theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Graduate employment: getting the right fit

Sitting at a computer and filling out job application after job application can be a little soul-destroying , especially at a time when fewer roles are being advertised .
What exactly do employers want ?
What will give me the best chance of getting a job ?
In the midst of what can sometimes feel like an increasingly frustrating job search , it ’ s easy to forget that the employee needs to find an employer and a position that fits what they want .
We put together an expert panel of recruiters , careers advisers , postgraduate course providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tips .
What graduates should look for and remember 1 .
Laura Bambrick : Don ’ t work for free .
The national minimum wage legislation applies to work trials and internships .
It is not enough for a business to claim that you are ‘ just ’ an intern or only on trial ; nor can they require you to sign anything saying you have no right to be paid – you can not sign away your right to be paid at least the €10.10 per hour minimum wage .
2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ most resilient businesses have been larger companies in sectors such as technology and pharmaceuticals – and these are often the same companies who operate larger , more formal graduate schemes – graduates must not forget smaller companies , which account for the majority of the Irish workforce .
Many are still hiring , and although they may not run formal graduate schemes , they can offer a great opportunity to get hands-on experience as they generally have smaller teams .
3 .
Jane Lorigan : Graduates want to know and understand more about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their values before they commit to them and sign on the dotted line .
4 .
Laura Bambrick : Having graduated at the height of the financial crisis , I know first hand how bruising an experience it is to be job hunting in a recession .
If you are struggling to get a job , don ’ t take it personally .
The world is experiencing the largest economic shock ever recorded .
An unprecedented one in four Irish workers are unemployed and young people are disproportionately impacted .
Postings on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on last year .
Put any job search knockbacks in context and look after your mental health .
5 .
Josephine Walsh : If you ’ re graduating now and looking for work in a sector that is struggling as a result of the pandemic , don ’ t sit around despondent : think of something new .
Plan B or plan C may ultimately lead you back to plan A without losing sight of the goal .
Concentrate on what you have to offer , not on what you will be .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduates from any discipline , and what might count is your grade and your transferable skills , as long as you can show them that you are smart .
6 .
Gearóid Tully : A lot of graduates currently feel that there ’ s nothing online and nobody coming back to me , or they applied for 20 jobs and got no feedback , but your really do need to hustle or you won ’ t get a phone call back .
Make sure that you don ’ t use the same CV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to be specific , and you need to value and benchmark yourself and explain to the company why they should hire you .
If you just throw in your CV and it doesn ’ t stand out , it will be buried in a pile .
7 .
Laura Bambrick : “ Don ’ t fall for the gig economy hype .
The reality of on-demand , pay-per-project freelancing for fresh graduates is insecure work and uncertain hours .
It takes time to build a reputation , contacts and experience .
Go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the security of a steady paycheque when starting out .
8 .
Fergal O ’ Brien : Consider doing a postgraduate course or some form of further training .
People are repositioning themselves and enquiring about shorter courses or programmes they can study .
This pandemic has shown us that the world is a volatile place and you need to be dynamic in how you move and position yourself for careers .
9 .
Ronan Kennedy : Graduates want to know when they go into a role : what are the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in two years ’ time and whether the organisation is big enough to allow them make progress .
Will their skills be transferable or is their knowledge too specialised to use elsewhere ?
Some companies have big graduate programmes because they haemorrhage staff : if you are on a graduate programme and training to be an accountant , but don ’ t really like the fundamentals of accounting and want to become a project co-ordinator , it ’ s okay to want to look elsewhere in a few years .
10 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t give details of the pay ; at most they will contain a vague statement on offering a competitive package .
Transparency around pay grades and pay scales will protect you against bias and discrimination .
Nothing stings like the realisation a junior colleague is paid more than you .
11 .
Laura Bambrick : In-house barista , gym membership , bottomless snacks and funky office furniture are all well and good , but when company perks are not matched with good employment conditions the novelty grows old quickly .
12 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-working spaces , flexible working options , and being allowed from home for a day or two a week , as well as the chance to work in an office .
It ’ s no longer about the home worker versus the office worker : graduates want a choice and will place a value on this .
13 .
Derek Diviney : Graduates should cast their net wide and be open to opportunities they may not have considered before .
Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with diverse experience , so not landing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not the end of the world ; in fact , it may give you the edge in the long run .
14 .
Ronan Kennedy : Having professional and consistent mentorship from someone in your chosen profession is really valuable .
It provides space for graduates to reflect on their performance with constructive and positive feedback , and it also provides training , builds confidence and helps develop accountability .
Be open and clear in any job application : is there mentorship ?
And if they say yes , ask how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of whether it exists or not .
15 .
Laura Bambrick : Extended periods of working from home are likely until a Covid-19 vaccine is found .
Research shows remote working creates particular challenges for new hire younger workers .
All employers have a legal duty of care to their staff .
Good employers will have protocols for monitoring your workload and fostering a sense of belonging while working remotely .
16 .
Ronan Kennedy : A good environment will help you do your best work : it ’ s all about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , honest , has integrity and communicates well , it filters down through the organisation .
17 .
Laura Bambrick : Human resources is there to protect the interests of the company , not you .
Join a union .
Your union has got your back .
If there isn ’ t a trade union in your workplace you can sign up online : UnionConnect.ie .
What employers want – and what you should demonstrate on your CV and at interview 1 .
Ronan Kennedy : We have all had to adapt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so employers need people who are flexible , adaptable and able to embrace change .
It is trickier to maintain productivity with the distractions that come with working from home , so they need someone who can , as far as possible , manage their own morale and well-being .
They want people who can work autonomously and show they can delegate the work and get it done .
2 .
Ronan Kennedy : Graduates have completed good degrees , and they ’ re intelligent and hard-working .
In the world of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to information , but in the world of work we have to be as active as possible .
Employers want people who can take an ill-defined , complex problem with an unclear goal and get into the habit of dealing with it .
If your boss has to tell you everything and you just put it together , they have already done half the work .
3 .
Ruairi Kavanagh : Employers are really looking for people with foreign languages .
They also want people with data analytics skills who can visualise data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make evidence-based decisions .
4 .
Jane Lorigan : Many firms recognise the importance of keeping their talent pipeline flowing and graduate recruitment will remain a vital component in their ongoing recruitment strategy .
Employers appreciate that recruiting the best and the brightest young people brings enormous benefits for their business .
5 .
Josephine Walsh : What did you do with your time during the pandemic ?
This is a question employers will ask .
If you are out of work , think about how you can keep learning , developing new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ronan Kennedy : If you want opportunities to grow and progress , identify where the problems are and come up with proposed solutions .
This graduate might , for instance , write out a one-page document for themselves dealing with any issues that have come up , how long it might take to resolve and what measurable difference it might make .
Those are the graduates that go from punching in and being paid to someone a company wants to hold on to and who will progress .
7 .
Ruairi Kavanagh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent of employers said they are looking for people with tech qualifications irrespective of the sector .
This included public-sector employers .
8 .
Ronan Kennedy : Employers want someone who is open to improving on how they approach something and are able to take constructive feedback on the chin .
9 .
Ruairi Kavanagh : Being able to write clearly and concisely is important : remember you are not in a WhatsApp group and you need a different tone for different communication channels .
10 .
Gearóid Tully : Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but if you want to work with a particular company , they ’ ll notice you if you ’ ve done some good work – and this might involve doing some gig work or taking on bits of work where you get paid per job .
11 .
Ronan Kennedy : Employers want someone who can do more than just complete the job – they want someone who can deliver results .
12 .
Josephine Walsh : A good online presence is important .
Employers are increasingly paying attention to LinkedIn and use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job applicant ’ s online presence should be sharp , up to date and have words in your profile that reflect the job you ’ re looking for .
13 .
Ruairi Kavanagh : Employers need someone who can demonstrate reliability and an ability to communicate what they need , as this makes the manager ’ s job easier .
14 .
Josephine Walsh : It ’ s always been a little easier for people with a more extrovert skill set but because the world is changing , so what is valued has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and creativity still matter but now employers need people who can work on their own without others around them .
Because graduates will often be working remotely or from home , this is a moment for introverts to shine .
15 .
Employers want leadership skills , but it is hard to develop these when you start as a graduate if you ’ re afraid to help a colleague with a problem .
16 .
Ronan Kennedy : You ’ ll often hear about the work culture of a workplace , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here ” .
Employers are really looking for someone who can understand the communication and collaboration styles : some offices are open and collaborative , whereas others are more quiet and have a greater focus on deeper work .
Understanding this is important in getting off to a good start .
Dr Laura Bambrick is head of social policy and employment affairs at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Derek Diviney is vice-president at recruitment company Indeed Ronan Kennedy is an independent career coach and business mentor specialising in career coaching and planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview preparation .
Fergal O ’ Brien is assistant dean of graduate and professional studies at the University of Limerick Josephine Walsh is head of careers at NUI Galway Gearóid Tully is head of construction for recruitment firm Sigmar Ireland

Sitting at a computer and filling out job application after job application can be a little soul-destroying, especially at a time when fewer roles are being advertised. What exactly do employers want? What will give me the best chance of getting a job?
In the midst of what can sometimes feel like an increasingly frustrating job search, it’s easy to forget that the employee needs to find an employer and a position that fits what they want.
We put together an expert panel of recruiters, careers advisers, postgraduate course providers and trade-union specialists to provide some expert tips.
What graduates should look for and remember
READ MORE
1. Laura Bambrick: Don't work for free. The national minimum wage legislation applies to work trials and internships. It is not enough for a business to claim that you are 'just' an intern or only on trial; nor can they require you to sign anything saying you have no right to be paid – you cannot sign away your right to be paid at least the €10.10 per hour minimum wage.
2. Derek Diviney: While some of the most resilient businesses have been larger companies in sectors such as technology and pharmaceuticals – and these are often the same companies who operate larger, more formal graduate schemes – graduates must not forget smaller companies, which account for the majority of the Irish workforce. Many are still hiring, and although they may not run formal graduate schemes, they can offer a great opportunity to get hands-on experience as they generally have smaller teams.
3. Jane Lorigan: Graduates want to know and understand more about the employer, their work culture, and their values before they commit to them and sign on the dotted line.
4. Laura Bambrick: Having graduated at the height of the financial crisis, I know first hand how bruising an experience it is to be job hunting in a recession. If you are struggling to get a job, don't take it personally. The world is experiencing the largest economic shock ever recorded. An unprecedented one in four Irish workers are unemployed and young people are disproportionately impacted. Postings on jobs websites are down 60-40 per cent on last year. Put any job search knockbacks in context and look after your mental health.
5. Josephine Walsh: If you're graduating now and looking for work in a sector that is struggling as a result of the pandemic, don't sit around despondent: think of something new. Plan B or plan C may ultimately lead you back to plan A without losing sight of the goal. Concentrate on what you have to offer, not on what you will be. A lot of roles are looking for graduates from any discipline, and what might count is your grade and your transferable skills, as long as you can show them that you are smart.
6. Gearóid Tully: A lot of graduates currently feel that there's nothing online and nobody coming back to me, or they applied for 20 jobs and got no feedback, but your really do need to hustle or you won't get a phone call back. Make sure that you don't use the same CV for multiple jobs: you must tailor it to be specific, and you need to value and benchmark yourself and explain to the company why they should hire you. If you just throw in your CV and it doesn't stand out, it will be buried in a pile.
7. Laura Bambrick: "Don't fall for the gig economy hype. The reality of on-demand, pay-per-project freelancing for fresh graduates is insecure work and uncertain hours. It takes time to build a reputation, contacts and experience. Go with the employer offering a permanent contract and the security of a steady paycheque when starting out.
8. Fergal O'Brien: Consider doing a postgraduate course or some form of further training. People are repositioning themselves and enquiring about shorter courses or programmes they can study. This pandemic has shown us that the world is a volatile place and you need to be dynamic in how you move and position yourself for careers.
9. Ronan Kennedy: Graduates want to know when they go into a role: what are the next steps and opportunities, where might they be in two years' time and whether the organisation is big enough to allow them make progress. Will their skills be transferable or is their knowledge too specialised to use elsewhere? Some companies have big graduate programmes because they haemorrhage staff: if you are on a graduate programme and training to be an accountant, but don't really like the fundamentals of accounting and want to become a project co-ordinator, it's okay to want to look elsewhere in a few years.
10. Laura Bambrick: Many job adverts don't give details of the pay; at most they will contain a vague statement on offering a competitive package. Transparency around pay grades and pay scales will protect you against bias and discrimination. Nothing stings like the realisation a junior colleague is paid more than you.
11. Laura Bambrick: In-house barista, gym membership, bottomless snacks and funky office furniture are all well and good, but when company perks are not matched with good employment conditions the novelty grows old quickly.
12. Ronan Kennedy: Graduates see all these co-working spaces, flexible working options, and being allowed from home for a day or two a week, as well as the chance to work in an office. It's no longer about the home worker versus the office worker: graduates want a choice and will place a value on this.
13. Derek Diviney: Graduates should cast their net wide and be open to opportunities they may not have considered before. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with diverse experience, so not landing your dream job straight out of college is not the end of the world; in fact, it may give you the edge in the long run.
14. Ronan Kennedy: Having professional and consistent mentorship from someone in your chosen profession is really valuable. It provides space for graduates to reflect on their performance with constructive and positive feedback, and it also provides training, builds confidence and helps develop accountability. Be open and clear in any job application: is there mentorship? And if they say yes, ask how it looks so you can get a real idea of whether it exists or not.
15. Laura Bambrick: Extended periods of working from home are likely until a Covid-19 vaccine is found. Research shows remote working creates particular challenges for new hire younger workers. All employers have a legal duty of care to their staff. Good employers will have protocols for monitoring your workload and fostering a sense of belonging while working remotely.
16. Ronan Kennedy: A good environment will help you do your best work: it's all about leadership and if the boss is open, honest, has integrity and communicates well, it filters down through the organisation.
17. Laura Bambrick: Human resources is there to protect the interests of the company, not you. Join a union. Your union has got your back. If there isn't a trade union in your workplace you can sign up online: UnionConnect.ie.
What employers want – and what you should demonstrate on your CV and at interview
1. Ronan Kennedy: We have all had to adapt to working remotely over the last six months, so employers need people who are flexible, adaptable and able to embrace change. It is trickier to maintain productivity with the distractions that come with working from home, so they need someone who can, as far as possible, manage their own morale and well-being. They want people who can work autonomously and show they can delegate the work and get it done.
2. Ronan Kennedy: Graduates have completed good degrees, and they're intelligent and hard-working. In the world of education we can be passive, listening to information, but in the world of work we have to be as active as possible. Employers want people who can take an ill-defined, complex problem with an unclear goal and get into the habit of dealing with it. If your boss has to tell you everything and you just put it together, they have already done half the work.
3. Ruairi Kavanagh: Employers are really looking for people with foreign languages. They also want people with data analytics skills who can visualise data with graphics, charts and presentations to make evidence-based decisions.
4. Jane Lorigan: Many firms recognise the importance of keeping their talent pipeline flowing and graduate recruitment will remain a vital component in their ongoing recruitment strategy. Employers appreciate that recruiting the best and the brightest young people brings enormous benefits for their business.
5. Josephine Walsh: What did you do with your time during the pandemic? This is a question employers will ask. If you are out of work, think about how you can keep learning, developing new skills or building your portfolio.
6. Ronan Kennedy: If you want opportunities to grow and progress, identify where the problems are and come up with proposed solutions. This graduate might, for instance, write out a one-page document for themselves dealing with any issues that have come up, how long it might take to resolve and what measurable difference it might make. Those are the graduates that go from punching in and being paid to someone a company wants to hold on to and who will progress.
7. Ruairi Kavanagh: In our gradireland survey, 41 per cent of employers said they are looking for people with tech qualifications irrespective of the sector. This included public-sector employers.
8. Ronan Kennedy: Employers want someone who is open to improving on how they approach something and are able to take constructive feedback on the chin.
9. Ruairi Kavanagh: Being able to write clearly and concisely is important: remember you are not in a WhatsApp group and you need a different tone for different communication channels.
10. Gearóid Tully: Some of the graduates I see are amazing, but if you want to work with a particular company, they'll notice you if you've done some good work – and this might involve doing some gig work or taking on bits of work where you get paid per job.
11. Ronan Kennedy: Employers want someone who can do more than just complete the job – they want someone who can deliver results.
12. Josephine Walsh: A good online presence is important. Employers are increasingly paying attention to LinkedIn and use it to find talent, so a job applicant's online presence should be sharp, up to date and have words in your profile that reflect the job you're looking for.
13. Ruairi Kavanagh: Employers need someone who can demonstrate reliability and an ability to communicate what they need, as this makes the manager's job easier.
14. Josephine Walsh: It's always been a little easier for people with a more extrovert skill set but because the world is changing, so what is valued has changed too. Core skills like problem-solving and creativity still matter but now employers need people who can work on their own without others around them. Because graduates will often be working remotely or from home, this is a moment for introverts to shine.
15. Employers want leadership skills, but it is hard to develop these when you start as a graduate if you're afraid to help a colleague with a problem.
16. Ronan Kennedy: You'll often hear about the work culture of a workplace, which is really "how we do it around here". Employers are really looking for someone who can understand the communication and collaboration styles: some offices are open and collaborative, whereas others are more quiet and have a greater focus on deeper work. Understanding this is important in getting off to a good start.
Expert panel
Dr Laura Bambrick is head of social policy and employment affairs at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions
Derek Diviney is vice-president at recruitment company Indeed
Ruairi Kavanagh is managing editor of gradireland.ie
Ronan Kennedy is an independent career coach and business mentor specialising in career coaching and planning, executive coaching, self-employment preparation and interview preparation.
Jane Lorigan is chief executive of IrishJobs.ie
Fergal O’Brien is assistant dean of graduate and professional studies at the University of Limerick
Josephine Walsh is head of careers at NUI Galway
Gearóid Tully is head of construction for recruitment firm Sigmar Ireland


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Navigating a way through a fragile jobs market

Following the lockdown in March , Ireland quickly moved from a short-term emergency response approach to the coronavirus pandemic to a medium-term approach aimed at managing risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society .
Much of political focus in the following months was on the 2020 Leaving Cert class , the postponement of the exams , the introduction of calculated grades and then the Round One CAO offers issued earlier this month .
It should be acknowledged that third-level students , particularly those who were studying for their finals , also had to contend with very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t really have happened at a worse time from their point of view .
With just a few short months left before the exams were due to take place the virus arrived and prompted sudden university shut-downs and a sharp turn-around from the traditional face-to-face style of third-level teaching most students were used to .
Students had contend with this disruption very late in the day as their long-planned for exams were replaced with a combination of essays , assignments and remotely-held examinations .
And , while colleges did their best , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and technology required to optimise their learning experience .
Secondary school and third-level students showed great resilience and maturity while negotiating the uncertainty during the final months of the last academic year .
The flexibility they displayed will stand to them particularly as they enter the world of work .
Investing in people is critical for building resilience in companies and that is why recruiters place great emphasis on transversal skills .
These , in essence , are skills that are not necessarily linked to a specific role or job but can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and work settings .
Many of the skills and experience gained by students during this recent period will be transferable to a professional environment and in some cases graduates may even end up mentoring more senior members of staff who may not be as comfortable with newer , more flexible , ways of remote working .
Autumn is now upon us and , if you are a final year college student , you may well be thinking ahead and what options will be available to you as you once you leave college .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ before exams and dissertations take centre stage , you will have plenty of opportunities to explore graduate and careers fairs – most of which will now be online - where you can gain insights into the companies you might work for in the future .
We know the economy has been severely impacted by the necessary protection measures introduced to fight the pandemic .
Graduate recruitment is proving resilient this year with many employers continuing to run their graduate programmes but it is believed the number of places available could well be lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strength of economic recovery remains uncertain in the absence of a medical solution , there are some bright spots in the gloom .
Sectors such as aviation , tourism and hospitality have been adversely affected but other sectors such as education , pharma , healthcare , ICT and financial services are continuing to see demand .
Managing health risks will remain a priority even as countries reopen but as we chart our way out of the economic damage caused by the virus there will be more opportunities to build a smarter , greener @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of company you would like to work for will be one of the crucial decisions you make at this stage of your life .
Should you accept the first job you are offered , or should you wait and continue your education ?
What kind of graduate recruitment schemes – which represent a central pillar of the recruitment process for so many firms - do the major companies offer ?
In Grad Options today we examine what employers look for in recruits as well as looking at what exactly graduates should look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the questions graduates or final year students may have about entering the world of work in 2020 .
Keep an eye on irishtimes.com for the latest developments on the economy , the world of work and on graduate prospects for the year ahead .

Following the lockdown in March, Ireland quickly moved from a short-term emergency response approach to the coronavirus pandemic to a medium-term approach aimed at managing risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society.
Much of political focus in the following months was on the 2020 Leaving Cert class, the postponement of the exams, the introduction of calculated grades and then the Round One CAO offers issued earlier this month.
It should be acknowledged that third-level students, particularly those who were studying for their finals, also had to contend with very similar pressures.
And it couldn’t really have happened at a worse time from their point of view.
READ MORE
With just a few short months left before the exams were due to take place the virus arrived and prompted sudden university shut-downs and a sharp turn-around from the traditional face-to-face style of third-level teaching most students were used to.
Students had contend with this disruption very late in the day as their long-planned for exams were replaced with a combination of essays, assignments and remotely-held examinations.
And, while colleges did their best, not everyone had equal access to the hardware and technology required to optimise their learning experience.
Secondary school and third-level students showed great resilience and maturity while negotiating the uncertainty during the final months of the last academic year.
The flexibility they displayed will stand to them particularly as they enter the world of work. Investing in people is critical for building resilience in companies and that is why recruiters place great emphasis on transversal skills.
These, in essence, are skills that are not necessarily linked to a specific role or job but can be used in a wide variety of situations and work settings.
Many of the skills and experience gained by students during this recent period will be transferable to a professional environment and in some cases graduates may even end up mentoring more senior members of staff who may not be as comfortable with newer, more flexible, ways of remote working.
Autumn is now upon us and, if you are a final year college student, you may well be thinking ahead and what options will be available to you as you once you leave college.
With some time still left to go before exams and dissertations take centre stage, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore graduate and careers fairs – most of which will now be online - where you can gain insights into the companies you might work for in the future.
We know the economy has been severely impacted by the necessary protection measures introduced to fight the pandemic.
Graduate recruitment is proving resilient this year with many employers continuing to run their graduate programmes but it is believed the number of places available could well be lower in 2021.
Yet, while the strength of economic recovery remains uncertain in the absence of a medical solution, there are some bright spots in the gloom. Sectors such as aviation, tourism and hospitality have been adversely affected but other sectors such as education, pharma, healthcare, ICT and financial services are continuing to see demand.
Managing health risks will remain a priority even as countries reopen but as we chart our way out of the economic damage caused by the virus there will be more opportunities to build a smarter, greener and more equitable future.
Considering what type of company you would like to work for will be one of the crucial decisions you make at this stage of your life.
Should you accept the first job you are offered, or should you wait and continue your education?
What kind of graduate recruitment schemes – which represent a central pillar of the recruitment process for so many firms - do the major companies offer?
In this magazine we examine what employers look for in recruits as well as looking at what exactly graduates should look for in an employer and we address some of the questions graduates or final year students may have about entering the world of work in 2020.
Keep an eye on irishtimes.com for the latest developments on the economy, the world of work and on graduate prospects for the year ahead.
Best of luck!


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--A selection of popular graduate programmes

This year Accenture has moved to go fully virtual with a four-stage recruitment process , leveraging leading virtual assessment platforms to attract new hires .
The five entry streams are : Analytics , Consulting , Software Engineering , Cyber Security and Business & Technology Integration .
The virtual recruitment process involves creating an online profile , an online assessment , as well as virtual challenges & video interviews .
The company has developed a new virtual recruitment centre for interested candidates so they can learn more about the organisation and the work it does before applying .
Candidates can attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storytelling , data fluency , technology and the future of work , all of which will be hosted by one of Accenture ’ s managing directors .
Graduates will also have the opportunity to ask questions through a live chat function , supported by Accenture ’ s University Action Team .
Salaries start at €35,000 and graduates are provided with intensive training , mentorship and live project experience .
Applications close on the 16th of October 2020 .
Students can apply online today at accenture.com/grads The Fulbright Programme was founded in 1946 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international exchange programme in the world , offering opportunities in more than 165 countries worldwide .
The Fulbright Commission in Ireland annually awards scholarships for Irish and EU citizens to study , research or teach in the United States , and for Americans to do the same in Ireland .
Since its formation , more than 2,500 postgraduate students , scholars , artists , professionals and Irish language teachers have participated in the program between the two countries .
Candidates can apply for Fulbright scholarships to undertake Masters degrees , PhDs , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to undertake research and lecture in an organisation of their choice in the US .
Irish language teachers can also apply to teach Irish as one of Fulbright ’ s partner colleges or universities in the USA .
With an emphasis on cultural immersion and building long-term academic and professional connections , the Fulbright programme selects excellent candidates from all disciplines ranging science , health , technology , law , business , arts and culture .
The commission welcomes applications from diverse candidates .
Irish citizens and EU citizens who have lived in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more years are eligible to apply .
Arthur Cox , one of Ireland ’ s leading corporate law firms , will be launching the recruitment campaign for their trainee programme in late September .
The programme is a 2½ year undertaking , comprising periods of in-office on-the-job training and external professional training which will ultimately lead to qualification as a solicitor .
Applicants are welcome from any degree discipline , being a law student or holding a law degree is not a prerequisite .
This year all of recruitment events will be done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will take place in November .
Early 2021 will see the launch of the recruitment campaign for Arthur Cox ’ s Summer Intern Programme 2021 .
This is a four-week paid programme which gives interns from all disciplines a unique insight into life as a lawyer in one of Ireland ’ s top corporate law firms .
It involves classroom-based training , on-the-job learning , skills development as well as an exciting social events programme .
In May 2021 Arthur Cox will run the Accelerate Programme , which provides an introduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careers in law in general , specifically in corporate law .
Irish Distillers is Ireland ’ s largest wine and spirits company , with more than 600 employees across four locations in Ireland .
Their success is led by their flagship brand , Jameson , which is considered one of the world ’ s most dynamic spirit brands .
Irish Distillers offer two unique graduate programmes .
The Jameson International Graduate Programme is a sales and marketing programme offering graduates the opportunity to become a Jameson brand ambassador based in one of 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial 13-month contract with the opportunity to gain international experience and excellent opportunities for career progression .
Applications for this scheme close in mid-February 2021 .
The Jameson Engineering Graduate Programme offers engineers the opportunity to complete a two-year structured programme at Midleton Distillery , Cork or at the company ’ s bottling and logistics site in Dublin where some of the world ’ s best-selling Irish whiskeys are created and bottled before being exported around the globe .
This programme offers defined rotations , structured learning , project work and real responsibilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close on Thursday , October 29th , 2020 .
Online applications open in September .
Since opening in Ireland in 1999 , Lidl has grown to become a major player in the Irish grocery market .
Lidl do not set a specific cut off when it comes to how many graduates they recruit each year , and welcome candidates from any discipline who they feel will be the right fit for the 18-month programme .
While much of the recruitment process has moved online , there have been no changes made to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When it comes to applying for the programme , soft skills such as effective communication , entrepreneurial actions , organisational and problem-solving skills are key for successful candidates .
Graduates are entrusted with real projects from day one , with experience working with teams across the business , and receive competitive benefits and the best development opportunities available , supported by professionals at every level of the business , including a one-to-one mentorship with a member of their board of directors .
This autumn KPMG will be looking to recruit graduates to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as looking to sponsor graduates to do a masters in accountancy , before joining the firm in 2022 .
Given current social distancing restrictions , they are planning to use technology to create a virtual platform to enable graduates to learn and gain experience both at home and in our offices .
Almost 400 graduates have already joined , or will join KPMG this year , and they expect similar numbers to join in 2021 .
Their careers website and application system will open in early September and close in mid-October , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all disciplines including : Business / Accounting , Stem , Arts and Law .
Applicants are advised to do their due diligence , and make sure to research in advance of submitting an application .
Employers will be looking for strong problem solving skills , teamwork skills , leadership qualities , diligence and quality examples .
Deloitte have a variety of graduate opportunities available across Dublin , Belfast , Limerick , Galway and Cork within our Audit & Assurance , Tax , and Consulting business areas , and are seeking ambitious graduates from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deloitte ’ s structured graduate programme provides a collaborative , open environment where graduates have a voice and bring their own great ideas to life .
Graduates are an important part of the team from day one , working face-to-face with clients on jobs that are relevant to their interests .
As graduates progress , they will enjoy a supportive environment where everyone is accessible and invested in your training and growth .
Deloitte place a high value on diversity , and believe that this allows them to connect and make an impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
Applications are open now , and close on 14th October 2020 .
The EY Graduate Programme offers graduates the opportunity to take their natural talent and develop it through real-world experiences .
EY take on approximately 270 graduates across their five offices in Dublin , Limerick , Cork , Waterford and Galway .
Graduates will gain invaluable tools in one of their five graduate programmes – Assurance , Consulting , IT Cybersecurity & Data Analytics , Strategy & Transactions and Tax .
Graduates will also have the opportunity to build a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed to all sorts of industries through their everyday work .
Upon joining EY , graduates are joining a firm that offers world-class coaching and career development support as they pursue their professional qualifications .
While there is a certain focus on building their technical skill set , graduates also gain the skills needed to manage their workload and create a healthy work-life balance .
Applications for the EY Graduate Programme commencing September 2021 are open and close on the October 14th , 2021 .
Web : ey.com/en_ie/careers/what-you-can-do-here/student-programmes PwC has 350 available roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the business , with opportunities to join the firm in either 2021 or 2022 .
PwC are seeking graduates across a wide range of disciplines including accounting , science , engineering , technology , law and others .
Graduates will join a value-driven , innovative , collaborative , digital workplace , where they will be given responsibility on exciting and important projects , with leading global brands , where they will see first hand how business works , supported by their teams , coaches and mentors , from the get go .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and in office to continue in accordance with flexible working arrangements , as well as additional health and wellbeing virtual supports like mindfulness , high-intensity interval training classes and yoga .
Applications opened on 2 September 2020 with a closing date of 14 October 2020 followed by an interview process .
Salesforce is a customer relationship management solution that brings companies and customers together in the digital age .
Futureforce is Salesforce ’ s global university recruiting programme , dedicated to attracting , retaining and cultivating next generation talent , offering paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and university graduate opportunities throughout the business , providing students with an opportunity to grow their career and receive a meaningful work experience .
Their programmes enable their future workforce through career development , continuous learning and philanthropy .
Programmes includes job shadowing , mentorship programs , talent development courses , and much more .
Hires can expect to work on real projects that affect how the business runs , giving them the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future of the company .
Salesforce intern and graduate roles are advertised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advertise roles 10-12 months in advance of start date .
Futureforce will be hosting a number of virtual , online events and info sessions for students throughout the year .
The ESB Graduate Development Programme is made up of a series of rotations , on the job training and development opportunities to ensure graduates are well equipped for future success .
There are opportunities available for graduates across a range of disciplines , such as : Engineering , HR , IT , Finance , Commercial and Marketing .
Graduates will work across a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dedicated mentor to lead them through their career journey .
There is also a grad network from which graduates can offer and receive support from others .
Applications for the 2021 Graduate Programme opens on Thursday September 24th 2020 .
The Central Bank ’ s three-year Graduate Programme will allow graduates to experience the diverse and unique work the Central Bank is involved in .
During the programme graduates participate in a number of rotations which will accelerate their development - allowing them to improve their technical and interpersonal skills through meaningful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground running , participating in activities like contributing to the development of policies , procedures and frameworks , leveraging curiosity to identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives , providing solutions to complex problems that are unique to working at the Central Bank , and undertaking tailored training while developing and enhancing technical and soft skills across a range of areas such as stakeholder engagement , risk management and business strategy .
Graduates from all degree disciplines are encouraged to apply to the Central Bank graduate scheme , as they believe diversity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No matter your area of study , you can expect a rewarding and challenging career at the Central Bank , whether this is working in our regulation , central banking , conduct or operations teams .
The Graduate Programme 2020/2021 will launch in late September The Bord Bia International Grad Programme is a 23-month-long programme which offers graduates a Masters in Global Business Practice from UCD Smurfit School of Business , while also on paid work placement in one of Bord Bia ’ s overseas offices .
This programme offers a unique mix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are up to 35 places available every year , and the programme is aimed at graduates looking to pursue a career in the international food , drink or agribusiness sector .
The programme requires graduates with a minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline , and some placements require fluency in a second language .
Web : bordbia.ie/about/talent-academy/international-grad-programme or register your interest at bordbia @ ucd.ie .

Candidates can apply for Fulbright scholarships to undertake Masters degrees, PhDs, or part of their PhD programmes. File photograph: Getty
Accenture
This year Accenture has moved to go fully virtual with a four-stage recruitment process, leveraging leading virtual assessment platforms to attract new hires. The five entry streams are: Analytics, Consulting, Software Engineering, Cyber Security and Business & Technology Integration. The virtual recruitment process involves creating an online profile, an online assessment, as well as virtual challenges & video interviews. The company has developed a new virtual recruitment centre for interested candidates so they can learn more about the organisation and the work it does before applying. Candidates can attend a series of webinars on topics including storytelling, data fluency, technology and the future of work, all of which will be hosted by one of Accenture's managing directors. Graduates will also have the opportunity to ask questions through a live chat function, supported by Accenture's University Action Team. Salaries start at €35,000 and graduates are provided with intensive training, mentorship and live project experience. Applications close on the 16th of October 2020. Students can apply online today at accenture.com/grads
Fulbright
The Fulbright Programme was founded in 1946 and is the largest and most prestigious US international exchange programme in the world, offering opportunities in more than 165 countries worldwide. The Fulbright Commission in Ireland annually awards scholarships for Irish and EU citizens to study, research or teach in the United States, and for Americans to do the same in Ireland. Since its formation, more than 2,500 postgraduate students, scholars, artists, professionals and Irish language teachers have participated in the program between the two countries.
Candidates can apply for Fulbright scholarships to undertake Masters degrees, PhDs, or part of their PhD programmes, or to undertake research and lecture in an organisation of their choice in the US. Irish language teachers can also apply to teach Irish as one of Fulbright’s partner colleges or universities in the USA. With an emphasis on cultural immersion and building long-term academic and professional connections, the Fulbright programme selects excellent candidates from all disciplines ranging science, health, technology, law, business, arts and culture. The commission welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Irish citizens and EU citizens who have lived in the Republic for the last three or more years are eligible to apply.
The 2021-2022 Fulbright Irish Award Application period runs 31 August-2 November 2020.
READ MORE
Web: fulbright.ie
Arthur Cox
Arthur Cox, one of Ireland's leading corporate law firms, will be launching the recruitment campaign for their trainee programme in late September. The programme is a 2½ year undertaking, comprising periods of in-office on-the-job training and external professional training which will ultimately lead to qualification as a solicitor. Applicants are welcome from any degree discipline, being a law student or holding a law degree is not a prerequisite. This year all of recruitment events will be done virtually, as will the interview process, which will take place in November.
Early 2021 will see the launch of the recruitment campaign for Arthur Cox’s Summer Intern Programme 2021. This is a four-week paid programme which gives interns from all disciplines a unique insight into life as a lawyer in one of Ireland’s top corporate law firms. It involves classroom-based training, on-the-job learning, skills development as well as an exciting social events programme.
In May 2021 Arthur Cox will run the Accelerate Programme, which provides an introduction for first- and second-year students, to careers in law in general, specifically in corporate law.
Web: arthurcox.com/trainee
Jameson
Irish Distillers is Ireland's largest wine and spirits company, with more than 600 employees across four locations in Ireland. Their success is led by their flagship brand, Jameson, which is considered one of the world's most dynamic spirit brands.
Irish Distillers offer two unique graduate programmes. The Jameson International Graduate Programme is a sales and marketing programme offering graduates the opportunity to become a Jameson brand ambassador based in one of 40 international markets. The programme offers an initial 13-month contract with the opportunity to gain international experience and excellent opportunities for career progression. Applications for this scheme close in mid-February 2021.
The Jameson Engineering Graduate Programme offers engineers the opportunity to complete a two-year structured programme at Midleton Distillery, Cork or at the company's bottling and logistics site in Dublin where some of the world's best-selling Irish whiskeys are created and bottled before being exported around the globe. This programme offers defined rotations, structured learning, project work and real responsibilities working alongside production management teams. Applications close on Thursday, October 29th, 2020. Online applications open in September.
Web: jamesongraduateprogramme.com
Lidl
Since opening in Ireland in 1999, Lidl has grown to become a major player in the Irish grocery market. Lidl do not set a specific cut off when it comes to how many graduates they recruit each year, and welcome candidates from any discipline who they feel will be the right fit for the 18-month programme.
While much of the recruitment process has moved online, there have been no changes made to the programme itself as a result of Covid-19. When it comes to applying for the programme, soft skills such as effective communication, entrepreneurial actions, organisational and problem-solving skills are key for successful candidates.
Graduates are entrusted with real projects from day one, with experience working with teams across the business, and receive competitive benefits and the best development opportunities available, supported by professionals at every level of the business, including a one-to-one mentorship with a member of their board of directors.
Web: jobs.lidl.ie/en/grad.htm
KPMG
This autumn KPMG will be looking to recruit graduates to join their firm in 2021, as well as looking to sponsor graduates to do a masters in accountancy, before joining the firm in 2022.
Given current social distancing restrictions, they are planning to use technology to create a virtual platform to enable graduates to learn and gain experience both at home and in our offices.
Almost 400 graduates have already joined, or will join KPMG this year, and they expect similar numbers to join in 2021. Their careers website and application system will open in early September and close in mid-October, and they will be recruiting students from all disciplines including: Business / Accounting, Stem, Arts and Law.
Applicants are advised to do their due diligence, and make sure to research in advance of submitting an application. Employers will be looking for strong problem solving skills, teamwork skills, leadership qualities, diligence and quality examples.
Web: kpmg.ie/careers/graduate.html
Deloitte
Deloitte have a variety of graduate opportunities available across Dublin, Belfast, Limerick, Galway and Cork within our Audit & Assurance, Tax, and Consulting business areas, and are seeking ambitious graduates from all degree disciplines to join them.
Deloitte’s structured graduate programme provides a collaborative, open environment where graduates have a voice and bring their own great ideas to life. Graduates are an important part of the team from day one, working face-to-face with clients on jobs that are relevant to their interests. As graduates progress, they will enjoy a supportive environment where everyone is accessible and invested in your training and growth.
Deloitte place a high value on diversity, and believe that this allows them to connect and make an impact that matters on clients, and beyond that. Applications are open now, and close on 14th October 2020.
Web: deloitte.com/ie/en/pages/careers/articles/graduate-recruitment-campaign.html
EY
The EY Graduate Programme offers graduates the opportunity to take their natural talent and develop it through real-world experiences. EY take on approximately 270 graduates across their five offices in Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Waterford and Galway. Graduates will gain invaluable tools in one of their five graduate programmes – Assurance, Consulting, IT Cybersecurity & Data Analytics, Strategy & Transactions and Tax.
Graduates will also have the opportunity to build a strong network of contacts, and be exposed to all sorts of industries through their everyday work. Upon joining EY, graduates are joining a firm that offers world-class coaching and career development support as they pursue their professional qualifications. While there is a certain focus on building their technical skill set, graduates also gain the skills needed to manage their workload and create a healthy work-life balance.
Applications for the EY Graduate Programme commencing September 2021 are open and close on the October 14th, 2021. Web: ey.com/en_ie/careers/what-you-can-do-here/student-programmes
PwC
PwC has 350 available roles on their graduate programme across all areas of the business, with opportunities to join the firm in either 2021 or 2022. PwC are seeking graduates across a wide range of disciplines including accounting, science, engineering, technology, law and others.
Graduates will join a value-driven, innovative, collaborative, digital workplace, where they will be given responsibility on exciting and important projects, with leading global brands, where they will see first hand how business works, supported by their teams, coaches and mentors, from the get go.
PwC expect a blend of working from home and in office to continue in accordance with flexible working arrangements, as well as additional health and wellbeing virtual supports like mindfulness, high-intensity interval training classes and yoga.
Applications opened on 2 September 2020 with a closing date of 14 October 2020 followed by an interview process.
Web: pwc.ie/mygraduatelife
Salesforce
Salesforce is a customer relationship management solution that brings companies and customers together in the digital age.
Futureforce is Salesforce’s global university recruiting programme, dedicated to attracting, retaining and cultivating next generation talent, offering paid internships, traineeships, and new college and university graduate opportunities throughout the business, providing students with an opportunity to grow their career and receive a meaningful work experience.
Their programmes enable their future workforce through career development, continuous learning and philanthropy. Programmes includes job shadowing, mentorship programs, talent development courses, and much more.
Hires can expect to work on real projects that affect how the business runs, giving them the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future of the company. Salesforce intern and graduate roles are advertised throughout the year, and are usually advertise roles 10-12 months in advance of start date. Futureforce will be hosting a number of virtual, online events and info sessions for students throughout the year.
Web: salesforce.com/company/careers/university-recruiting
ESB
The ESB Graduate Development Programme is made up of a series of rotations, on the job training and development opportunities to ensure graduates are well equipped for future success.
There are opportunities available for graduates across a range of disciplines, such as: Engineering, HR, IT, Finance, Commercial and Marketing.
Graduates will work across a variety of projects, and benefit from a dedicated mentor to lead them through their career journey. There is also a grad network from which graduates can offer and receive support from others.
Applications for the 2021 Graduate Programme opens on Thursday September 24th 2020.
Web: esb.ie/careers/graduatedevelopmentprogramme/
Central Bank
The Central Bank's three-year Graduate Programme will allow graduates to experience the diverse and unique work the Central Bank is involved in.
During the programme graduates participate in a number of rotations which will accelerate their development - allowing them to improve their technical and interpersonal skills through meaningful and challenging work.
Graduates will hit the ground running, participating in activities like contributing to the development of policies, procedures and frameworks, leveraging curiosity to identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives, providing solutions to complex problems that are unique to working at the Central Bank, and undertaking tailored training while developing and enhancing technical and soft skills across a range of areas such as stakeholder engagement, risk management and business strategy.
Graduates from all degree disciplines are encouraged to apply to the Central Bank graduate scheme, as they believe diversity of thinking is key to their success. No matter your area of study, you can expect a rewarding and challenging career at the Central Bank, whether this is working in our regulation, central banking, conduct or operations teams.
The Graduate Programme 2020/2021 will launch in late September
Web: centralbank.ie/graduates2020
Bord Bia
The Bord Bia International Grad Programme is a 23-month-long programme which offers graduates a Masters in Global Business Practice from UCD Smurfit School of Business, while also on paid work placement in one of Bord Bia's overseas offices. This programme offers a unique mix of theoretical study and first hand experience.
There are up to 35 places available every year, and the programme is aimed at graduates looking to pursue a career in the international food, drink or agribusiness sector.
The programme requires graduates with a minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline, and some placements require fluency in a second language.
Web: bordbia.ie/about/talent-academy/international-grad-programme or register your interest at bordbia@ucd.ie.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--‘I cannot stress how important it is for you to join a union’

What did you study and when did you graduate ?
In 2016 , I left Trinity with a BA in English Literature & History - so after four years I was fluent in English and had a few dodgy facts about soldiers from Kildare in WW1 in my back pocket .
This week , I ’ m heading back to college again - I ’ m incredibly lucky , the Central Bank is sending me to King ’ s Inn to pursue a Diploma in Legal Studies .
What attracted you to your current role ?
What attracted me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Service ” .
My clients , customers , patrons - whatever term you prefer - are the people of Ireland .
While it ’ s rarely my work alone that makes the difference in their lives , I know each email I send , spreadsheet I update , presentation I give is undertaken in service of them - and as a result , each Friday , I get that warm satisfied feeling that my efforts this week contributed towards something worthwhile .
What did you find most challenging about the working world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 , and worked throughout college so initially I found the transition to the ‘ working world ’ from education was a relief because for the first time I was able to focus on doing just one thing .
I got free time back .
One thing to be aware of though , for new grads coming out - the first few years after college can feel like a liminal space .
Little is defined .
Structures - lecture timetables , term dates , exams…etc .
- are changed utterly .
You may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year is 365 days long and you now have just 22 days annual leave to call your own .
You can ’ t really prepare for it but be aware that some temporal adjustment may be required .
It does settle down though .
Do you have any mentors ?
If so , what is their value to you ?
A few - in different spaces , and their value is immense .
The mentors which emerge naturally are particularly important - borne of an easy rapport and mutual respect .
One mentor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge support over the last year - someone to bounce ideas off , trial observations , pick up the implicit rules of the group .
They ’ ve ensured I ’ m included in projects , given chances to develop , and have even gone to bat to secure opportunities for me .
Most importantly , the relationship works both ways - and alongside being mentor and mentee they ’ re someone to chat to in the office , a colleague you trust .
What is the most valuable thing you have learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dad was fairly senior in the public service and used to take a lot of difficult phone calls - week-day and weekend - in the car as he was driving around the country .
Often I ’ d be in the car with him , silent and privy .
What struck me about these conversations - if it was a ten minute call , five minutes would be given to discussing the topic at hand , and no doubt it could become heated or tense , but the final five minutes would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how are you getting on otherwise - so and so ’ s father came out of the hospital last week , all grand …etc.. ’ My Dad showed me that work is never just work - through the course of your working life you will spend an inordinate amount of time with your colleagues , and life is just that little bit more pleasant if you can create a genuine connection with them .
It ’ s not difficult to put into practice .
What is one piece of advice you would offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Central Bank of Ireland is an incredible place to work .
It is one of the first times I ’ ve ever been happy in a job .
I trust the people in the Central Bank of Ireland .
A large part of that is down to an active Union that engages with management on behalf of its members .
If you ’ re joining the workforce , you ’ re joining an environment that has been shaped by the workers that have gone before you - the benefits you will enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and employee representatives .
I can not stress how important it is for you to join a union as a new member of the workforce .
The way has been paved for you , and you now have responsibility to take up the mantle .
It is a mark of privilege and I recognise that - but I ’ ve had a very pleasant working experience through the pandemic .
Early on , I was reclassified as Critical Bank Staff so since May have been working between the office and home .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting projects involving the organisation ’ s response to Covid-19 .
At home , I work from a Yoga mat in front of my house - despite the generous offer of a chair & monitor from the Central Bank - and am honestly delighted with my new set up .

Fionn Rogan: What attracted me to the Central Bank of Ireland was ’Public Service’
What did you study and when did you graduate?
In 2016, I left Trinity with a BA in English Literature & History - so after four years I was fluent in English and had a few dodgy facts about soldiers from Kildare in WW1 in my back pocket.
This week, I'm heading back to college again - I'm incredibly lucky, the Central Bank is sending me to King's Inn to pursue a Diploma in Legal Studies.
What attracted you to your current role?
READ MORE
What attracted me to the Central Bank of Ireland was "Public Service". My clients, customers, patrons - whatever term you prefer - are the people of Ireland. While it's rarely my work alone that makes the difference in their lives, I know each email I send, spreadsheet I update, presentation I give is undertaken in service of them - and as a result, each Friday, I get that warm satisfied feeling that my efforts this week contributed towards something worthwhile.
What did you find most challenging about the working world?
I started working when I was 15, and worked throughout college so initially I found the transition to the ‘working world’ from education was a relief because for the first time I was able to focus on doing just one thing. I got free time back.
One thing to be aware of though, for new grads coming out - the first few years after college can feel like a liminal space. Little is defined. Structures - lecture timetables, term dates, exams…etc. - are changed utterly. You may suddenly be surprised to realise that a year is 365 days long and you now have just 22 days annual leave to call your own.
You can’t really prepare for it but be aware that some temporal adjustment may be required. It does settle down though.
Do you have any mentors? If so, what is their value to you?
A few - in different spaces, and their value is immense. The mentors which emerge naturally are particularly important - borne of an easy rapport and mutual respect.
One mentor in the Central Bank has been a huge support over the last year - someone to bounce ideas off, trial observations, pick up the implicit rules of the group. They’ve ensured I’m included in projects, given chances to develop, and have even gone to bat to secure opportunities for me.
Most importantly, the relationship works both ways - and alongside being mentor and mentee they’re someone to chat to in the office, a colleague you trust.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since you joined the workforce?
It’s never just work.
My Dad was fairly senior in the public service and used to take a lot of difficult phone calls - week-day and weekend - in the car as he was driving around the country. Often I’d be in the car with him, silent and privy.
What struck me about these conversations - if it was a ten minute call, five minutes would be given to discussing the topic at hand, and no doubt it could become heated or tense, but the final five minutes would have nothing to do with work - ‘how are you getting on otherwise - so and so’s father came out of the hospital last week, all grand …etc..’
My Dad showed me that work is never just work - through the course of your working life you will spend an inordinate amount of time with your colleagues, and life is just that little bit more pleasant if you can create a genuine connection with them.
It’s not difficult to put into practice.
What is one piece of advice you would offer new graduates?
Join a Union. The Central Bank of Ireland is an incredible place to work. It is one of the first times I’ve ever been happy in a job. I trust the people in the Central Bank of Ireland. A large part of that is down to an active Union that engages with management on behalf of its members.
If you’re joining the workforce, you’re joining an environment that has been shaped by the workers that have gone before you - the benefits you will enjoy have been secured through discussions between management and employee representatives.
I cannot stress how important it is for you to join a union as a new member of the workforce. The way has been paved for you, and you now have responsibility to take up the mantle.
How has Covid-19 affected you/your working life?
It is a mark of privilege and I recognise that - but I've had a very pleasant working experience through the pandemic. Early on, I was reclassified as Critical Bank Staff so since May have been working between the office and home. I've been involved in some really interesting projects involving the organisation's response to Covid-19.
At home, I work from a Yoga mat in front of my house - despite the generous offer of a chair & monitor from the Central Bank - and am honestly delighted with my new set up.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Graduating in 2020: hiring landscape has changed but opportunities beckon

Things changed fast .
At the start of the year , students reasonably expected to graduate into a world full of job opportunities .
But then coronavirus hit and , while Ireland ’ s economic situation is nowhere near as bad as the long recession that began in 2008 , there are fewer opportunities overall for graduates – and with the pandemic affecting the whole world , emigration isn ’ t offering the usual escape .
Saoirse is a graduate of DCU ’ s applied languages and translation studies course .
“ As language graduates , we were told we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she says .
“ That hasn ’ t been the case : I ’ ve applied for 60 jobs and got four responses including three refusals .
I ’ ve seen jobs advertised that received 400 applications within a week .
I feel that you ’ re expected to exude confidence when you enter the labour market but because you ’ ve no confidence , you also have to kiss the ring to even get into the interview room .
Whether or not you can do the job , you ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you have connections.
” Saoirse says that most jobs she ’ s seen require experience .
“ There doesn ’ t seem to be any entry-level positions.
” Saoirse is not alone .
Dan recently graduated from a four-year biotechnology degree and says he has struggled to find work .
“ I thought I ’ d be approaching employers with the upper hand , but I ’ ve applied for about 25 jobs and haven ’ t heard a lot back .
I ’ ve tailored my CV based on each job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come a time where it feels like diminishing returns .
I ’ m seeing a lot of jobs looking for three years ’ experience but not much entry level.
” “ We ’ re told there are loads of jobs because the big tech firms are on massive hiring sprees in Dublin for loads of roles , but very few of those are entry level , ” says a recent UCD graduate .
The Irish Times was contacted by law , arts , business , science , journalism , computer science and politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And earlier this month , Irish Times journalist Jack Power reported that , while teachers appear to be in high demand as a result of a Government decision to hire an additional 1,000 secondary school teachers , many of these are substitute and part-time positions .
Jane Lorigan , CEO of IrishJobs.ie , says that the hiring landscape has been changed by the virus , with its figures for July showing a 56 per cent decrease in graduate vacancies compared to the same month last year .
“ Traditionally , employers would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with graduates , ” says Lorigan .
“ Now , they are having to up their digital game and enhance their virtual graduate programmes .
Many forward-thinking recruiters have already reconfigured their online recruitment to create a smoother , faster application process for graduates .
Equally , graduates need to ensure that they are spending plenty of time online to research organisations and assess which ones they want to apply to for a graduate position.
” But wait : it ’ s not all bad news .
“ Many of the big graduate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the autumn so I would expect that figure to soften somewhat , ” says Lorigan .
“ An example is ESB who are about to launch their graduate recruitment programme on the 24th September [ which ] is open to applicants until November 2nd.
” While the share of graduate jobs in industries such as accountancy , finance , banking and insurance are down , Lorigan says , jobs for graduates in construction are up 15 per cent ; in engineering and utilities they are up 7 per cent ; and production and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent compared to 12 months ago .
Of course , some industries are suffering more than others .
Gearóid Tully , head of construction at Sigmar recruitment , says that hospitality and aviation are “ being dragged face-first .
.
.
the hospitality industry is on its hands and knees ” .
Despite a construction freeze in the first few months of the pandemic , and serious doubts over the future viability of commercial office space , construction is doing well , with Sigmar ’ s construction division hiring an additional four recruiters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is for commercial and residential property , as well as for major infrastructure projects such as the National Children ’ s Hospital , ” says Tully .
In marketing , opportunities exist for sole traders to create start-ups , build their portfolio and perhaps approach companies about employment .
“ Look at approaching shops and companies about rebranding which could provide employment and experience , ” Tully advises .
Very little hiring normally takes place during July and August , says Seamus Whitney of Whitney Career Guidance , so this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some areas including IT , medicine , science , engineering and construction will be hiring graduates , although arts , law and , in particular , any kind of creative or event management jobs have taken a heavy hit .
“ This is a very different kind of recession , ” says Ruairi Kavanagh , editor of gradireland.com .
“ In the last one , there was a sense of despair and anger at the sectors that had precipitated the crisis , but this pandemic is unforeseen and there ’ s a mindset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tech and fast-moving consumer goods ( the products we buy in supermarkets and local convenience shops ) are among the sectors doing well , and 43 per cent of the companies we surveyed expect to still have a challenge in attracting the right candidates to the right role.
” “ Last year was like nirvana for graduates , ” says Josephine Walsh , head of the career development centre at NUI Galway .
“ We are coming into a cycle where we will have graduate job fairs and graduate recruitment , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the landscape in a few months .
We had about 100 jobs advertised on our portal at the beginning of September , which was about right for the time of year .
There are sectors that are hurting , such as hospitality and aviation , but others are doing well and companies are adapting to survive .
The so-called recruitment ‘ milk rounds ’ close in mid-October and this will tell a lot.
” Walsh encourages students to challenge the assumption that there are no jobs .
“ Dig a little deeper : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because lethargy and inertia can kick in quite quickly .
Job hunting does require some resilience , particularly when you get rejections or not answers at all , but keep checking the CV and learning and adapting.
” And now for the good news There ’ s no point in pretending that it ’ s all rosy for the class of 2020 , but it ’ s not hard to find some positive news .
While some graduate programmes are on pause , they haven ’ t all been cancelled .
Eamon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course at the Institute of Art , Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire this year .
“ When I graduated , I had an initial four weeks of despair , ” he says .
“ I felt I ’ d be last in the pecking order , and the internships I applied for were gone – poof .
I spent the summer pitching myself and working on a short film .
I didn ’ t expect film to come back with such speed – everyone needed to be hired straight away .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on films right now.
” Kieran , who just finished commerce in UCC , started working as an accountant in August .
“ I got the job through an interview .
I was going to do a masters but when the world shut down , I realised I wouldn ’ t be able to afford it .
I ’ d interviewed for about 10 jobs and this was my only offer .
There were meant to be about 150 people starting in this firm in August , but about 120 of them had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a major international pharmaceutical firm , is recruiting 400 staff to work at its facility in Raheen , Co Limerick , and about 50-60 per cent will be graduate entry roles .
“ We are looking for graduates from general science , chemistry , industrial biochemistry , microbiology , quality control , IT , accounting and procurement backgrounds , ” says Ivor Downey , senior director of human resources at Regeneron .
“ We also have some roles for general humanities graduates who might work in our technical training and continuous improvement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attitudes who can pivot from one challenge to the next.
” 1 .
Be positive .
There are opportunities out there .
2 .
Think transversal !
Revisit your CV , take time to consider other industries or areas of interest particularly if the area you hoped to work in has taken a hit .
3 .
Audit your skill set .
2020 graduates have already acquired the skills and experience that would normally take years to build up .
3 .
Consider applying for a grad programme .
There are plenty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keep learning .
One thing you are likely to be asked in an interview is “ what did you do during lockdown ?
” Use the time you have on your hands to complete an online course .
5 .
Network .
Networking has never been easier – connect with new and existing contacts on LinkedIn .
Check in with college friends – how are they doing ?
Do they know of any openings ?
6 .
Practise your interview skills .
Unlike the traditional interview you control the environment in which your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Find a good spot in your home , make sure it is well-lit and make sure the background is clutter-free .
7 .
Be patient .
It might be challenging at the minute but opportunities will arise as the economy emerges from the restrictions placed upon it .

Things changed fast. At the start of the year, students reasonably expected to graduate into a world full of job opportunities. But then coronavirus hit and, while Ireland’s economic situation is nowhere near as bad as the long recession that began in 2008, there are fewer opportunities overall for graduates – and with the pandemic affecting the whole world, emigration isn’t offering the usual escape.
The graduate view
Saoirse is a graduate of DCU’s applied languages and translation studies course. “As language graduates, we were told we’d walk into a job,” she says. “That hasn’t been the case: I’ve applied for 60 jobs and got four responses including three refusals. I’ve seen jobs advertised that received 400 applications within a week. I feel that you’re expected to exude confidence when you enter the labour market but because you’ve no confidence, you also have to kiss the ring to even get into the interview room. Whether or not you can do the job, you’ve more of a chance of getting work if you have connections.”
Saoirse says that most jobs she’s seen require experience. “There doesn’t seem to be any entry-level positions.”
Saoirse is not alone. Dan recently graduated from a four-year biotechnology degree and says he has struggled to find work. “I thought I’d be approaching employers with the upper hand, but I’ve applied for about 25 jobs and haven’t heard a lot back. I’ve tailored my CV based on each job and its specifications, but there does come a time where it feels like diminishing returns. I’m seeing a lot of jobs looking for three years’ experience but not much entry level.”
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“We’re told there are loads of jobs because the big tech firms are on massive hiring sprees in Dublin for loads of roles, but very few of those are entry level,” says a recent UCD graduate.
The Irish Times was contacted by law, arts, business, science, journalism, computer science and politics graduates who are struggling to find work. And earlier this month, Irish Times journalist Jack Power reported that, while teachers appear to be in high demand as a result of a Government decision to hire an additional 1,000 secondary school teachers, many of these are substitute and part-time positions.
The recruiter view
Jane Lorigan, CEO of IrishJobs.ie, says that the hiring landscape has been changed by the virus, with its figures for July showing a 56 per cent decrease in graduate vacancies compared to the same month last year.
“Traditionally, employers would go on campus and enjoy face-to-face time with graduates,” says Lorigan. “Now, they are having to up their digital game and enhance their virtual graduate programmes. Many forward-thinking recruiters have already reconfigured their online recruitment to create a smoother, faster application process for graduates. Equally, graduates need to ensure that they are spending plenty of time online to research organisations and assess which ones they want to apply to for a graduate position.”
But wait: it's not all bad news. "Many of the big graduate recruitment programmes don't launch until the autumn so I would expect that figure to soften somewhat," says Lorigan. "An example is ESB who are about to launch their graduate recruitment programme on the 24th September [which] is open to applicants until November 2nd."
While the share of graduate jobs in industries such as accountancy, finance, banking and insurance are down, Lorigan says, jobs for graduates in construction are up 15 per cent; in engineering and utilities they are up 7 per cent; and production and manufacturing graduate jobs are up 3 per cent compared to 12 months ago.
Of course, some industries are suffering more than others. Gearóid Tully, head of construction at Sigmar recruitment, says that hospitality and aviation are “being dragged face-first . . . the hospitality industry is on its hands and knees”.
Despite a construction freeze in the first few months of the pandemic, and serious doubts over the future viability of commercial office space, construction is doing well, with Sigmar’s construction division hiring an additional four recruiters in the middle of the pandemic. “This is for commercial and residential property, as well as for major infrastructure projects such as the National Children’s Hospital,” says Tully.
In marketing, opportunities exist for sole traders to create start-ups, build their portfolio and perhaps approach companies about employment. “Look at approaching shops and companies about rebranding which could provide employment and experience,” Tully advises.
Very little hiring normally takes place during July and August, says Seamus Whitney of Whitney Career Guidance, so this year is no different. He expects that some areas including IT, medicine, science, engineering and construction will be hiring graduates, although arts, law and, in particular, any kind of creative or event management jobs have taken a heavy hit.
The career expert view
"This is a very different kind of recession," says Ruairi Kavanagh, editor of gradireland.com. "In the last one, there was a sense of despair and anger at the sectors that had precipitated the crisis, but this pandemic is unforeseen and there's a mindset of being resilient and getting through it. Tech and fast-moving consumer goods (the products we buy in supermarkets and local convenience shops) are among the sectors doing well, and 43 per cent of the companies we surveyed expect to still have a challenge in attracting the right candidates to the right role."
"Last year was like nirvana for graduates," says Josephine Walsh, head of the career development centre at NUI Galway. "We are coming into a cycle where we will have graduate job fairs and graduate recruitment, and we will have a better idea of the landscape in a few months. We had about 100 jobs advertised on our portal at the beginning of September, which was about right for the time of year. There are sectors that are hurting, such as hospitality and aviation, but others are doing well and companies are adapting to survive. The so-called recruitment 'milk rounds' close in mid-October and this will tell a lot."
Walsh encourages students to challenge the assumption that there are no jobs. “Dig a little deeper: do your own research and keep applying, because lethargy and inertia can kick in quite quickly. Job hunting does require some resilience, particularly when you get rejections or not answers at all, but keep checking the CV and learning and adapting.”
And now for the good news
There’s no point in pretending that it’s all rosy for the class of 2020, but it’s not hard to find some positive news. While some graduate programmes are on pause, they haven’t all been cancelled.
Eamon Hughes completed a film and TV production course at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire this year. "When I graduated, I had an initial four weeks of despair," he says. "I felt I'd be last in the pecking order, and the internships I applied for were gone – poof. I spent the summer pitching myself and working on a short film. I didn't expect film to come back with such speed – everyone needed to be hired straight away. There is a need for crew who can start on films right now."
Kieran, who just finished commerce in UCC, started working as an accountant in August. “I got the job through an interview. I was going to do a masters but when the world shut down, I realised I wouldn’t be able to afford it. I’d interviewed for about 10 jobs and this was my only offer. There were meant to be about 150 people starting in this firm in August, but about 120 of them had their start date pushed out.”
Regeneron, a major international pharmaceutical firm, is recruiting 400 staff to work at its facility in Raheen, Co Limerick, and about 50-60 per cent will be graduate entry roles. "We are looking for graduates from general science, chemistry, industrial biochemistry, microbiology, quality control, IT, accounting and procurement backgrounds," says Ivor Downey, senior director of human resources at Regeneron. "We also have some roles for general humanities graduates who might work in our technical training and continuous improvement departments. We want people with can-do attitudes who can pivot from one challenge to the next."
Job hunting tips:
1. Be positive. There are opportunities out there.
2. Think transversal! Revisit your CV, take time to consider other industries or areas of interest particularly if the area you hoped to work in has taken a hit.
3. Audit your skill set. 2020 graduates have already acquired the skills and experience that would normally take years to build up.
3. Consider applying for a grad programme. There are plenty of opportunities across multiple industries.
4. Keep learning. One thing you are likely to be asked in an interview is “what did you do during lockdown?” Use the time you have on your hands to complete an online course.
5. Network. Networking has never been easier – connect with new and existing contacts on LinkedIn. Check in with college friends – how are they doing? Do they know of any openings?
6. Practise your interview skills. Unlike the traditional interview you control the environment in which your interview is likely to take place. Find a good spot in your home, make sure it is well-lit and make sure the background is clutter-free.
7. Be patient. It might be challenging at the minute but opportunities will arise as the economy emerges from the restrictions placed upon it.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Widow of Meath nursing home resident queries findings of inspection report

The widow of a Co Meath nursing home resident transferred to hospital with an infestation of maggots in a wound has challenged the findings of a regulatory inspection report on the facility .
Mary Bartley Meehan , whose husband Ultan Meehan died in June two weeks after being moved from Kilbrew Nursing Home with infected cancerous facial wounds , repeated her call for an independent inquiry into how Mr Meehan was treated at the nursing home .
Ms Bartley Meehan has questioned how the Health Information and Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) could conclude in a report published on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a good quality ” when they found failings in wound management and six other areas of non-compliance .
“ When you read the opening chapters of the report , you see a flowery introduction as to how good this care unit is , yet , when you look at all the areas that are non-compliant , it can be clearly seen that this is not the case , ” she said .
Inspectors found that Kilbrew ’ s risk management policy was “ not fully implemented in relation to a serious incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identification , recording , investigation and learning from a serious incident involving residents had not been adequately carried out ” .
Hiqa found the records of the medical and nursing condition of residents and the details of their plan of care “ did not accurately reflect the state of health and/or circumstances at the time ” when it came to wound care management and daily nursing records .
“ There was a delay in taking timely action to ensure that residents received appropriate medical care , ” Hiqa said in the report after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inspectors also found “ poor management of complaints ” at the home and that current arrangements did not ensure that all residents had access to medical or specialist advice .
“ If this unit was so good , why did they fall down on the most vital aspects of care ?
” asked Ms Bartley Meehan .
A spokesman for Kilbrew said that it noted “ the areas of required improvement ” set out by Hiqa and the regulator ’ s positive view on the “ good quality of care provided to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to comment further , saying it needed to review the report ahead of making any further decisions or responses but added that it had already completed and implemented many of Hiqa ’ s requirements as set out in the report ’ s compliance form .
The Hiqa report says that the home has carried out a complete review to ensure timely access of residents to GPs and had reviewed and made changes to wound management record-keeping .
The home has also created new records for a “ resident of concern ” with names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ambulances , and established new procedures to ensure that any family concerns regarding medical treatments are forwarded from Kilbrew to a GP in a timely manner .
In response previously to queries about Mr Meehan ’ s case it said it had tried to provide “ the best of care to every resident ” and that it came “ under acute pressure in the midst of the pandemic ” .
Fine Gael TD Fergus O ’ Dowd said he had “ serious concerns ” about the inspection report and he believed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another three years last month was “ unacceptable ” in light of the criticisms .
Aontú leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín told the Dáil on Thursday that the Minister and Department of Health , the HSE and Hiqa had “ all refused to investigate what happened ” to Mr Meehan .
The party has called on the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the case , noting the Government had agreed in the programme for government to extend the remit of the office to cover clinical judgment .
Internal HSE figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kilbrew during the pandemic at 15 .
Kilbrew declined to comment on the HSE ’ s internal figure on confirmed or probable Covid-19 deaths “ in deference to the families and others who have had to endure a lot ” .

Mary Bartley Meehan’s husband, Ultan Meehan, died in June two weeks after being moved from Kilbrew Nursing Home with infected cancerous facial wounds. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
The widow of a Co Meath nursing home resident transferred to hospital with an infestation of maggots in a wound has challenged the findings of a regulatory inspection report on the facility.
Mary Bartley Meehan, whose husband Ultan Meehan died in June two weeks after being moved from Kilbrew Nursing Home with infected cancerous facial wounds, repeated her call for an independent inquiry into how Mr Meehan was treated at the nursing home.
Ms Bartley Meehan has questioned how the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) could conclude in a report published on Thursday that overall care at Kilbrew was “of a good quality” when they found failings in wound management and six other areas of non-compliance.
“When you read the opening chapters of the report, you see a flowery introduction as to how good this care unit is, yet, when you look at all the areas that are non-compliant, it can be clearly seen that this is not the case,” she said.
READ MORE
Inspectors found that Kilbrew’s risk management policy was “not fully implemented in relation to a serious incident” and that “arrangements for the identification, recording, investigation and learning from a serious incident involving residents had not been adequately carried out”.
Hiqa found the records of the medical and nursing condition of residents and the details of their plan of care “did not accurately reflect the state of health and/or circumstances at the time” when it came to wound care management and daily nursing records.
“There was a delay in taking timely action to ensure that residents received appropriate medical care,” Hiqa said in the report after a pre-planned inspection on June 4th.
Inspectors also found “poor management of complaints” at the home and that current arrangements did not ensure that all residents had access to medical or specialist advice.
“If this unit was so good, why did they fall down on the most vital aspects of care?” asked Ms Bartley Meehan.
‘Acute pressure’
A spokesman for Kilbrew said that it noted “the areas of required improvement” set out by Hiqa and the regulator’s positive view on the “good quality of care provided to our residents”.
The nursing home declined to comment further, saying it needed to review the report ahead of making any further decisions or responses but added that it had already completed and implemented many of Hiqa’s requirements as set out in the report’s compliance form.
The Hiqa report says that the home has carried out a complete review to ensure timely access of residents to GPs and had reviewed and made changes to wound management record-keeping.
The home has also created new records for a “resident of concern” with names, phone numbers and emails for doctors and ambulances, and established new procedures to ensure that any family concerns regarding medical treatments are forwarded from Kilbrew to a GP in a timely manner.
In response previously to queries about Mr Meehan’s case it said it had tried to provide “the best of care to every resident” and that it came “under acute pressure in the midst of the pandemic”.
Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd said he had "serious concerns" about the inspection report and he believed the re-registration of the home by Hiqa for another three years last month was "unacceptable" in light of the criticisms.
Aontú leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín told the Dáil on Thursday that the Minister and Department of Health, the HSE and Hiqa had "all refused to investigate what happened" to Mr Meehan. The party has called on the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the case, noting the Government had agreed in the programme for government to extend the remit of the office to cover clinical judgment.
Internal HSE figures put confirmed and probable Covid-19 deaths at Kilbrew during the pandemic at 15.
Kilbrew declined to comment on the HSE’s internal figure on confirmed or probable Covid-19 deaths “in deference to the families and others who have had to endure a lot”.