deiseanna gairme in institiúide an AE

Employer Insights Getting the job I applied for a traineeship by way of a detailed application form. I was then selected for an interview and called back for a second round interview and then offered a traineeship to become a solicitor. I was phoned by one of the partners who interviewed me to tell me I had been successful. Niamh CacciatoSolicitor I'm currently an entrepreneur. I founded my own company a few years ago. For previous corporate roles I applied online and did several interviews. Then I was contacted by the agency if I was successful. Sometimes they don't contact you if you were unsuccessful! Fiona UyemaChef Luckily I made my way up through the ranks within my company since I finished college. I completed my work experience with the company and they asked me to return once I completed the course. Aidan MaherSite Manager - Grad Entry

The job was initially advertised internally as an acting position and I entered for the competition. I was then interviewed for the job along with others and was informed in writing that I had been successful.

After two years of acting in the job, it was again advertised nationally. I again applied for the job and was again interviewed along with others and was also informed in writing that I had been successful.

Ejiro O'Hare StrattonClinical Nurse Manager 2 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 My current role was a progression from the initial aforementioned internship. It included many rounds of interviews and I have been promoted within Barclays in that time too. It is great when you have the opportunity to develop and further your career in a place you enjoy! Michael McDermottAssociate Director, International Corporate Banking

Each year from December to February, Air Corps cadetships are advertised on National TV and the National Newspapers. Applications for this can be found online or by applying to the Defence Force competitions section.

I applied by sending for an application form and filling it in. The applications are generally due in at the end of Febuaury (the online applications are more popular now). Within one month of applying, I received a letter inviting me for fitness testing at Baldonnel. Details for the fitness test can be found in the Cadetship booklet, which is available online/career days/Defence Force competition section.

On passing my fitness test I was invited to attend a preliminary interview. This was with 3 air corps personnel and took place in Baldonnel also. This was a competency based interview, details of which is in the cadetship booklet. I was successful in the preliminary  interview and was then invited to attend for Apptitude testing. This took a full day, and involved a number of apptitude tests including numerical tests, mechanical reasoning and verbal reasoning.

I was notified that I was successful in the apptitude tests and was called to the final interview stage. This includes a final interview, hand-eye co-ordination tests and a psychological evaluation. This also takes a full day and took place in PARC Aviation, Swords, Co.Dublin. It is from this stage that the final Air Corps candidates are chosen.

I was chosen in my year to be one of four cadets to be taken in. (Classes have normally between 5-10 people) I was notified on the day the CAO offers came out of my success in the process and I accepted my place. I was then called for a Medical evaluation at the end of August and started my training at the end of September.

Oisin McGrathLieutenant - Pilot - Air Corp I applied online, was interviewed twice and was offered the position. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer I was actively looking for a new job in Scotland or Ireland at the time. My current job was advertised on the HSE careers website: www.careersinhealthcare.ie. It appealed to me because as part of the job you got to complete a Masters in Clinical Pharmacy and depending on where you were placed in interview, choose which hospital you worked in (the scheme involved the major teaching hospitals in HSE West and South).

I applied online and was shortlisted for an interview which assessed the candidates suitability for the job itself and the Masters. I got a phone call a few days later to say I had been successful. Rachel BerryPharmacist 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 applied for my job the usual way. I had worked with the company for two summers as a student so I knew exactly what I was letting myself in for and what would be expected of me. I went through the normal interview process and was successful. Lynsey GarganManufacturing Engineer 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 While still living in America I heard that Wyeth were opening a plant in Clondalkin, Dublin which is where I grew up. I was excited about the prospect of actually working in a Biotech plant in Clondalkin. I applied online and then when I moved back to Ireland I went to an assessment centre which also included an interview. The assessment centre included some role-playing and aptitude tests. I was called soon after and told that I got the job. Brian O'ConnorAnalytical Chemist

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

Ross O'BrienGraduate Recruitment Team Lead 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

After studying science, I did a one-year Higher Diploma in Education in UCC. This involved studying the theory of educational practice as well as having practical work experience.

I was very fortunate to remain almost immediately in the school that I did my teacher training in.

Cian O'MahonyScience Teacher Drive, determination and confidence. It was a tough application process but by using these three qualities I suceeded. Steven KilgannonGarda Trainee 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 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 I did a Diploma in QA in NUI Galway which was fulltime until one got a Tuesday to Friday work placement. I got a placement in a chip manufacturing entity in Dublin. After this year long diploma, courtesy of my mother spotting a job advertisement, I got a permanent job in Iarnrod Eireann in the Technical Department in Inchicore Works, where locomotives, carriages, etc. are maintained.

I was involved in many interesting projects, mostly specifying and buying vehicles, e.g. the first Arrows, and this made me competent in contracts and legal issues relating to procurement. I was there from 1992 to 1997 and left primarily for a change and for more money!

I then worked for a number of years through agencies working for various pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, a year here, a year there, and the work, surprisingly, was like the previous railway work: specifiying and procuring; only this time it was things like high-speed Tube-filling machines, etc. Next, out of the blue, I got a call from a businessman who had gotten my name from Iarnrod Eireann and he offerred me a car, nice salary and a permanent sales engineering job, selling Bus, Truck and Railway parts, with the CIE companies being my main customer. That was interesting but hectic. A

fter one year, again I was appraoched (as opposed to applying) and was asked (because of a lack of people with railway engineering experience) if would I be available to supervise the manufacture of the Luas Vehicles in France! Of course I was! That was 18 years ago and, a couple of years after my return from France, I was made permanent and promoted to Rolling Stock Manager. 18 years later and I'm still here! Ciaran MacSamhrainEngineer - Transport Infrastructure Ireland Main challenges I used to really dislike writing, but as I have developed in my career it has become easier, and sometimes even enjoyable. My biggest challenge is presenting to large audiences; I don’t like this. But it is unavoidable and usually once I begin talking it’s fine, however, I hate the nervous feeling before speaking.  Damien HaberlinEcologist (Post-Doctoral Researcher) Time management! There is a lot of work to do, especially if you want to keep up with all the developments in the topics that interest you. I am good at maintaining to-do lists, and I spend a lot of time thinking about what is important and what is urgent on these lists and managing my time accordingly. Dr. Patrick CadwellLecturer We have a lot of projects at once, so juggling all them at the same time can be a challenge. Megan WalshMechanical Engineer As you can imagine, there is a lot of administrative work that goes with project management and this is particularly true when you are dealing with flight hardware and safety to crew. Neil MurreyAerothermodynamics and Propulsion Design Engineer 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 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 are ones that effect society as a whole today, poverty, homelessness and trying to police the increasing rate of crime. Niamh BriggsGarda It was certainly a challenge to balance studying for a professional qualification and work full time, however, the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) programme offered by the Irish Tax Institute caters for this challenge by providing weekend lectures and electronic access to materials. In particular, the professional skills workshop offered the opportunity to discuss and solve real-life tax problems that I could then apply in my day to day work. Caroline AustinSenior Associate Solicitor 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 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 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

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

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 Attending to emergency situations where you are expected to act rapidly in a dangerous environment with a wide range of different people, some of whom may be hostile to you (e.g. in a riot or fight), also working with people in distress and taking decisions that will affect life and livelihoods and sometimes on the basis of incomplete and ambiguous information. Rasaq FaladeGarda Reserve Husband is in full time education and I am the only earner. Staying focused and keeping it going through very tough times. Staying positive. Liz ChristyTextile Design/Handweaver The main challenges are:

Getting the curriculum covered in a short day.
Meeting the high expectations of parents.
The constant changing of textbooks/methods of teaching. Brian CadiganPrimary School Teacher A huge challenge for me at the start was speaking German to native Germans on the phone. It was quite daunting at the start, but you get used to it after a while. Another challenge of mine was presenting in team meetings. Again, it's one of those things that become second nature to you the more you do. You need to remember that everyone is in the same boat when doing these things! Laura GlendonMultilingual Software Support SAP 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 While working on a new product idea could be very exciting, it may take years to implement and prove out the final product as the medical device industry is so heavily regulated. However, this is necessary and important in order to deliver the highest quality and safest products to our patients. Xiaona HouProduct Engineer The main challenges of my job(s) are managing multiple projects, many staff members and a variety of duties at the same time. There is often too much work for the small number of staff at SOSA or at MCSS, so we have to be very organised and efficient to do everything properly. My jobs are also quite varied, so I have to be able to wear many hats at the same time. This means that I have to be able to think as a leader, scientist, a diplomat, a manager and a friend at the same time, which can be quite demanding.

Finally, I also have to point out that even in this day and age, there are people that are sceptical of a young woman trying to push through to new boundaries and leading big projects. I constantly have to prove myself to others, especially the older generation here in Slovakia. I will not let it daunt me or put me off of my goals whatsoever. It is, however, another obstacle sometimes when trying to set up collaborations or negotiate with those people. Michaela MusilovaMission Control Space Services Typical day Check emails, set up tasks for work crews, site meetings, walk all work areas and meet all work crew, carry out health and safety and quality checks and pre plan upcoming works. Donal KanePlumber / Construction Super.

Actually there is nothing like a typical day really, and that's what make it so interesting.

But common things do happen: Morning production meetings to get feedback from shifts occur at 07:45 followed by a planning meeting at 10:00 for the next 24hrs schedules. A 08:30 there is a short technical team meeting to try and dove tail current work lists in the department and to give/get feedback on various activities going on. The rest of the day would be spent on parts of the circa 5-10 projects that would typically be on the go at any one time.

When you have so many projects on the go it is very important to develop tracking systems that work for you and to try and reduce the pressure of deadline by setting your own targets some time before the actual due dates.

Challenges can come about because of multiple competing deadlines and tight resources on man power, scheduling is thus the key to success.

Jonathan PugsleyEnergy Manager A day of a CEO in a start-up company is anything but typical. I could be talking to customers, making financial models, discussing stock options with my legal team, hiring new engineers or brainstorming on our algorithms with the technical team. All of which are fascinating and I am learning a lot, every single day. Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies Apart from managing the compliance work for my clients, my day also generally involves some ad-hoc work such as assisting with a project, proposal or piece of advice. This work is normally undertaken as part of a team with a partner, director, manager and trainees. Most businesses differ therefore the tax advice we prepare for these businesses differs. This ensures that every day brings a new challenge and a new learning experience.

Before joining Deloitte I did wonder if I would spend my days photocopying and filing however, I have found that even as a trainee I have been given plenty of responsibility. There is no shortage of interesting work to get involved in and there is excellent support with someone always available to answer any queries or concerns I have. Anna Holohan Tax Manager 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 My day would usually start at 8am arriving on site. My duties include arranging materials and the days schedule for myself and the men, meeting clients, placing orders and ensuring everything is on site and ready to go for the next day. I usually finish work around 6pm. Fergal FeehelyApprentice Painter Decorator No day is ever the same in Intel as the challenges we face are constantly changing. Essentially my day-to-day role is to sustain a manufacturing process which allows equipment to operate in a safe and effective manner, while producing top of class, defect free products.

A typical day begins with arriving on site in Leixlip at 6:30am and heading into the cleanroom for shift passdown. Production in Intel is carried out in a super clean environment, which means that employees have to wear what we call bunny suits in order to maintain a certain level of cleanliness, which is 10,000 times cleaner than an operating theatre. Passdown involves both engineers and technicians and is where any issues and progress over the last 12 hours is discussed.

It is the role of the engineer to lead this passdown and ensure that tool operations and plans can continue as they had for the previous 12 hours. This is vital to maintain the status of excellence which is required to allow 24 by 7 manufacturing succeed in Intel.

At 8:30 am there is a second passdown meeting again led by the shift engineer. This meeting involves tool owners, Equipment engineers, team leaders and other people who are vital in running a manufacturing process. Here the tool plans for any maintenance or experiments and the goals for the day are decided amongst the team. It is the shift engineer’s role to decide on the priority of these tasks and communicate them to the team of technicians who operate the machines.

Throughout the day the engineer takes responsibility for ensuring these plans are completed and communicating the advancement of plans to team leaders and tool owners.

Another major part of everyday operations is monitoring and maintain a low defect performance. This involves monitoring inline defect data to ensure tools are consistently producing the best standard products.

Training is also a huge part of my day in Intel. As a new hire in the company I typically have classes to attend, Web based training to complete and spend time with experienced engineers in order to develop my skill set for the job. Rebecca TigheProcess Engineer I am on site at the moment working as an Assistant Resident Engineer. I am supervising construction work of a Water supply scheme for the council.

Every day presents it's own problems. I get to work for 7.30am.  A few times during the day I walk around the site and make sure I know who is working. I answer questions for the contractor about the design, sometimes there are mistakes in drawings, or they have suggestions of different ways of building and I have to check if we are happy they are as good as the original design. I check levels to make sure its being built at the right height. I carry out concrete testing so we are sure we are getting the right concrete. I measure what they have built so we know what to pay them. I suppose no day is typical! Maria O'NeillCivil Engineer 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

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 the sense that a knock on the door might mean a 30 second conversation or it might be a problem that would dominate the remainder of the week. The job entails huge interpersonal interaction, with a good deal of conflict management.

It involves a lot of administrative and organisational skills. It also provides opportunities for longer term planning and leadership.

The day starts at about 7.30.pm. and may not finish until late in the evening if there are Board meetings or meetings with the Parents Association. Paul MeanySchool Principal

Everyday is completely different in the world of a Process Engineer in Intel. As part of the worlds largest Computer Chip manufacturer it is my responsibility that the machines that I take care of as part of making a computer chip, are able to maintain this status of excellence on a 24 hour 7 day a week basis.

The machines which I am responsible for are located in what we call ' A Cleanroom'. We are clothed from head to toe in white suits that we call 'Bunny Suits' as the environment is 10000 times cleaner than a hospital theatre. First thing each morning we analyse the previous 24 hours performance from a productivity, performance and maintenance point of view.

All machines status and plans for any maintenance or experiments are planned for the next 24hrs. All plans need to be carefully communicated to all those involved. There are weekly/monthly goals and challenges that are set for each machine and when we achieve these targets there is usually a recognition or reward received which is always a great motivator.

Within this area it is my job to sustain and improve equipment performance for the manufacturing process on my machines. It is important to ensure that my machine operates in a safe manner, and to ensure that operationally the machine is available for production and has the capability to produce great computer chips with minimal defects. Equipment issues continuously arise that need disposition and this aspect of problem solving is part of my job which motivates me and I really enjoy. Cost analysis as well as training are also an integral part of my daily job.

Kerrie HoranEngineer - Process Every day starts the same…I look at two things: 1. Bloomberg’s “5 things you need to know to start your day” and 2. my “to-do” list in Excel. Everything in my to-do list is colour-coded, depending on how urgent it is. I have a plan for every day but I rarely complete the tasks I had intended to as you’ll get an “urgent” email / call / Teams message from a colleague or client that interrupts your plan and it goes from there! I find prioritising is a major part of every day, with the most “urgent” task on my list changing as the day goes on.

My day-to-day work entails preparing meeting papers for upcoming client meetings, progressing actions from previous client meetings and responding to emails. People management consumes a chunk of my time – with a growing client base and a few people moving internally within Mercer, hiring is also a feature of my role.

I find my days busy and I have to be flexible and willing to adapt when unexpected issues arise during the day. While sometimes, I do crave 2 uninterrupted hours to focus on a particular task, I really enjoy regularly interacting with colleagues and clients alike. If I have a client meeting on a particular day, I’ll set aside some time to prep for that. Deadlines are a key feature of every day. You need lots of energy to stay on top of everything, monitor deadlines and ensure tasks are progressing well. Orla AherneInvestment Consultant I arrive at 7am, get some coffee and check my emails and instant messages. Then I work on projects that have the highest priority or have people waiting on me to do something. There are meetings scattered throughout the day, some are walking meetings which gives us a chance to get some fresh air! Megan WalshMechanical Engineer In many ways there is no typical day. In any day one might be involved in a host of different activities. Such activities could include taking a careers class, doing one to one careers interviews, conducting psychometric tests, having one to one counselling sessions, liasing with parents and teachers, administrative work and attending career related or continuous professional training events. At different stages of the year different priorities come to the fore. Brian HowardGuidance Counsellor 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 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 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 My day varies from day-to-day. It depends what kind of experiment that I am running on that day itself. Normally I will start doing experiments in the morning, so that I have plenty of time to do write ups or read some journal papers in the afternoon. My experiments involve analysing mouse brain tissue, RNA samples and sometimes we do studies on paediatric brain samples too! Before heading back home, I will plan the experiment for the following day and prepare the necessary chemicals required for that experiment. This is so that my following day will be more organized and I don’t have to worry about rushing and preparing the chemicals in the next morning. Kelvin E Lau HowPHD Student RCSI Buying, known as Trading within Musgrave, is very fast paced, and every day is different, from daily deadlines internally, to meetings with suppliers, focusing on a strong promotional plan for my category and driving sales as well as looking daily at commercials. Sara Hickey Assistant Trading Manager Further training... I have undertaken courses in Professional Development every summer since I began teaching and I have recently applied for a Masters in Visual Arts Practices in Dun Laoighaire - which is a two year part time course. Padraig ParleTeacher - Special Needs I have done a number of different courses for my job. I did a Filleting Course one year ago. I also did a Forklift Course two years ago and I've have done two HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) Courses in the past few years. Brendan WhiteFish Filleter Yes, I am planning to take the CFA Certificate in ESG Investing, wish me luck! Amy O’DwyerAssociate Sustainability Advisor Yes, with previous roles, I’ve undertaken targeted software training courses. However, largely these have been self-directed, rather than any company strategy. Depending on the organisation, training budgets have been limited. Therefore, I’ve consistently taken the opportunity read around my subjects and take evening courses to supplement my skills. Sam FranklinEarth Observation Specialist I think continuous upskilling is very important as the industry is constantly changing and you need to adapt. Elaine KellyMechanical Design Engineer

Yes, it is very important to continue with upskilling throughout your career. In the last few years I have started to learn and use new-found skills based aroung lean six sigma principles.

Throughout my career I have been fortunate to take a number of specialised training courses that have benfitted both the company and I.

Energy Management Pumping systems, Time Management, Intensive French, Health and Safety, Remote Emergency Care, Lean Six Sigma (Green and Black Belt), to name only a few.

I would like to go on to do an MBA in the future when kids leave home and I have more time available to study.

Jonathan PugsleyEnergy Manager I qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA). It really appealed to me that it is such a well-recognised qualification and I thought that it would give me a really good base from which to build by skills and ultimately my career. Sinead LewSenior Tax Manager Training is always an ongoing agenda item - we even have it listed as a default priority item in our official schedule here. It may be of the form of online classes, or classes in-house where the company brings in professional trainers/lecturers to give classes and information talks; or it may involve traveling to attend a class specifically tuned to your next objective. For example, my next class is a two day session about digital electronics, which will be pertinent to my current programming project. On average training in some form or other occurs about 3 or 4 times a year. Jason RuaneComputer Programmer I took the postgraduate diploma in statistics and the PhD after my undergraduate course. For the next year I'm planning to focus on settling in here and learning as much as I can from my teaching experience.

After that I would like to take a formal course to improve my teaching. There is a qualification in Third Level Teaching and Learning offered in Ireland, and an International Teachers Programme abroad. Either of those would be super.

In the meantime DCU offer courses to support lecturers, so I will be taking those from January. I would also like to undertake a professional qualification from the Chartered Institute of Professional Development, the body for HR managers. DCU offers courses accredited by the CIPD and a lot of the members of my group have this qualification. It's not essential, but it is something I would like to do. Aoife Mc DermottLecturer I would definitely consider further studies in the future. I finished my undergraduate degree in May. At the minute, I am enjoying work life and using the skills I have developed through my honour’s degree in Engineering. Kevin O'HaganDesign Engineer Studying for the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification was a key aspect of my training. Edel ButlerAdministrative Officer Yes it’s always necessary to keep up to date with best practice in special education. I have completed a Cert. in Dyslexia which is DES (Department of Education and Science) approved. In the future I intend to study for a Masters degree. I also read books and publications on special education and teaching methodology. Paul GalvanResource Teacher In the Garda College I have completed a suicide intervention course which has proved to be a very worthwhile course.

In the future I hope that I can further my education and build on the degree that I will attain at the end of the training. I think that furthering education will be crucial if I want to progress my career in years to come. Peter CliffordProbationer Garda I always try to keep my knowledge current by constantly doing a variety of courses such as those on languages or IT. It’s very important to keep life- long learning going all the time. Kevin KearyParliamentary Assistant Besides inservice in both PE and Geography which I have taken and plan to do in the future I have no plans for further training at present. Mary JoyceSecondary School Teacher I am open to all education opportunities in terms of professional and self development. I have applied to undertake Garda Public Order and advanced driving training. I am also planning to take the Sergeant Exams. Nan Hu Garda I would like to study something more about business as it’s a rapidly expanding sector within the global space economy and it would be really useful to have. Jonathan FaullSpace Social Media and Communications It is definitely my intention to return to education in the very near future. I am out of college two years and even now I can see the advantage to continuous education.

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

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

Education is the tool that allows you to change your work life to whatever you wish depending on how you go about it. Lynsey GarganManufacturing Engineer

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 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

I would advise you to contemplate your motivations for considering a career in social work. Whereas I entered university wanting to change the world, I now understand that if I wanted to do this, I should have followed a career in social policy. Moreover, I have developed an appreciation for the big (and small) changes I have made to children’s and family’s lives, the connections I have made within the communities I have worked in, and the support and guidance I have given and received throughout the course of my career.

I would further add that through my career I have met some incredible colleagues who I am lucky to now call friends. Social work is a career wherein one relies heavily on their teams/colleagues, and close interpersonal connections are quickly forged.  

Jonathan O’ReillyPrincipal Social Worker 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 For my particular job role, as a yield analysis engineer, good organization and communication skills are quite important. Along with having the technical knowledge, being able to properly communicate your ideas/findings is very important. A lot of my day is spent dealing with other people in the factory and it is very important to be able to communicate efficiently with them. Deborah CaffreyElectronic Engineer 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 available, don't be afraid to do voluntary work and get involved in communities. Aishling ButlerGarda Trainee Don’t be afraid to speak up, be yourself and always learn from each other. Xiaona HouProduct Engineer 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

Possibly useful qualities/interests:

A predisposition towards technical problems, such as puzzles or machinery. An interest in the nature of how things work, such as the desire to disassemble machinery/gadgetry to unlock its inner workings.

An inventive side; one who uses the parts of other gadgets, to make a new personalised gadget. Interested in high tech gear: gadgetry of all forms.

A capacity to learn processes for oneself e.g. seeing a puzzle solved and then repeating it.

Skills: Technical subjects such as Maths or electronics. Programming is very accessible to anyone with a basic home PC and some internet connection so try it out and see if you like it.

Values: If you value the solving of an intricate, convoluted problem, for it's own sake and find that rewarding, then any engineering job will come easily.

Education: Firm basis in Maths and the sciences. People are hired into engineering positions here from backgrounds such as science and computing primarily.

Jason RuaneComputer Programmer I'm a strong believer in Less is more. Keep your CV as minimal as possible - highlight your skills and interests without going into too much details. This will draw in the attention of a recruiter to find out more about you. Apply for many roles, even if some of them aren't exactly what you're looking for. This is so helpful in prepping for that interview that you really want to do well in.

I also think it's helpful doing mock interviews with your friends or colleagues, as they can give you all the feedback you need. Another important thing is to know a bit about the company, it'll show that you're keen and that you've done your prep work. Never ever learn off interview answers, they can be spotted a mile away and it only increases your nerves. Be yourself and that's all any interviewer will look for. Laura GlendonMultilingual Software Support SAP If you are unsure I would recommend coming to an open day in the college and if possible also doing the Garda Reserve. It gives the best insight imaginable into the work of Gardaí. Mark Spain Garda Trainee Do not judge the job by your experience in the college. Join the Garda Reserve to gain experience of the outside world. Be yourself and put in the effort to achieve your goals. Steven KilgannonGarda Trainee If you are considering full-time scientific research, try to get a work placement in a university department so you can see first hand what it’s like. It’s a relatively relaxed, flexible environment, but there is a certain degree of self-motivation needed. 

So I would say you need to be able to push  yourself and be proactive in terms of setting up collaborations with other scientists etc. Caitriona JackmanPlanetary Scientist 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 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 Some may think that you can go untrained into fishing. The best advice I would give people considering fishing as a profession is to get training. Fishing is an all encompassing career - when you need to go fishing, the rest of your life goes on hold unfortunately. It is very unpredictabe because you could be fishing non stop for three weeks and tied up for two. Alan O'NeillFisherman It is a fast-paced environment, and you have to be able to work as part of a team and find creative solutions to unique problems. Megan WalshMechanical Engineer 1.Be open to new ideas. Think critically, and not just about the ideas of others. Be hard on your beliefs. Take them out onto the verandah and beat them with a cricket bat. Be intellectually rigorous. Identify your biases, your prejudices, your privilege. 2.Dedicate one's self to the pursuit of short-term goals. Be micro-ambitious.

Put your head down and work with pride on whatever is in front of you, you never know where you might end up. Be aware that the next worthy pursuit will appear in your periphery and when you least expect it. 3.You don't need to already know what you're going to do with the rest of your life. Many people who were sure of their career path at age 20 end up having midlife crises now. 4.Be able to speak in public and also in a foreign language. If you can do all that and tell a joke, you've cracked it. Fergal DonnellyEuropean Commission Do your best to find out the most you can about your specific engineering category, whether it be Electronics, Mechanical, Civil etc. Approach companies to try and get experience whilst you are at college, that way you have a running start on how to use the most up to date packages and instruments that companies have, and that then gets you the work experience when you finish college. Liam McCaulR&D Engineer I would strongly recommend a career in tax to any students who are considering it. Tax professionals are in high demand from employers and can add real value to any business. It is a challenging and rewarding career which can place you at the heart of business decision making. It can also be an excellent springboard to other careers in finance.

Just recently a new Chief Financial Officer was appointed to Irish Distillers who was formerly the Pernod Ricard Group tax director! Also do your research about the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification – from my own experience, the course is very practical and relevant to my day to day job. It provides a structured framework for achieving the knowledge of tax law and skills required to be a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA). Lorcan KellyTax Consultant Its very specialised so one would really have to do Mechnical Engineering or a Transport Operations/Transport Management degree course. Foreign languages would be extremely useful. Ciaran MacSamhrainEngineer - Transport Infrastructure Ireland The lifestyle Once you reach a certain level everyone in the room is pretty smart, and so the part of my education that has proven most useful is communications. Being able to present and discuss complex topics amongst your peers is essential and even though it doesn’t seem like it at the time school and college set you up well for this. Shane McDonaghRenewable Energy Engineer 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

As a working artist teaching allows me a lot of time to pursue my painting. In the last 5 years I have had time to prepare 4 solo exhibitions - something which would be immpossible in almost any other proffession.

You will never be "rolling in money" as a teacher, however it allows you to have a very comfortable standard of living and the time off to travel and pursue other interests. Also it is a rewarding profession as you get to make a difference in childrens lives, and in the current climate of instability it is a very secure job

Padraig ParleTeacher - Special Needs During the summer months the ship I work on ties up because of no quota, so we get a chance to relax and try out other work for the summer months. Brendan CavanaghShips Engineer When I was younger, one of the most important factors for me was to earn a really good salary as I wanted to be comfortable (my parents struggled financially so I didn't want to have the same struggles). However, I realised in my late twenties that although I wanted a good salary to be financially comfortable it was equally important for me to be as happy in my professional life as I was in my personal life.

I was working as a tax consultant and my job was well paid with great benefits. I was getting bored and frustrated with the lack of excitement. Overtime, I transitioned to work for myself in the food industry using all the knowledge and key skills I gained in all my previous jobs e.g. I've financial and tax awareness from my previous job. Fiona UyemaChef Written interview unavailable... Mary McCaugheyHead of Communications 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 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, I usually work a five day week, times can be flexible when required. Hugh Heraghty Fish Farm Manager

As I am a Guidance Counsellor in a second level school I work the same hours as most teachers. These school hours allow for great opportunities to get involved in extra curricular activities after school. The hours also allow for one to develop and partake in hobbies and pastimes. Weekends are free, thus allowing for good quality time with family.

While a school Guidance Counsellor will never be a millionaire on the salary, it is a comfortable salary which will allow for a decent standard of living, where a nice house, car, etc. are within reach.

There is a lot more to my career than just offering career guidance. The Guidance Counsellor can give a great deal of time heping students cope with personal problems. We provide guidance to our students in relation to their future path to further education as well as future career. Certainly this career does suit someone who values a good quality of life with plenty of time to spent with family and pursue leisure activities, while at the same time gaining great satisfaction from helping young people make important decisions on their journey through school life.

Brian HowardGuidance Counsellor Yes, I work 8am to 4:15pm daily, with the exception of staying on a bit later when work is busier, however even staying on later is still allowing plenty of time in the evenings. Abbie RiceAssociate Accountant/IFS Apprentice 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 Yes certainly, the hours can sometimes be long but also very rewarding. It's what I love and it's what I know so I'll be sticking to it. Fergal FeehelyApprentice Painter Decorator

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

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

Madonna DalyBusiness Manager Yes, flexible working hours, managing my own work. I take ownership of my career and job choices. Niamh YatesValidation Engineer The job allows me to work regular hours. I rarely work unsocialable hours, which means that I can spend time with my family and friends. I'm out working in the fresh air on most days, which makes for a healthy lifestyle although the work can be physically demanding at times but it helps to keep you reasonably fit as well. Being my own boss, I can take holidays at times that suit me and my family. This occupation has given me security and a reasonably good living. I would say that it's relatively good compared to most jobs. It has given me the opportunity to persue a kind of lifestyle which suits my temperament and outlook. I enjoy owning my own business and setting my own goals in life. Paul DowlingHorticulturist Yes, right now I’m focused on learning and progressing my career and thankfully that is encouraged in my job and industry. Job security and work-life balance are also valued. And there are opportunities to travel and meet colleagues from across the global organization. Gillian MorganManufacturing Process Specialist I get to travel a lot which is fantastic and also my days are not always structed the same which I like. Ian McKinleyRugby Player Yes, thankfully I can maintain a good work life balance, where my hard work is rewarded. Caroline AustinSenior Associate Solicitor My job allows me to have a good work life balance. Flexi time allows me to work at hours that suit my lifestyle, and I can always come in earlier on a particular day if I need to leave earlier. Because most of my work is done on a computer, there are options to work from home as well if you aren’t able to come into work on a particular day. The atmosphere in the office is very friendly and relaxed which really goes a long way I think. Catherine AhearnData Scientist Whats cool I love people management and I love building a rapport with my busiest clients who I’m in frequent contact with. The ability to build strong relationships with clients is important in this job and it’s something I enjoy. Orla AherneInvestment Consultant

Anything with a bit of adrenalin attached is cool. Whether it is boarding a trawler in very bad weather, a gunnery shoot, exercising ships gunners. Approaching a port with a large concentration of traffic, anything that is challenging really.

Also the opportunity to travel the world, though my career to date I have been lucky enough to have been to many different places, from Singapore to L.A. Argentina, Hong Kong, India and Egypt.

David FlemingSub Lieutenant - Navy There are lots of cool things about this job. One of my favourite is the brilliant facilities for teaching in the Business School. I have a lot of fun with them!

There are big screens which my power-point slides are projected onto, and I can use them to show videos or DVD's. I can even link to the internet to show things during class.

Coming a close second is getting to travel abroad to present my research at conferences. I was subsidised to do this as a student too, but now it's funded by DCU because making a research contribution is part of my role.

Another major benefit is the flexibility and autonomy associated with the job. While I work hard, I do so in my own office, organise my own time, and am free to do so once I do my job well.

I also have huge flexibility around my working hours and some flexibility to work on my research at home, if I'm not teaching or meeting students. While I don't get summer-long holidays, it's really wonderful to have block of time over the summer to develop my research. Essentially having research time is being paid to explore ideas and issues that I have an interest in.

I really value having a job where I have the freedom to choose the direction of my work - and to change it if I want. At the moment I don't see myself moving away from conducting research in healthcare service-delivery - this is a really rewarding growth area - but it is great to have the choice. Aoife Mc DermottLecturer 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 There are not many people who can say that they make a living out of their passion but luckily I am one of those people. I can do my favourite thing in the world and get paid for it and I will never take that for granted. Nothing will ever quite beat the adrenaline rush when you finally finish the show and hear the audience applause. For me that feeling will never get old. Megan McEvoyDancer

I don’t know about cool, but there is a buzz – even after 25 plus years in the profession – when you do something that changes someone’s viewpoint on health and safety and they start to do things the right way in order to protect themselves.

There’s loads of cool stuff with astronomy. I’ve been fortunate enough to do some work with RTÉ – both live and recorded. I even got to do a film review on the Moon landings. As well as meeting the RTÉ folks like Dave Fanning and Derek Mooney, it’s great to communicate the message that astronomy is interesting, fun and very accessible to everyone.

The coolest astronomy thing, though, has to be having an asteroid bearing my name. With all my achievements, one very kind colleague put my name forward to the International Astronomical Union and they named asteroid number 21782 after me. So asteroid Davemcdonald will be whizzing around the solar system for a few billion years after I’m well gone. Now that’s cool!

Dave McDonaldAstronomer The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of over 400 teenagers each year. Paul MeanySchool Principal My favourite thing about the job is helping others. There truly is nothing like the feeling that you've done something to make someone elses life just a little better. Emilia GilroyGarda The variety of things I get to do and the freedom I have to do it. What are the main challenges? Working in a university comes with a lot of administrative tasks – I hate doing them. Also, the lack of female lecturer colleagues… The majority of lecturers and professors are men – based on lots of rubbish reasons. The university is working hard to change this trend. I’m a real feminist when it comes to making the needed changes. Shane BerginPhysics Lecturer I love the fact that we have created something on our farm to ensure its preservation and continuity for future generations. I have been chosen as the only female Shepherd in Ireland to participate in a year long arts project following the life of four female Shepherds in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The project was launched at the Tate Museum Liverpool in Nov. 2019 and is being managed by Dr. Patricia McKinnon Day, St. John Moore’s University and Artscape Management, London. I am especially proud that our business supports the local community and is fast becoming an internationally recognised visitor attraction on the Wild Atlantic Way! Catherine O'Grady PowersOwner Gleenkeen Farms 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

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

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 Cool is not a word I would really use in relation to my work, but what I like about my job is working within a team, having a say in how my work is done.

We have a good partnership committee at work and this allows us to have an input into the changes that are taking place and how they affect us in our working lives. As one of the union shop stewards I have always had some input, but partnership gives more of my colleagues a chance to have their say. This is a very good development because for years our group of workers have felt that they had no input into the work of the hospital and partnership has given a real sense of having some ownership regarding our work. Lydia PeppardCare Assistant I have yet to discover what's cool about work, but the ability to make a living from what I'm interested in is what encourages me to do it. Denis ReidyFarmer - Dairy 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 Being involved in peoples lives at such a basic level is really 'cool'! It is cool to have such great opportunities to relate to our clients in a real and meaningful way and see the difference your team can make on the lives of those in your care.

You have some great times, great fun with your clients, you get the opportunity to expose them to great challenges and to see them develop new skills and participate in society in a meaningful way.

I love to see a client find a new skill or hobby or to be involved in making something happen in their lives which before would have seemed impossible i.e. that they would find employment in mainstream society or that they would join a film club. Naoise PyeSocial Care Worker Regarding my astronomical drawings, it is totally cool to see photographic images taken at the same time of the same lunar or solar feature that I have also drawn. Compare both and be amazed at how close I got to reality with my eyes. It’s the coolest thing in the world to see children’s smiling faces when they have learned about a solar system object for the first time and produced a wonderful drawing of that object for themselves. Deirdre KelleghanAmateur Astronomer Intel provide you with a very clear career development path and do their best to ensure that every employee is constantly improving. We also have a very relaxed atmosphere helped greatly by the casual dress code. It makes a 12 hour day a lot more comfortable! Rebecca TigheProcess Engineer It is always varied so the work can be stimulating, interesting and exciting. It can also be stressful, pressurised and tiring particularly when a court case is at hearing but even when it is the diversity and adrenalin rush makes the long hours tolerable! Its often nice to escape the office and go to court for the day for a change of environment! Niamh CacciatoSolicitor Not so cool 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 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 The unsociable hours when on tactical operations. Tom TooherLieutenant - Army 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 Special Needs teaching can be enjoyable and rewarding. However there is a lot of paperwork. Padraig ParleTeacher - Special Needs The constant cleaning is mundane.  At the end of a long day on your feet you have to clear the counter which is heart breaking, putting everything away which took so much time to get ready and look good. You have to clean the counter, the fridge and  the floors - nothing can be left undone. Nicola O'HigginsFishmonger 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 Because we work in such a regulated industry there is a lot of paperwork required. This involves validation of the design & all the various processes used to make the product. This represents the uncool aspect of the job but is extremely important as it reduces the potential that a patient will be injured or die as a result of a poor design. Sinead KennyDesign Engineer Heavy administration process. Ross O'BrienGraduate Recruitment Team Lead Changing timelines place additional pressures on the group. Sometimes this is necessary from a business perspective. Validation project deadlines can be pulled in a few days or weeks (sometimes at short notice) and so all the activities of the validation group need to be reassessed to meet the new date.

There can be an expectation that the group just has to figure out a way to get it done ("nothing is ever impossible to the guy who doesn't have to do it himself"). Somehow we always manage to get it done albeit with additional stress but that's one of the aspects I like about my job. Fergus O'ConnellQuality Officer Although you have the excitement and action of responding to calls the reality is when you arrive you have to deal with some horrific things, you will sometimes see people in great distress and suffering. On a positive note though once you get to do your job and use your skills you normally improve things. Keith HayesAmbulance / Paramedic Selfishness, people who work primarily in their own interests without any regard for the team. This usually manifests itself in some individuals un willingness to help others or impart knowledge and this usually works to the determent of the team.

Generally speaking the people I’ve worked with would not fall into this category and I have a good experience of working with other people. Kevin MoranInsurance Administrator There are repetitive aspects to my job that are very necessary but not necessarily enjoyable. There can be a lot of data entry tasks which nobody really enjoys but which is a crucial part of how we get to the end product. Lynsey GarganManufacturing 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 I have thought about this question and have asked a number of my colleagues.... None of us could think of anything that is not 'cool' about our jobs. For me, this is a dream job and I would not change a day of the time spent on the Air Corps so far. Oisin McGrathLieutenant - Pilot - Air Corp The countless emails to trawl through on a daily basis. Darryl DayIQ Engineer Long production times and paperwork can be a bit boring sometimes. Owen HughesManufacturing Technician Meeting someone new in the pub and telling them you're a "rocket scientist" can be a bit of a conversation killer sometimes! Caitriona JackmanPlanetary Scientist Gender, racial and sexual biases in the workplace. Sinead O'Sullivan CEO of Fusion Space Technologies

• 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