When concluding your educational journey and taking your first step on the professional path — a place you’ll likely inhabit for most of your future — can seem intimidating. However, there are measures to be adopted and support systems available to facilitate this shift.
As per Michael Murphy, the head of Mayo’s Further Education and Training College (FET), you should first approach career guidance services, CV preparation seminars, and networking events given by your university and the local Education and Training Board (ETB).
He claims, “These amenities are purposely built to be of assistance in your career ascent and job exploration. Prior to your graduation, gain some practical exposure.
“Make the most out of work-based learning prospects such as internships, apprenticeships or cooperative programs. These opportunities enable you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.”
An advisor from the adult guidance service of Laois and Offaly ETB aligns with Murphy that these connections put a substantial weight on professional advancement.
“Throughout the duration of a programme, adults have academic and career counsellors to aid them in defining various possible progression paths,” she states.
“Assistance is available for job applications and boosting interview skills. This continues even after the individual advances to a job; many return for career advice during their professional journey.
“Work placements form an integral part of achieving a full educational award on an FET programme. Before these work placements, students are coached for the work environment, given help with their CV, and taught job application and interview talents.”
She highlights how employers hold work experience in high regard. “It is an affirmation of your ability to transition from scholarly pursuits to a professional role,” she affirms.
“The work placement component is a practical approach for students to gain insights into their chosen career, enabling them to establish a solid foundation and expand their skills.”
The benefits of interview coaching and practical skills development cannot be overstated, particularly when it comes to answering questions based on real-life scenarios. This understanding can ultimately show prospective employers that you have a firm grasp on the position’s responsibilities.
Often, practical placements associated with courses of study can result in full-time employment post-graduation, as has been the case with many students. One such example is ‘Maeve’, remnant from using her full name, who found her calling after completing a Level 5 business administration course at an ETB.
On finishing high school at 17, her parents felt it too soon for her to transition to college life and decided to enrol her in a course closer to home. This course allowed her to gain practical skills such as CV writing and interview techniques while also providing her with valuable work experience.
Her placement at an insurance brokerage was a successful one which put her on a fruitful career path. Initially a two-week commitment, it turned into a full-time summer job and ultimately a permanent position. Since then, Maeve has continued to develop her skillset, undertaking modules in various subjects and adapting to the dynamic world of technology. She attributes all this success to her initial Level 5 programme.
As the representative of the adult guidance service for Laois and Offaly ETB emphasises, maintaining a flexible and persistent attitude during your job search and career journey is critical. Even roles that aren’t an instant perfect fit can provide stepping stones towards your dream job, particularly in organisations offering growth opportunities internally.
Finalising an FET programme presents school leavers, career shifters, and those out of work with an excellent chance to experiment with potential careers. It allows participants to acquire crucial transferable skills, update their employment abilities, evolve academically and network with fellow students, instructors, and employers through work placements.
Jennifer Ryan, the chief of editorial planning and content creation for LinkedIn News Europe’s Get Hired segment, has observed a profound transformation in the world’s professional field over the last twelve months. According to her, traditional job trajectories have been disrupted, novel sectors have come into existence and the competencies that companies are after are evolving more swiftly than before.
Ryan questions where employment opportunities can be located and provides an insight, “The flourishing technology sector in Ireland has birthed a significant need for highly competent employees which is mirrored in the LinkedIn data. The role of a software engineer has emerged as the leading profession for fresh graduates”. She further explains how these engineers are pioneering new technologies, engaged either in the production of advanced microchips and processors or in the development of cutting-edge operating systems and security software. Ryan shares that the demand for such personnel in Ireland exceeds the available supply, hence there is a stable influx of professionals from nations like India, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Turkey, and the Netherlands.
Hays, a recruitment corporation, states that roles for social workers, credit managers and accountants are also highly sought after in Ireland. Their recruitment guide for 2024 encapsulates the top ten professions which also includes quantity surveyors, maintenance engineers, cybersecurity heads, engineering project administrators, data analysts, supplier relationship managers, and quality analysts. Hays confirms that this list mirrors the job demands and listings across Ireland and reflects the employment intentions of roughly 85% of employers.
Sarah Kelly, despite dropping out early from school and not earning her Leaving Cert, discovered a satisfying career path through Westport College of Further Education (WCFE). She indicates, “I wasn’t overly eager about learning back then,” and mentions her rapid entry into the workforce after leaving school. While she admits to having regretted her decision on some occasions, a look back at her career progression and successes convinces her of her robust work ethic. “My journey as a beauty therapist started in 2006 following my enrolment in a part-time private college course in Galway; however, being part-time, it did not provide a holistic perspective on beauty therapy. This impacted my job hunt in this sector due to a lack of comprehensively needed credentials,” she recounts.
Once focused on a different career path, the allure of beauty therapy never left me. After globe-trotting for a while, I returned to Ireland and was thrilled to find that WCFE had launched a full-time beauty therapy course that spanned two years.
The course offered a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of beauty therapy, including massage, and provided me with recognised certifications. It was a successful endeavour that boosted my confidence in the profession. My hard work and good grades culminated in me being awarded the student of the year.
The course enriched me with new skills, which I thoroughly enjoyed acquiring. I was able to secure employment at a four-star hotel in my town as a beauty therapist, a position I held for four years. Subsequently, I transitioned to a management role at another four-star spa in town, where I spent five years as a spa manager.
I currently manage a team of 19 as the spa manager at the Westport Hotel Group. As a former beauty therapist, I greatly value my current role as it allows me to utilise my expertise to enhance sales and customer satisfaction.
I find great joy in my managerial role, primarily due to the interactions with people and the satisfaction of seeing the team enjoying their work under my management style.