Ask the Career Consultant

Comment by:
Dave
Hi Karen
I am currently unemployed, having been made redundant in October last.  
Having taken time to review my options I am keen to change careers from Contact Centre Management to IT.   I have 15 years Contact Centre//Customer Service experience including considerable Leadership and Management experience along side leading projects.  
I will be able to complete Computing qualifications over the next 12 months so that is no problem.
What does concern me is the amount of IT jobs advertised that require several years experience in the field as well as qualifications
Whilst I have loads of transferable skills I do not hold any prior IT experience to fall back on.
Is there anything I can do to improve my chances given my prior work experience not in the IT area?
Appreciate any guidance you can offer
Dave

Comment by:
Karen Gray Career Consultant
Hi Dave,

Congratulations on having determine the direction you’d like to get yourself going in.

Computing is a good market job-wise for the future, and you’ll be able to build yourself a good career.

You’ll have to be committed to continuous learning, and the IT market moves very fast, and the best-paid IT specialists are always learning the next new thing in their expert areas.

It would be a good idea to get a general education, that’s well regarded, in the area, and then determine over the next 2-3 years which topic of IT you feel you’d like to specialise in, and start more intensive learning there.

To get experience, you could possibly consider some of the JobBridge internships that the Government are offering right now. Often companies will pay for your formal training as well as giving you on the job experience, so it’s worth a look. You can find them on  http://www.jobbridge.ie/

Another option is to offer your services for free for a time period within an organisation you’d like to work for, once you’ve completed most of your studies, then if you’re performing for them, they’re likely to take you on as staff, or at least on contract.

IT is a growth area right now, so if you have the right learning, then there’s big demand – e.g. in gaming.

Sounds like the most important next step is to carefully consider your learning plan for the next 2 year, and get an internship to support you with experience.

Good luck

Karen

Comment by:
Jessica Keyes
Hi Karen,

Could you help me please? I have worked in cafes, restaurants and hotels for 12 years now. My degree is in Hotel & Restaurant Management. I currently have a senior management position, but I want to change. I would like to change career completely, but I do not know what would be suitable for me.

I would really appreciate if you can help me.

Thank you and kind regards,
Jessica

Comment by:
Karen Gray Career Consultant
Hi Jessica,

That’s a big question to try to answer, without know much about you – in fact it’s impossible for me, and only you can determine direction for yourself.

There are three big elements which determine career direction – personality, interests and talents.

Perhaps get a personality profile done with a career consultant, and see how this maps career-wise. This will give you some starting ideas.

Then look at your interests – what are you doing when time flies for you? What subjects would you choose to read about, find out more on? See if there’s an option to involve these in your next work area. Also, career consultants can do interest inventories to help you here.

Then on talents, look at what you’re really skilled at, what you find easy and write them down as a skills list.
Ask yourself, what other careers and types of work would use these skills. If you get help to do this from a career professional, you’ll end up with a large list of options, which you can then go and investigate to find our more and slim it down to a few good career options for yourself.

The trick is to step back first, and think broadly, before then trying to hone it down to a few promising directions, and researching in these target areas.

Eventually you’ll click onto a work area which enthrals you and you’ll know it’s the right way to go.

There are also career books out there which help you do this.

Two good books are

Career Directions: The Path to Your Ideal Career by Donna J Yena (1 Mar 2010)
Way Up: How to Keep Your Career Moving in the Right Direction by Donald J. Hurzeler (26 Oct 2010)

Good luck,

Karen

Comment by:
alaun
Hi there,

I am now completing my primary degree in History and politics, have not applied for H Dip but would love to become a secondary school teacher.

What are my prospects jobs wise with my current subjects. I did Geography in First Year but dropped in second year in favour of politics. Would a masters in History help?

Thanks

Comment by:
Karen Gray Career Consultant
Hi there

For any secondary teaching position, a masters in the subject you’re planning to teach will be a great help.

Politics clearly isn’t taught at secondary level, but you could also consider working in a VEC or FETAC 5-7 level college where Politics may be offered within other courses.

History is your mainstream offer though, and if you’re keen to study more, I’d definitely recommend a Masters in your subject. You can then do your HDip afterwards.

History teaching jobs aren’t as thick on the ground as maths/science teaching roles, but you just need to be in the right place at the right time once and you’ll secure a position.

Be prepared to travel to any part of the country to get your first posting, and then you’ll have the experience to take on to a role in your preferred location.

Good luck,

Karen

Comment by:
Alice Heery
Hi Karen, I'm  a registered nurse /midwife age 58 have extensively in Ireland  and abroad mainly in Australia (17YRS)SAUDIA ARABIA(3yrs)London(2yrs).I have not worked for past 2yrs due to Menopause.I feel I need some form of career guidance /motivation/inspiration as I have 8 yrs to retirement

Comment by:
Karen Gray Career Consultant
Hi Alice,

It sounds as though you’re no longer that keen on spending the rest of your work time until retirement in nursing/midwifery.

However, clearly it will make sense to use your qualifications and experience you’ve gained in those areas, as you’ll be able to pick up another stream of work and not have to start from scratch again.

What about teaching/lecturing in nursing or midwifery? You could enquire in nursing teaching establishments, and see how they’re fixed for next year. Now is about the time they’re looking to fill their teaching slots for Sept/Oct.

Also sales and marketing is another option, where companies employ trained nurses to help sell their products into healthcare establishments and conduct market research, product testing etc. Pharmaceutical companies also employ nurses for work in hospitals and with research clinics. Another option I can think of is patient work over the phone, e.g. with the Irish Cancer Society, or with Health Insurance helplines (VHI, Quinn etc).

When you’re job searching for jobs on IrishJobs.ie, use broad search terms in areas of interest for you, e.g. heart, baby, along with the role you’d like, e.g. publishing, customer service, sales, teach, etc.

Do get in contact if you’d like some comprehensive 1-1 career guidance, and we’ll help you out.

Good luck,

Karen

Comment by:
Ashish Saxena
Hi Karen

My name is Ashish.I am presently doing my MBA in business Management from Dublin Business School,Dublin.

I have around 5 years of working experience in pharmaceutical industry in quality control deparment as an analyst.

Now problem is that i am here in dublin on student visa and not able to find a job.

When i applied to pharmaceutical industries they are asking for full time positions which is not possible for me because of my visa conditions. Also,when i applied for the odd jobs for part time they reject my CV because of my experience in pharmaceutical.

So please guide me how i can move in this tough situations. What type of job roles are suitable for me.

Thanks and Regard

Ashish

Comment by:
Karen Gray, Career Consultant

Hi Ashish,

I don’t know enough about your situation to determine if you could be eligible for a work visa or not.

Although the pharmaceutical industry certainly have demand at the moment for people who are qualified and experienced as you are.

Have a look at my recent article on working in Ireland with visas, and see if you can find any way around your current visa situation to get into full time work, as it sounds like that’s what you really want.

[b]Click on this line to read about Irish Work Permits[/b] -  http://www.irishjobs.ie/careeradvice/work-in-ireland-all-you-need-to-know-about-irish-work-permits.aspx

If you can’t, then you could think about applying to Retail Pharmacies. You can do part-time there, and they will welcome your experience of quality and drug product working processes you’ve learnt from industry.

You could also look at contracting into Pharmaceutical companies via contracting agencies, e.g. CPL and many others.

Look for the specialists in pharmaceuticals and quality and go to visit them to see if they can contract you in for part-time hours.

Good luck,

Karen

Comment by:
yvonne
Karen

I am hoping you can help me, I am currently looking for employment due to my current job coming to an end in a few weeks. I have been looking for work since early January but I kept getting told I don't have the relevant experience. I am only applying for jobs that I do have experience in but still no look. I have been working as a PA/Receptionist/Administrator for the past 5 years with the same company and prior to that I was doing the same with an accounting practice. I have an Executive PA Diploma. I also have 3 years experience as a manager of a bookshop and about the same in Childcare.
I have detailed my current and past job roles on my CV and only put in a short note on the other job roles.  
Regards
Yvonne Kenny

Comment by:
R
Hi Karen,

I’m looking for some advice and some direction please.

I was previously working in a company for just over 5 years on good pay, some nice perks like travel, parking, great people and a year end bonus but I was bored with the work and there was no where to progress to as I had gone as high as I could. So I decided to send my CV out to similar companies and I was offered a job and I accepted it. Unfortunately, I really don’t like it, its not what I thought it was going to be, things discussed in the interview about the job haven’t really happened.
I have been there for just over four months and I really want to find another job.
I’m worried about any future employers, are they going to think badly of me for moving so soon after starting a new job? How would I explain my reasons for moving on? I know people say that you need to give it time to settle but there is nothing about it I am enjoying and I know I am right to want to move.

Also I’m really starting to wonder if I should change direction career wise. Could you direct me to any places or people that I could contact to see what direction I could go in based on my previous experience and qualifications?

Many thanks in advance,

Comment by:
Carol
Hi Karen,

A year ago I completed a degree in law. Having decided that the traditional solicitor/barrister route wasn't for me I decided to look at other career areas. I was offered a place on the HDip in Primary School Teaching course and decided to accept it.

I am enjoying parts of the course but am not sure now if I can see myself teaching just children in the long-term. I enjoy teaching but I see myself working with young adults/adults as well as children in the future.

I am wondering whether a qualification in primary education limits my career options to working just with children or would my skills be transferable to other jobs?

Thanks,

Kind regards,
Carolann

Comment by:
Karen Gray
Hi Yvonne,

I’m presuming you are asking me why you may not be securing these jobs you’re applying for, but it’s not clear if you’re getting interviews, and not getting the job, or not even getting to interview.

If you are getting interviews, it could be your interview technique which needs a little attention.

If you’re not getting nterviews, then it could be worth using your network more productively to locate and apply for the ‘hidden’ opportunities that aren’t advertised.

Then if you know someone in the company, who recommends you, then you’re more likely to get the interview and the job – provided you interview well. Either way, it could be a good idea to get some interview coaching under your belt.

Hope that helps

Karen

Comment by:
Karen Gray
Hi R,

It is unfortunate that you’re not enjoying your new job – there’s clearly a culture mis-fit that you weren’t able to detect at interview, and obviously promises were made at interview that have not materialised.

Employers aren’t terribly worried if CV indicate a quick move every now and again – it’s if it happens regularly that they get concerned. This would be a one off for you.

We do career consultancy and coaching at CareerVision, and you can contact me on kgray@careervision.ie if you need any help/advice on career direction options. You can also find other career guidance services via the golden pages.

Hope that helps.

All the best

Karen

Comment by:
Karen Gray
Hi Carol,

Your HDip in Primary Education will be transferrable and a good advantage for the world of Adult Teaching – some adults behave just like children, particularly in a classroom! You’ll also have to complete another qualification for Adult Education, e.g. a Diploma, as well – NUI Maynooth do a good range of Adult Education courses, so have a look there and on Qualifax to see what’s on offer in this Adult Education area.

All the best

Karen

Comment by:
Felix
hi there

I am a civil engineer with 5 years’ experience as a project engineer.I am an Indian currently based at Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.I am planning to move to Ireland.

I just don't know what are the procedures to obtain the work permit. People here confuse me a lot.I just want to know whether is it possible to get a work permit and if so what are the procedures i should do.? Could you please advice me.

Thanks & regards

Felix

Comment by:
Felix
Hi Felix,

We get a lot of enquiries similar to yours so I wrote this article which runs through work permits requirements and how to organise your job hunt in Ireland.

Here is the link - http://www.irishjobs.ie/careeradvice/work-in-ireland-all-you-need-to-know-about-irish-work-permits.aspx

All the best

Karen

Comment by:
Felix
Hi Karen,

I would like to apply for a H Dip. in primary teaching. I received my degree in 2005, but after college I discovered I was pregnant and my working and education history since then is a little fragmented.

I plan to do another Irish course over the summer to ensure my standard of Irish is OK for the oral interview, but I'm concerned about references.

The last real job I had was about two and a half years ago, I'm trying to find my way back into employment but it’s difficult. I've done some voluntary work, but that was only a few hours here and there and I'm not sure that it would be all that impressive on an application.

I would love to do an internship but with two children it’s just not practical. I’d love to hear any suggestions you have.

thanks

Lisa

Comment by:
Felix
Hi Lisa,

You should be OK to get a reference from a job 2.5yrs ago, so do ask someone from previous job roles that you can trust and ensure they’re happy to give you one, and/or write it out.

For teaching it’s quite common for applicants to have had work experience in schools, crèches or montessoris, on a voluntary basis. If you find a way to get this experience, you can also secure a reference from the same source. It’s usually easiest.

Hope that helps.

All the best

Karen

Comment by:
Francesa
Hi Karen,

my name is Francesca, I'm Italian and I just moved in Dublin for personal reasons (I'm getting married and my boyfriend is from here).

My current role is Group Product manager for L'Oreal Italy where I worked for over 7 years and, since I'm considered one of best professionals in my role, my company gave me the opportunity of 1 year leave to come to Dublin and search for a job here.

I'm looking for a marketing job here in Dublin, but many recruiters won't even consider my applications cause my experience is in another market or another business.

Often they answered "I'm looking for positions in food so you don't fit in"...actually 70% of my business was in food channel, as I work for L'Oreal mass market division, and I've got many irish friends working in food who do exactly the same job I do, with comparable distribution, same agencies, etc!!!

How can I go over this? I know beauty sector is very small here in Ireland, and waiting for openings there it may take years...

Thanks

Francesca

Comment by:
Karen Gray

Hi Francesa,

It does sound to me like you may need to tweak your CV a bit, mainly to get your experience in food to come through on it – which it seems like recruiters aren’t picking up.

You have much more chance in food within the Irish market than in beauty, as you’ve identified so perhaps also try direct applications with P&G, Unilever, Colgate Palmolive, etc, where L’Oreal will be a sought after name on a CV.

Hope that helps,

Karen

Comment by:
Jorge Cabral
Hi Karen

What can i do to improve my chances for getting a new job?

Comment by:
María del Carmen Alda Membrives
Dear Karen :
I will attach my CV and I hope you can help me.
I am spanish but I am interesting in de Irish market ( because I lived in Dublin before ) and also in others international

Underlined of that document my condition of collegiate Solicitor since 1994, my extensive legal and business training courses and masters including HR and Training and an MBA, European law, environmental and urban planning, and my high level of English, knowledge of other languages and computer skills.

Throughout my career I have served as counsel specializing in employment law, commercial and international law firms and consultancies .

I also worked for multinationals such as Telefónica ( Telecom)  and Mapfre ( Financial ) , and the Departments of Innovation, advising thousands of social economy enterprises mainly cooperatives, training and coordinating teams of over two hundred people, and specializes in recruiting and HR management, in these tasks I bring the experience of more than fifteen years in various sectors. I also managed my own businesses and professionals firms.

I have full mobility .

In these positions I have gained extensive experience but at the moment I can´t find a real vacancy .

What,s your opinion ?

Thank You very much.


I hope hearing from you. Yours .

Comment by:
Kelly Mulligan
Hi Karen,

I am currently working in a Data Reporting role, where I have been since I graduated with a 2.1 in Applied Languages last summer.

I want to go back to college to further my careers options, I would love to get into a sort of Business Analyst or IT Consultancy role, quite a lot of the jobs that appear online for these type roles ask for either a business or IT degree.

Initially I had planned on taking a Grad Dip in IT, but this has been pointed out to me as really only a starting point and that a Business Management masters would be much beneficial to my career development. However, after speaking to a few recent graduates from such courses, they have recommended I not take the Business Management path.


So I suppose my question is, is there one that is more relevant than the other or would a Grad Dip in IT provide the same level of job opportunities as the Business Management masters?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Kind Regards,

Kelly Mulligan

Comment by:
Jennifer Carmody
Hi Karen

just looking for some guidance maybe. I have worked in the banking sector for over 13 years now and ideally would like to get out. I have worked mainly on the back office side, SWIFT, payments etc. In both my old job and my current one I have dealt comprehensively with reconciliation of bank accounts, nostro,client queries etc. I have also been involved in the start up of 2 teams. I have been a supervisor and team leader. The current role I am in I have had for just over one year and it is not what I thought it would be. I really enjoy accounts, reconciliation, analysing and resolving issues. I would like to get into this but so many areas look for previous experience of specific qualifications. I am currently heading into my final year of a 4 year part time honours degress in Account and Finance and the thought of soing yet more study after that does not really appeal.
I suppose what I am looking for is any suggestions as to how I move forward, I cannot stay in banking but I do like the financial side of things
Any guidance at all much appreciated
thanks

Comment by:
BB
Hi Karen,

I am a fairly newly qualified solicitor and am now finding out after all the studying that i don't like practising law. I want to move into a new career area but i am unsure how to go about this. I have thought about teaching or maybe doing HR, i really want to be able to make use of the time i have already spent in college, i did Geography and legal studies in college and then an LLB. Can you suggest any type of postgraduate course which might be suitable for me or a different career area to move into which would allow me to use the skills and academics i already have. It is a very vage query i know but any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

B

Comment by:
Catherine
Hi Karen

I am currenty with my employer for over ten years. I have been out on certified sick leave this year for seven weeks. I am now thinking of leaving my employment and re-training in a different area. Will this sick leave go against me if a future employer asks for a reference?

Cath

Comment by:
Debolina
Hi Karen
    I am an Indian national and i have recently become a law graduate. At present i'm pursuing LL.M from a recognized university in India. However i would like to move to England or Ireland but i have no idea as to what other qualifications i shall require. I'm willing to start as a paralegal or any other job if the salary is enough to pay my bills and cover the expenses of living. I also have a Masters degree in English and a Bachelors degree in Education both from recognized universities in India. I would be greatly obliged if you could guide me regarding career opportunities and what would be the best path for me.
Regards.
    
    

Comment by:
Alex
Hi Karen

i found out that is very difficult to get job in finance sector. I have Bachelor degree in Economics and 4 years experience in banking sector. Worked in different departments with various banking products. When i came to Ireland all banks were rejecting my application and i don't understand why. Now i live 3 years in this country and just left my employment. Could you please give me advice how i can find job in finance sector.

Regards
Alex

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Comment by:
Andrea
Hello Karen,

I am a 25-year-old Romanian woman, with 2 year-experience in Planning and Procurement within the Manufacturing industry. In this period, I was promoted as Senior Procurer, but the salary was unsatisfactory

I quit this job when I moved to Ireland with my husband, but I haven't had any luck finding any job yet, despite my knowledge and despite the fact that I acquired this position at a multinational company.

Could you please help me with an advice on how to find a job in my field, as soon as possible?

Thank you,

Andrea

Comment by:
Anca Munteanu
Hello Karen,


Would you please be so kind and let me know if, according to my CV, I am eligible for a receptionist job in Ireland? I am a Romanian citizen and due to personal issues, I would like to relocate in Ireland, as I know that the job market is now opened for the Romanians, as well as for the any other European citizens.

I must mention that I have a three years experience in hospitality (6 months as a Hotel Receptionist and two and a half years as a hospitality trainer for the main hospitality and tourism association in Romania.

In conclusion, I would like to know if I can find a job in your country because till now, even though I applied for hundreds of hotel receptionist positions, I didn`t get the desired response.

Thank you very much for your time and I can hardly wait for your response.

Have a nice day,
Anca

Comment by:
Ciaran Murphy
Hi Karen,

I am at a real crossroads in my life when it comes to my career. I am absolutely mad into sport and know everything their is about each individual sport. My problem is I don't know which job in sport would suit me. I have thought about doing sports journalism but I also like to be active and feel I would get bored of it very easily as I like to be up and about.

Is their advice you can give me?

Thank you for your time.

Ciaran

Comment by:
Linda Farrelly
Hi Karen,

I had a read through some of the advise you gave to other people and I found it very helpful.
My situation is that I'm 35 and I hav not found my niche.
I started a Degree in European Studies initially, did 2 years and didn't finish. I deciced to go back to finish the Degree, transferred to a BA in French language and Sociology.
I am interested in languages especially.
Anyhow, I have basically just drifted from job to job, never finding my own path. I have worked a little as an Administrator using my french but was only a 6 month contract. I enjoy office work in some ways. I've found it difficult to find a job using french as a lot f the jobs involve techical skills or seem quite high powered.
Other jobs I've worked at are: Market research interviewer which was very boring. I've also done some retail work and worked as a Receptionist in a BnB which I liked in a way.
I'm finding myself now with all this disparate experience and feeling little passion. I would like to see work as something that I don't dread and where I could be myself.
Thanks for any advice. I don't know if you've ever come across anyone in the same situation as me.
Linda

Comment by:
Cara Keane
Hi Karen,

I had a variety of positions including self-employment prior to returning to college to get an Honours Degree in Management, which I completed in June 2010. I have been unsuccessful in securing any form of employment since. To improve my chances I did QFA(Loans) module as banks were recruiting at the time and this was meant to be a faster way - they then stopped recruiting!
I am currently doing a course in Anti Money Laundering, having first gotten assurances of an internship with Revenue to get the practical experience that seems vital to this line of work. Despite attempts to turn the internship assurance into reality I am getting no response on the issue and it seems to have died. I am in an area of Ireland some distance from Dublin and do not have the option of moving until Summer 2014 at the earliest.
I am stuck as to what to do next. Aside from the lack of employment available locally I am also out of savings having taken (what I thought was) a calculated risk to pay for my current course.
ANY advice at this stage would be helpful!
Thanks in advance, Cara

Comment by:
vintee chinappen
Hi karen .am an assistant accomodation in a 4 star hotel  working since 2009 it's my first job in dublin .
am still working on rate and same possition
i just want to know if i deserved any augmentation of my salary or any better post in the hotel as  like a lobby staft or supervisor accomodation .in my point of view i think i deserve a promotion because am like a team leader and keep training new staft every time hope u will sort me out thxxx vintee

Comment by:
Mary C
Hi,

Not sure if you can advise but here goes...I'm a qualified academic, (BA, MA, PhD), degrees in English Lit and have ten years teaching / lecturing experience. I also have extensive administrative experience having worked in offices to support myself while training. I have a good cv as an academic but there just aren't any jobs out there and I'm sick of teaching part time. I'd do something else but I'm not sure what I would be qualified for. Any tips gratefully received.
Thanks.

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Comment by:
Pam
Hi Karen,
I have just returns from 2 years travelling and previous to this I had just graduated with a 2.1 degree in Commerce. I have been back for two months now and have been aimlessly applying for jobs as without experience of any tangible sort I don't know what exactly I would be qualified for or capable of. I have many years experience in hospitality sector but am anxious to gain some experience at any level available using my degree. I am based in Wicklow but am willing to move around. At this stage I just need a job to keep my head above water!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

Comment by:
Johnurrent
Hi Karen,

I wonder if you could help me here please. I am at a bit of a cross roads. I have being working in the I.T sector for around 10 years but in the last 2 years I have found started to develop some other interests in another sector, where I have recieved some work in the last year.

In my current I.T position I have been waiting for promotion for 4/5 years and I have been looked over twice. I was planning on giving my current employer until the end fo 2013 regarding the promotion but I have been looked over once more.

I am now in a dilema, should I stay with my current employer where I believe there is no future and build a second career in the other area or simply change employers in the I.T sector.

thanks
john

Comment by:
Emily
Hi Karen,

I have an honours degree in social care but would really love to retrain as a midwife, but am totally unsure how to go about it. I am unsure if I can do a follow on course from my degree which would allow me to qualify quicker.  Is there any way I can use my social care degree to my advantage or is it necessary for me to start from scratch again and apply through the CAO. I would be so incredibly grateful if you could help.

Thank you so much,

Emily.

Comment by:
Aoife
Hi Karen,

I've recently started a new job in the area that i have been working in for a number of years. It's a promotion which is great in this climate.  The job spec seemed ideal and i accepted the job naturally. However, the job spec in my contract is certainly different from what i am being asked to do now.
I have introduced many new systems and approaches to doing things nationally which have been approved and are now being used throughout the organization.

The company have opened regional offices throughout Ireland. I am in one of the regional offices.  I thought this would get better but it hasn't. They are so disorganized in doing things. I feel like i've taken about 3 steps backwards job wise. I've raised many of these issues with the company already from my own point of view and also from my own staffs point of view but we keep getting the brush off.  i'm getting calls late at night to my own personal mobile about work that needs to be done. Calling work colleagues at 12.30 at night is not appropriate.

I mean we've started being messed around with wages and expenses. Some of us are getting paid, others aren't. there always seems to be a delay in getting our wage slips. We are made to feel guilty when we question any issues regarding wages and expenses.

I'm not really sure what to do now as i have only been in the job a short while.  I really wish i hadn't taken this job and i do feel it's a step backwards.  I don't feel like this company is in it for the long haul.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Comment by:
Teresa Kelly
Hi there,

I'm returning to college in September and the course that I am interested in studying is Business Computing and Digital Media. My main reason for returning to college is to ensure that I get work in the future, so my concern is that there may not be that many jobs that I will be qualififed for once I finish my studies. Can you tell me what exactly will I be qualified to do once I finish this course and are there jobs in that field currently. Also, can you tell me what area of IT has most demand for jobs in Galway/Ireland at the moment.

Thanks for your help

Thanks for your help

Comment by:
Philip
Hello Karen,

My name is Philip and I am qualified chef by trade and worked in that business for a few years, plus I have retail experience. But what I really want to get into is car rental and I was wondering how I might be able to do that? I have full driving license for over four years and worked with customers for 6+ years. What other requirements and skills might be required of me? Or would that then depend on the employer? I really don't want a career in catering and I think car rental sounds good for by my interest's,skills etc but not sure how they would see it coming from catering and retail background. Thanks for your help!

Philip