social Worker I am currently working on a project where I am determining the equipment that is required to make the medicine. When the equipment is made I then test it to ensure it is working correctly and the medicine it makes meets the requirements that will make it work and keep patients safe Niamh YatesValidation Engineer Up 8am. Cycle to school. I have a class of nine children. I teach English and Maths til lunch time, then Religion and the rest of the Curriculum in the afternoon. Our school is in the city centre so we have numerous trips, museum visits, cinema trips. We are very involved in Art, Sport and Drama, and we go swimming also. We finish at 2:30. Padraig ParleTeacher - Special Needs A typical day begins with a meeting with the MEP to discuss the day’s agenda, followed by, typically a committee meeting, which could involve taking votes on certain issues. We could then have a lunch time meeting with visitors from Ireland, followed by an afternoon meeting with stakeholders such as farm and environmental groups.

In the evening there are usually further informal events, such as dealing with animal welfare. Other daily tasks would include researching important issues for the MEP, briefing them prior to meetings, assisting in drafting amendments and helping them generally in their day to day work.

I am currently working on drafting the new Data Protection laws that will cover all five hundred million people in Europe, allowing innovation in the online environment. Kevin KearyParliamentary Assistant

I typically work a regular weekday, however I like the flexibility that my job as Clinical Psychologist allows. Sometimes I might arrive in earlier, for example, to prepare for a Memory Clinic for older people with dementia. Other days I might stay a bit later if we’re running a Parenting Skills Group, for example.

On a usual day I come into my clinic-based office and check phone or email messages and respond to them. Then I might have a Clinic Team Meeting which is where members of the multi-disciplinary team (e.g. Social Worker, Psychiatrist, Occupational Therapist) meet to discuss referrals or ongoing clinical work. Then I might have an appointment with someone either for assessment (e.g. a cognitive assessment or IQ test) or therapy (e.g. psychotherapy).

In the afternoon I might have appointments out in the community, for example, with a teacher in a special school about a particular student, or in a residential home with a Social Care Worker about someone living there. A regular part of my work throughout the week involves reviewing research studies and programmes as part of my planning clinical interventions for individual people or situations.

Once a week I have a meeting with my Head of Department where we review the people and cases on my ‘caseload’ and I find this meeting very useful. At the end of the day I spend some time writing up my clinical notes, scoring up any assessments I did that day, liaising with my colleagues around any tasks that came out of my work that day, and finally planning my work schedule for the next day. Then I leave the Clinic to enjoy my evening!

Elaine MacDonaldPsychologist - Clinical

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

 

Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist Written interview unavailable... Mary McCaugheyHead of Communications My day is 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
A typical day involves learning about different areas of the Gardaí from Law to self defence to preparation of files. Aishling ButlerGarda Trainee

My role can really be divided into two sections - R&D projects and manufacturing. Each day I have tasks relating to both sections of my role. I manage approx 30 people who have different responsibilities within each of these two sections of our company.

I spend time monitoring progress on the various projects that are ongoing at any one time. Each project has a time line that must be met to ensure the projects deliver products to the market on time to keep us competitive. My role would be to remove any compliance / regulatory roadblocks to the time line that may arise. I need to make decisions or suggestions that maintain the timeline and ensure product quality , safety and efficacy are maintained. We could have up to five development projects running at one time. A lot of time is taking up with project meetings to review progress etc.

We are also a manufacturing facility manufacturing product for up to 50 different markets. My group is responsible for the review and release of the product before shipment. Each day I meet the staff involved and review shipments for the week and any deviations that have occurred which might affect the product. I need to decide if the product is affected and needs to be rejected. If this is the case it must be reproted to the site and investigated to ensure it cannot happen again. We work to a shipment plan which must be met each week. We also have improvement projects to deliver each quarter which have to be managed.

Michael BohaneQA Manager 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 A typical day is hard to describe, given that there are many facets to my role. However, it usually included several call and video calls with clients and colleagues alike. I really enjoy the people and problem solving element to my day-to-day work life, which provides me with high levels of job satisfaction. There are inevitably some high pressured days in banking but I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the banking world! Michael McDermottAssociate Director, International Corporate Banking

My current caseload has a mix of both children and adults, all of whom have a diagnosis of intellectual disability. At the moment I spend about 3 days a week working in a school for children with a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and autism. Here I work closely with the teachers and special needs assistants in looking at the children's sensory needs as well as working on other skills e.g. handwriting, computer work, play development.

The rest of the week I work with adults that attend St. Michael's House services. A lot of the time is taken up with assessment and ordering of equipment e.g. wheelchairs, hoists. I would often see the service user within their day service but might sometimes see them at home. Assessment of the home environment and recommendations for adaptations are another key aspect of the job.

As part of my job I work very closely with other professions e.g. Physiotherapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Psychology etc. Team Meetings are a regular event whereby all the members of the team come together to discuss progress.

Tomas FlanaganOccupational Therapist Further training... Yes, I am undertaking level 8 Business Studies with Dublin Business School. Mary Jo SheridanTourism Manager - Dublinia

Further training as part of my job as a Civil Engineer, nothing specific planned at the moment.

Further Education..... as much as I enjoy my job as an Engineer, I still have not ruled out Teaching. I am still considering doing Secondary School Teaching. As a qualified Civil Engineer, if I do a one year course in Teacher Training (H.Dip.ED), I will then be able to teach Maths and Applied Maths in School. Its worth remembering that!  

After four years in a course, its good to know you're not tied to the career, but you will always have the profession!  Engineering is a degree in problem solving. Getting a job in Engineering, Research, Teaching, Accounting, Management - its all possible.

Maria O'NeillCivil Engineer

Continuous professional development is something that I feel passionate about, society is always changing, and new evidence-based approaches are being published.

 

 

Fiona O'SullivanChild Protection and Welfare Social Worker

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

AIB have supported all my post graduate education to date – definitely another perk to the job!  Lara MulveySenior Product Manager AIB 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 don't plan any further formal training, but I have a singing teacher (a bit like a coach for an athlete) with whom I regularly study, it's important to touch base with a pair of trusted ears. As a singer (differently to instrumentalists) we depend a lot on outside feedback, because often we can't discern ourselves how well something is carrying in a concert hall, or what sound is best for a particular phrase, so having an expert you trust is really important! Sharon CartyOpera Singer 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

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

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

David FlemingSub Lieutenant - Navy Further expanding my knowledge and understanding of sprint mechanics Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist

Training and upskilling is always part of working within the HSE. Numerous courses are available within the HSE and I will certainly start a new course in the near future. However I don't think I will take on something as big as the Masters for another few years (family time is prime time!).

Frank MorrisonRecruitment Manager 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 would like to learn sign language so I can impart my enthusiastic talks and workshops to the hearing impaired. Deirdre KelleghanAmateur Astronomer I would like to take an MA in Local History and I'm currently investigating my options. Jonathan SmythLibrary Assistant No plans in the short term. Ray PowerPotter Intel actively promotes training and development as a core part of my job role. I find myself in a classroom almost every week! I currently have plans to complete a project management course to aid in my current role. Darryl DayIQ Engineer Intel encourages continual training. I have undertaken many training courses within Intel focused towards better understanding and knowledge of my job role and the manufacturing processes. Deborah CaffreyElectronic Engineer My training firm (KPMG) required me to complete the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification. The Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification is the most widely recognised and best regarded tax qualification in Ireland. Lorcan KellyTax Consultant You never stop learning. Training and coursework are vital aspects of my job. Technology changes quickly, so you always have to be prepared to learn something new. Owen HughesManufacturing Technician Yes - I am always looking for new opportunities to study or attend training courses to further my personal and professional development! Shane SargeantDepartment of Foreign Affairs I plan to complete a masters in Employee Relations. I have done a year already but have taken some time out due to family circumstances. Another thing I would love to do is to do a course in employment law. Ejiro O'Hare StrattonClinical Nurse Manager 2 Advice if considering this job 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 If you look at the staff we have here, they've come from all over the place. Some have been ex-Navy or have been Comms officers on ships; we have people who have been involved in building work and ended up coming here..it really is very random how people have ended up here. Often people have studied science in school, but often they haven't done science degrees, but have ended up meandering through various different industries to get here; so most of all it's to follow what you're interested in and what you enjoy doing. Like I say to the gang here, if they're not waking up in the morning wanting to go in to work, they need to change jobs. Rory Fitzpatrick CEO of the National Space Centre I thought the job would solely be to compute an individual’s / company’s tax liability but it extends to so much more beyond that. You are not just solely a person or organisation’s tax advisor; you are a general business adviser helping them to make key business/commercial decisions. Sinead LewSenior Tax Manager A career in sustainability and ESG is a meaningful career that is here to stay. Covid-19 has accelerated the shift to a more sustainable world meaning a wave of new 'green' roles are available. Another attractive side to this sector is that it needs diversity to thrive, diversity in all forms, genders, ages, cultures and skillsets. I think it's important to work in a sector where diversity is celebrated and appreciated. Amy O’DwyerAssociate Sustainability Advisor If you have a good attitude, a willingness to work hard and can work with others then I believe you could achieve high results in this job. Jack BarryAnalyst, Transfer Agency Ideally, try and get a job in the industry for a summer, or get a bit of experience before you go into it. You have to be happy with working outside, and doing physical work. If you are not prepared to work hard or are looking for a soft job, don't go into Landscaping. Design is very sexy at the moment, everyone wants to be a designer, a Landscape Designer. It's different on the ground, you have to be out there on sites in all weather and you have to make sure projects are managed well and you're able to muck in with everyone else. Biology is most important for anyone going into Horticulture or Landscaping as it covers propagation and helps with the identification of plant names, species and families through the universal use of Latin. Chemistry is also helpful as the use of various chemicals is a constant in horticulture. The chemical content and dangers of fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides in use in Amenity Horticulture needs to be understood anyone going into this business. Geography would be a relevant subject as well. Also, the simple things like having a full, clean driving licence, which can make you a lot more employable if you are trying for a job with a Landscape Conractor. This indicates that you are more mobile and can also drive a company van if needed. Be sure you're happy with the outdoor life. Having taken a Horticulture course will give you an advantage. However, it's possible to take a job first and study later, e.g. in IT Blanchardstown it is possible to study at night. I think you cannot beat doing the Diploma Course in the National Botanic Gardens because it is a good practical course which also covers all the theory and is invaluable for gaining plant knowledge. Paul DowlingHorticulturist

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 I would advise them to get themselves physically fit and to maintain it. I would also say that a sense of humour is very important and the ability to laugh at themselves. They should have self discipline and be prepared to accept imposed discipline. Punctuality is very important as is respect for others. If they had sporting interests that would be a help. Louise Mc DonaldPrivate (Line) Take every opportunity that comes your way, don’t be afraid of a challenge. Don’t be afraid to throw yourself into things, you’ll learn on the job. Denise HarringtonSupply Chain Analyst Anything is possible. Take chances. Don’t be afraid of failure. Lynda O'LearySystems Engineer Earth Observation is quite technical and has a number of research opportunities. I’d advise trying to achieve a PhD in Remote Sensing and get comfortable with a variety of computer skills, from coding to databases and cloud computing infrastructure. Also, do not overlook the value of learning to work in teams. Sam FranklinEarth Observation Specialist Do not go into teaching solely for holidays, and definitely not if you want to be rich! You need to like children be patient, kind and be able to work with many types of people. Deirdre SayersPrimary School Teacher

Be open minded – a career in Finance doesn’t sound the most riveting at times. But if I told you that I worked in one of Ireland’s leading technology companies would that change your view?

You don’t need to be the most tech savy individual, but once you have a passion for all things digital, and want to create customer first solutions, considering a job in this field could definitely be something for you.

 

Lara MulveySenior Product Manager AIB

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 For anyone interested in this role, learning fundamental skills such as financial modelling and valuation would certainly be helpful. In terms of qualifications, I encourage them to pursue the CFA program because the curriculum covers all asset classes in significant detail. Additionally, one could also pursue ACA/ACCA, if their interests are stronger on the Accounting side. Finally, it is also extremely important to stay on top of current affairs and market events as it is a time-sensitive industry. Madhuvratha VasudevanSenior Investment Analyst Be prepared for responsibility and the rewards and problems that come with responsibility. It is very important to be comfortable making decisions and living with them. While it is impossible to be right all of the time the majority of decisions you make have to be correct. Michael BohaneQA Manager With regard to education I say don't worry if you think you have the wrong subjects in school. I certainly didn't have the subjects you would typically expect.

There are a number of courses that cater to different backgrounds. The most important thing is to do your research. Go to open days, talk to the colleges and generally just find out what exactly you would be getting in to.

Don't just take for granted you know what a certain course or career is all about. Think about what you like to do, and not just necessarily in school, if you find yourself being curious about how things work or how thing are made, it's a good indication that you could like something like engineering.

One of the best things about engineering is that it really can be your passport to the world. There are great travel opportunities within the industry and chances to be involved in the next big thing.

Practically every man-made product around you came from a manufacturing plant, it's a huge industry with a lot of different avenues to take. Innovation is a really big part of what engineers do. The desire to be creative and improve production and processes is an important attribute for a manufacturing engineer. Lynsey GarganManufacturing Engineer

Whilst in secondary school, I changed my mind many a time regarding the career path I wanted to pursue! I always knew that I wanted to work with people but was unsure about the profession which would most suit my interests and skills in this regard.

While in school, I definitely found that being unsure about the type or area of work you want to pursue is a very difficult and confusing position to be in, especially given the array of career choices now available and the pressure one feels in trying to make one’s mind up.

To this end, I would strongly advise anybody in this position to research courses and job descriptions well in order to make the most informed decision possible at that time in your life. 

I recommend one tries to gain as much work experience as possible as it will provide you with valuable insight into your skills, ability, likes/dislikes for certain areas of employment!!!!

Also I would research the courses and job areas as much as possible so that you can make an informed decision regarding your choices. If you can't gain enough information in school, contact the college directly or arrange to talk to somebody who facilitates the course. In particular, it would be really valuable to talk to somebody in the profession to gain a realistic and practical insight into the job.

Mary Ita HeffernanSocial Worker Ignore the stereotypes, or even better, use them as motivation! Gillian MorganManufacturing Process Specialist Hard work, passion for your category, having a focus for what you want to achieve and keeping on top of new trends to really drive your area. Sara Hickey Assistant Trading Manager The lifestyle My job is very demanding whilst I'm present but generally I only need to be there for the standard 9 to 5, Monday to Friday. There is also flexibility when required due to a good relationship with my manager and his recognition of my commitment generally. Ciaran MacSamhrainEngineer - Transport Infrastructure Ireland Yes. The time off is very substantial. After working for six days straight you get four days off in a row.

As a family man it means I can spend time with my children and do any jobs I need to during these four days. Peter CliffordProbationer Garda

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'm lucky to be part of a supportive team that encourages work/life balance, it is so important to remember to keep active and see friends and family even during busy times. Amy O’DwyerAssociate Sustainability Advisor 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 Working on shift allows me to lead a very flexible lifestyle which would not be possible with a 9 – 5 job. Typically I work a 3 or 4 day week, with each day comprising of 12 hour shifts. This means there is a lot of time off during the week to have a life outside of Intel. Rebecca TigheProcess Engineer

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 Most of the time. Getting the work / lifestyle balance is critical if you are going to able to deliver results on a continuous basis, otherwise you will run out of steam very quickly. I won’t lie to you, being an engineer in the workforce today can be a very demanding role, but this can be said of most career options. The nature of projects and customers is that you often find yourself having to work outside of the ‘normal hours’ to meet deadlines. This is particularly true when you work for a small company. Sometimes you will find yourself having to re-arrange planned events outside of work, but you can make up for this time during quieter times (if they ever occur!!) However, the satisfaction of providing a solution for a customer, which results in a sale, has a real feel good factor, which is hard to beat! Shane CallananElectronic Engineer Very much so. Your job will always be as good as you make it. Steven KilgannonGarda Trainee My job does allow me a lifestyle that I am happy with. I drop the children off to school in the morning and start work at 9.30 am. I finish work in the afternoon and I am home the same time as the kids. I spend quality time with them every afternoon and I am there for the homework. I am also there to bring them to other activities outside school that they want to be involved in. There is enough time too for myself and family life as a whole. Ejiro O'Hare StrattonClinical Nurse Manager 2

I am very lucky to have a job that allows me to have balance between work and family life. This has never been more important than in recent years when I've had 3 children. Working for a company or in a job that allows you balance is really important to ensure you are happy. When you're happy you work much better and tend to then have a better career. My job also gives me a platform to provide a good life for my family and although it has been hard work along the way that level of security is really important to me.

As I become more senior, I am also given opportunities to support our community more by sharing my knowledge and I have worked with a number of charities in recent years to try and give something back also which is really important and fulfilling.

Brian DelahuntyHead of Corporate Banking

Fishing is a very unpredictable job. While, financially, it can be in line with other jobs, it can have a negative impact on your home life. You cannot plan holidays etc. because the fishing season is so dependent on the weather.

You could be at home for a week between trips or you could be home a couple of hours. It is hard to peruse any planned leisure activities when you cannot tell anyone when you will be at home or when you will be at sea.

Alan O'NeillFisherman I have found that it is so important to balance my job, my study and my personal life. Deloitte encourage a healthy work life balance and I have realised this is important to me doing a good job at work. I find that by taking part in events and activities I am much more productive in work, efficient and attentive in my study and happier in general. Anna Holohan Tax Manager Yes. I can design and make work. I also teach from my workshop at home. I am invited to demonstrate overseas regularly so keep in touch with international trends. Glenn LucasWoodturner Yes! Ray PowerPotter Being honest, to a degree yes, but not fully. The nature and reality of private practice is that we are busiest outside of everyone else's 9-5 schedule. This means early mornings, which are great, and I enjoy. Late evenings however impact on family life, social life, and sporting endeavours.

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

I have a comfortable lifestyle thanks to putting in long hours and working hard, this is something that I enjoy so it's never an issue for me aside from the aforementioned clash with my own sporting interests. Barry McEnteeChartered Physiotherapist 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 Chill Is a large Insurance Broker that operates as a call centre. It is an extremely busy and challenging environment to work in. I love that I am constantly learning in my job, each day that comes presents new challenges and opportunities for me to grow, learn and develop in my career.

The insurance industry has a very diverse mix of people, working for an MAI has allowed me to meet new people and build new relationships which have contributed to my progress to date. I believe in working hard however I feel it’s important to have a good balance between work and home life. Nicole FeigheryCustomer Care Manager Yes. Wyeth are a great company to work for and they ensure that employees have a good work/life balance. I find that I get good time off and I don’t see work interfering with my personal life too much. I also get to travel quite freely and love to hit other spots around Europe. I’ve been very fortunate at Wyeth to have progressed through several levels since being here and I am now Manager of the Raw Materials lab after joining the company as an analyst. Brian O'ConnorAnalytical Chemist 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 Being able to see how a few of the different areas of the business function, as there are significant differences between the retail and wholesale businesses. Ross McKeoghMusgrave Retail Graduate Programme Best thing I like about my job is it can be so rewarding and we get to see alot of Europe which is quite cool! Brendan CavanaghShips Engineer The variety (two days are rarely the same) and the fact that I can control how my career develops. You are given a lot of freedom by the university to research what is most interesting to you, and this can change over time. I think the opportunities for international travel with a stable Irish base are great as well. Dr. Patrick CadwellLecturer

The ability to get things done – I’m generally the go to person if something is needed to be fixed, Knowledge – it’s nice to be the go to person if someone has a problem /difficulty, even though I don’t know all the answers, I’ll do my best to find out.

The ability to help /fix things is very fulfilling. I don’t know though if I could be perceived as cool! Laura DevlinHR Manager - Hotel The children in this school enjoy a small teacher pupil ratio of 9:1. As a result teachers get to know the pupils a lot better and see progress a lot more clearly. Also, with small numbers, you don't have to be so strict and can have quite a relaxed classroom atmosphere. It is also cool to know you are making a real difference in peoples lives. Padraig ParleTeacher - Special Needs 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 It’s quite cool to be working on the most advanced manufacturing process in the world. The first time you walk into the fab is like going to a different world. Darryl DayIQ Engineer My friends think that it is exciting and cool that I fire weapons and carry out war games in the mountains etc.  I also find it exciting and really enjoyable. My friends also think it is cool that we get to travel over seas for long periods of time. I like the fact that I get to meet a lot of different people and make many friends. Louise Mc DonaldPrivate (Line) 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 Working with a team whom you know and get on well with makes the tasks so much easier. We also socialise together, so that it is not all work and no play. Ejiro O'Hare StrattonClinical Nurse Manager 2 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 Modeling something from scratch, and seeing the physical part after manufacture Megan WalshMechanical Engineer My favourite part of the job is the problem-solving nature of it all. My job is very numbers based which sometimes can lead to tricky equations to be worked out but is very satisfying once completed Abbie RiceAssociate Accountant/IFS Apprentice

Before I worked for an Investment company, I thought that investing was something that only wealthy people did, I didn't realise that it's possible for everyone. When I first started in the role, I had a project where I had to help non experts in the organisation learn more about investment and I ended up learning so much for myself! It's a great feeling being able to understand the basics of investment and know that you have the confidence to manage your own money for your future.

Yes definitely, my role allows me to help others to learn and develop and that is really rewarding, when people tell you that you helped them realise something that is going to help them in their life or career it's really satisfying. One of things I most enjoy about my current role is getting to work with people all over the world, it was brilliant when I got to travel and see people in person in some of our offices in India, Germany, Luxembourg for example.

Kathryn ReevesLearning and Development Lead I really like the challenge of staying ahead of the programme and even gaining ground where possible. Each project is different so as a job you are never stuck completing the same tasks day in day out.

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

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

Dr Jan SteinerAnaesthetist The product I am working on at the minute. It enables you to control your heating from anywhere in the world, brilliant. The travelling also helps. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer Engineering lets you be part of a group of extremely talented people who make a difference in the world around us. For me, it’s looking at a structure or building and saying, ‘Yes, I was part of the team that designed that’. Also, being able to walk into that building to see the element I designed gives me an overwhelming feeling of pride. Shauna HurleyStructural Engineer Meeting people from all walks of life and no two days being the same. Donal KanePlumber / Construction Super. 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 The challenges mentioned above: too much work sometimes, having to multitask a lot and still needing to prove myself to others, many times because of my age and sex. Michaela MusilovaMission Control Space Services 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 Not really. We have to do some administration-type work that isn't the most exciting thing but is really important to supporting our clients. Brian DelahuntyHead of Corporate Banking Sometimes the early morning starts and cold weather can be difficult but as time goes on you start to get use to it. Mark MaguireApprentice Electrician

• Waiting lists and time pressures can create stress at times
• The behaviour of clients can be challenging at times
• Dealing with children and adults with difficulties can be emotionally upsetting. However the knowledge that as a profession we can help them is uplifting in these situations
• Occasionally we come across difficult or upsetting situations that cannot be changed by our profession alone. This can be difficult.

Lisa KellySpeech and Language

It can be stressful at times, in particular I struggle with the thresholds, sometimes it feels like we know that the children are not living in the best environment, but we have to wait until the incident happens before we have enough evidence to apply for a Care Order.

Fiona O'SullivanChild Protection and Welfare Social Worker 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 I don't have the best work-life balance at my current job, but since the pandemic I'm working from home as well as the office and trying to introduce more flexibility around my working hours. Semin Soher PowerSenior Inflation Trader The clean up after my events (TV cooking slots, cookery demonstrations etc). Yes I do a lot of the cleaning, packing up and carrying luggage. Fiona UyemaChef Unfortunately not everyone understands the role of an Occupational Therapist and this can be frustrating at times. As OTs work in many different areas and with a diverse range of service users the role of an OT can be very different from one setting to another. This can lead to confusion for staff and service users as to when to contact the OT Dept. Tomas FlanaganOccupational Therapist As a call centre and a developing business, we are always striving to meet the needs of our customers, part of that is that we operate 6 days a week and open late mid week.

Whilst a lot of insurance brokers operate on a 9-5 basis, this represents a challenge in managing and monitoring a call centre with extended hours. When resourcing the department it can also be difficult to find staff that will commit to shift work. Nicole FeigheryCustomer Care Manager 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

The long working hours - some weeks you can work as much as 100 hours although the average is nearer to 60 hours per week.

Dr Jan SteinerAnaesthetist 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

The most difficult parts of the job are competing reporting requirements. There are many reports that have to be done and are essential to certain folks but at this time I feel we should improve these systems as there are too many of them.

Time spent fixing problems would be more beneficial to the company -there I go again, trying to improve the system!

Jonathan PugsleyEnergy Manager People complaining about the free food! Laura GlendonMultilingual Software Support SAP Some exercises can be very long and demanding. Sometimes you can be wet, hungry and tired and you just feel sorry for yourself.  But when it is all over I look back on it and realise the laugh that I had. Louise Mc DonaldPrivate (Line) I enjoy all the aspects of the job even the more stressful ones like meeting particular targets. Donal Og CusackAutomation/Energy Engineer I wouldn't say there's anything I don't like, however things can get extremely busy at times which can sometimes be daunting, but there's always someone there willing to give a hand. Abbie RiceAssociate Accountant/IFS Apprentice 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