Career Conversations: Series 2
Welcome back to Series 2 of Career Conversations!
We are delighted to share our passion for Career Development with our listeners through this podcast series.
Included in this series, we have a special collection of episodes based around our Virtual Careers Fair, with spotlight episodes to help you get to know the Companies who participated in the event!
Available on Spotify, Apple and other podcast platforms!
Episode 37: Career Decisions - Meet Dr. Martin Mc Aleese (Part Two)
We know that many, if not most of us, will have a number of jobs and careers in the course of our lives. Career transitions can be daunting at the best of times - taking us out of our comfort zones and challenging our confidence - so it helps to learn from the experiences of those who have successfully navigated these challenges.
In the second part of this episode with Dr. Martin McAleese, we focus on confidence. We all know that feeling of wanting to 'avoid the front row' - avoid being noticed. Sometimes we fear that our decisions and actions might make us look foolish.
Dr. McAleese draws on his extensive experience and his own struggles with confidence to talk us through his career journey and the transitions he has made: Understanding that fear of failure is perfectly normal while the key to successful career transition comes from accepting the opportunities to 'stretch' our experience, convert thought into action and make confident career decisions.
Episode Recorded 4th May 2021.
Episode 36: Career Decisions - Meet Dr. Martin Mc Aleese (Part One)
We know that many, if not most of us, will have a number of jobs and careers in the course of our lives. Career transitions can be daunting at the best of times - taking us out of our comfort zones and challenging our confidence - so it helps to learn from the experiences of those who have successfully navigated these challenges.
This week we are bringing you a special 2-part episode on Career Decisions and we are honoured to be joined by Dr. Martin McAleese, former Accountant, Dentist, Senator and current Chancellor of Dublin City University. Dr. McAleese has sought to develop greater trust and reconciliation among communities in Northern Ireland, with a particular focus on working class loyalist communities in his native Belfast.
In the first of this 2-part episode with Dr. McAleese, we discuss his circumstances growing up, his education and how these experiences informed and shaped his career. We also examine the impulse for change; how we can re-imagine our careers; when it is important to listen to our instincts; and how to have the confidence to take the first step.
Episode Recorded 4th May 2021.
Episode 35: GOAL
This episode is a ‘must’ listen for any student considering a career or volunteering in the humanitarian sector.
In this episode we meet Mary Van Lieshout, Deputy CEO and Director of External Affairs for GOAL and Alumnus of the Masters in International Relations, DCU.
Over the last 43 years GOAL has responded to many of the world's major humanitarian crises, working with vulnerable communities in more than 60 countries.
Mary has over 20 years’ experience in the humanitarian sector working in the fields of humanitarian public health, research and advocacy and she shares with us what it means to work in GOAL and the NGO development sector.
This episode was recorded on 31st March 2021.
Episode 34: Meet Employers - A Career in the Irish Defence Forces
The 'Óglaigh na hÉireann’ vision is to strengthen our Nation by inspiring pride and leading excellence”.
In this episode we meet Captain Steve Connolly (Air Corps) who explains the structure of the Irish Defence Forces (Air Corps, Army, Navy & Reserves) and unpacks the values of courage, integrity, loyalty and a sense of duty. Ireland’s Defence Forces is modern and is involved in the defence of our nation, supporting our Civil Power and plays a critical role in UN peacekeeping missions.
Captain Connolly, explains the entry routes into the Defence Forces and shares his top tips for making applications and the selection processes (fitness test, group assessment, interview).
Episode Recorded 29th March 2021.
Episode 33: Meet Employers - Trinity Biotech
Trinity Biotech specializes in the development, manufacturing and marketing of clinical diagnostic products. We are joined on this episode by Colm Molloy, HR Director and Conor Nolan (DCU Alumnus), Validation Engineer.
Our guests provide an excellent insight into Trinity Biotech, particularly graduate roles. They share their tips on making your application stand out and how best to make your degree work for you as you transition into the workplace.
This episode was recorded on March 10th 2021.
Episode 32: What I did last Summer: Stella Ohia
As part of our series on making the most of your summer 2021 we invited students to tell us what they did last summer.
Our time in college shapes us and helps us prepare for early graduate careers. Making the most of your summer is about getting a summer job (if possible) and critically it is also about exploring aspects of you that builds confidence, curiosity, courage and resilience that will help YOU as you develop your career.
Stella Ohia is a final year Bachelor Nursing student (Mental Health) and is currently completing her final internship. Stella was on her placement last summer and she shares with us the challenges of working during Covid.
Stella explains that she found herself taking the advice she gives to others and began taking more notice on her walks and being more creative with flowers that she picked along the way.
Stella and her friends had 24 hours away in a hotel and she thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being pampered and dressing up for dinner even though it was only for one hour in the restaurant!
Stella is also a spoken word artist and plans to continue her passion for this genre.
Episode recorded 23rd March 2021
Episode 31: What I did last Summer: Aoife Mc Geough
As part of our series on making the most of your summer 2021, we invited students to tell us what they did last year.
Our time in college shapes us and helps us prepare for early graduate careers. Making the most of your summer is about getting a summer job (if possible) and critically it is also about exploring aspects of you that builds confidence, curiosity, courage and resilience that will help YOU as you develop your career.
Aoife McGeough is a final year Economics, Politics and Law Student and she explains how she embraced micro credentials and tasked herself with improving her language skills.
Aoife took on two challenges: She cycled from Malin Head to Mizen over 6 days and took a solo holiday in Westport.
Aoife explains how she set and achieved these challenges over the course of the summer and is looking forward to this summer also.
Episode Recorded 23rd March 2021
Episode 30: What I did last Summer - Charlie Kinsella
As part of our series on making the most of your summer 2021, we invited students to tell us what they did last summer.
Our time in college shapes us and helps us prepare for early graduate careers. Making the most of your summer is about getting a summer job (if possible) and critically it is also about exploring aspects of you that builds confidence, curiosity, courage and resilience that will help YOU as you develop your career.
Charlie Kinsella is a Final year Accounting and Finance student. Last summer Charlie worked in his local golf club and got the opportunity to participate in a two week virtual internship in PWC.
Charlie shares the insights he gained from doing the internship and the importance of soft skills for the world of work. He is now PWC’s campus ambassador for DCU.
Charlie like many of us discovered great places in his local area last summer and explained what to visit if we get an opportunity in 2021!
Episode Recorded: March 22nd 2021
Episode 29: What I did last Summer - Eimear Fox
As part of our series on Making the Most of Your Summer 2021, we invited DCU students to inspire us with their stories from Summer 2020!
Eimear Fox (Final Year Economics, Politics and Law) explains how she was initially very disappointed last summer as her planned trip to work in the USA was cancelled due to Covid. Eimear luckily was able to continue with her part time job as Barista and made a decision to make the best summer she possibly could.
Eimear decided to develop her language skills by learning both French and Spanish. She also set about exploring her local area and further afield by meeting friends in different parts of the country on her days off, so she now has some great tips for places to visit!
Eimear also explains how over the Summer, she turned her attention to final year and has become more involved in DCU clubs and societies life as a result.
Episode 28: What I did last Summer - Ruadhain Bonham
As part of our series on Making the Most of Your Summer 2021, we invited DCU students to inspire us with their stories from Summer 2020!
Ruadhain Boham (1st year Economics, Politics & Law), along with his family, formed their own string quartet and played in the gardens of Nursing Homes.
He also dusted off a bicycle that was in the shed and along with some friends, explored his own locality in Dunboyne and beyond.
Ruadhain would like to hear from other DCU Students who are interested in forming another quartet or even an orchestra!
Episode 27: Career & Life Choices - Environmental Protection Agency & The Choices We Can Make
Listen in to understand more about the challenge of climate change and how we all can make a much bigger difference than we could ever imagine!
In this episode, we meet Fiona Mc Coole, Inspector and Manager of National Waste Prevention Programme with Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Fiona explains the critical role the EPA plays and how as climate change becomes an even bigger challenge how we all can make a much bigger difference than we could ever imagine. She unpacks the principles behind waste management and the challenges of burning fossil fuels - and busts some myths!
The episode contains practical things we can stop and start doing from today, that will help us change our impact on the environment.
Fiona also talks to us about graduate opportunities in the EPA and critically explains the diverse opportunities available as you develop your career in the EPA.
And if this episode inspires you, our penultimate year Science students can seek an application form for their summer internship programme by emailing recruitment@epa.ie
Episode 26: Make the Most of Your Summer - Learn about Sustainability
Take this opportunity to learn what sustainability is really all about!
In this episode, we are delighted to discuss sustainability with Samantha Fahy, DCU’s Sustainability Manager.
Samantha explains what climate changes mean for our planet and calls on us to make a difference. In particular, she makes a call to action for each of us to assess our own carbon footprint this summer and understand the impact of our daily actions. The conversation is full of simple and effective changes we can begin today and hopefully influence those we live with too.
Samantha reminds us that political decisions are needed and we can influence action through contacting our local representatives and letting them know that climate change needs their attention NOW!
Samantha would be delighted to hear from students who have an interesting sustainability thesis or project and would like to engage with the sustainability agenda in DCU.
Episode 25: Career Choice -Technical Graduate Programme, Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus is one of Ireland's signature brands. In this episode, we focus on technology and how it underpins and supports the company's mission. We also learn about some exciting opportunities available to join the Aer Lingus Team!
Aer Lingus is Ireland’s national carrier, founded in 1936. Listen to Katherine Norton, Recruitment Lead who explains the application and selection process, as well as providing excellent tips on how to stand out when applying.
Alan Rust, Software Engineering Manager also joins us to explain the dynamic nature of Aer Lingus projects and how successful candidates can contribute effectively to to the company.
One of the resounding takeaways from this episode is the cornerstone of company's values - the team's pride in the work they do!
This episode was recorded on March 1st 2021.
Episode 24: How To Volunteer
Have you ever thought about volunteering but don’t quite know how to go about it? This episode will help to get you started!
In this session, Siobhán Murphy meets with Ruth Lynam, DCU Student Volunteer Coordinator to discuss what to consider when exploring volunteer opportunities.
Ruth shares her own experience of volunteering during her time as a student here in DCU and how that experience has shaped her own career.
This episode was recorded on 17th February 2021.
Episode 23: The Washington Ireland Program
Welcome back to Career Conversations! We are kicking off January 2021 with an inspiring episode on what you can do this summer or perhaps a summer in the near future.
The Washington Ireland Program (WIP) was developed initially in response to the conflict in Northern Ireland and has continually innovated to ensure that leadership, service and community remain centre stage in our frantic world. We are joined for this episode by Caoimhe Ní Mhaolagáin, Community Manager for the Washington Ireland Program, Alumnus of the programme and of the BA in Economics, Politics and Law, DCU (Class of 2018)
One of key challenging questions that Washington Ireland has for you is: “If the future were a book, would you read it or write it?” Is that question stopping you in your tracks? Well, listen to Caoimhe explain the programme, how to apply and how to be involved with WIP all year round.
Washington Ireland is seeking applicants from all disciplines, all stages of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Enjoy!
As always we love hearing from you and thanks for your feedback! You are helping us shape the content of the show. If you have any suggestions for future episodes please email us at careers@dcu.ie with ‘Podcast’ in the subject line.
Episode Recorded 12th January 2021
Episode 22: Health & Well-being: As A Career and For Your Career!
In this episode of Career Conversations, our focus is on health and well-being!
Siobhán Murphy, Career Consultant meets with Caroline Mahon, DCU’s Health Promotion Officer to unpack the role health and well-being has in our lives.
Caroline shares her own career story - how she developed her career in health promotion and why she loves what she does.
Siobhán and Caroline discuss the benefits of health and well-being for longevity in our careers and the quality of our experience.
They also discuss how being in a career that we enjoy benefits our own health too.
Episode recorded on 23rd November 2020
Episode 21: Meet Amazon
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
All Amazon teams and businesses, from Prime Delivery to Amazon Web Services are guided by four key tenets: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence and long term thinking.
Episode 20: Career Choice: An Insight into life as a Trainee Solicitor
Meet Rosie Callan, a BCL Graduate from 2014. Rosie explains her decision to pursue a Career as a Solicitor and her journey before, during and after college.
Rosie was recently successful in her exams and will be added to the roll of Solicitors in December 2020.
Episode 19: Meet RSM
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
RSM are one the Ireland's leading firms specialising in audit, tax and consulting services. A fast growing firm with big ambitions!
Episode 18: Meet Medtronic
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
Imagine playing a role in changing what it means to live with chronic disease. Medtronic creates technologies that treat chronic disease in new ways so people can live better and longer.
Episode 17: Meet PKF O'Connor, Leddy & Holmes
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
PKF O'Connor, Leddy & Holmes was established in 1962. The company is a leading firm of Accountants and Business Advisors and provide a full range of compliance and advisory services.
Episode 16: Meet KPMG
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
KPMG has 100+ partners and 3,400 people in Ireland and wants you to achieve the very best in your career. KPMG hire 380 graduates each year from all degrees disciplines to become a Chartered Accountant.
Episode 15: Meet Irish Distillers, Jameson International Graduate Programme
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
Irish Distillers offers an award winning graduate programme, the Jameson International Graduate Programme.
If you are looking to kick start your career in marketing on a global stage working for the world's best selling Irish whiskey, this episode is worth listening to!
Episode 14: Meet ESB
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
ESB is Ireland’s foremost energy company and has been supplying energy for over 90 years.
Their mission is to bring sustainable energy solutions to customers and communities by leading the transition to reliable, affordable and low carbon energy.
Episode 13: Meet DBASS
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
Welcome back to Careers Conversations! In this episode, we meet with Sive Dowling, Marketing Executive with DBASS (Professional Services Firm).
Sive explains the opportunities to train as an Accountant, the role of technology in DBASS and her top tips when applying to the company.
Recorded: 1st October 2020.
Episode 12: Meet the Court of Justice of the European Union
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) interprets EU law to make sure it is applied in the same way in all EU countries, and settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions.
It can also, in certain circumstances, be used by individuals, companies or organisations to take action against an EU institution, if they feel it has somehow infringed their rights.
Listen to this episode to find out about opportunities for Lawyer Linguist and other opportunities.
Recorded: 1st October 2020.
Episode 11: Meet Combilift
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
Combilift is the largest global manufacturer of multi-directional forklifts and an acknowledged leader in long load handling solutions.
The driving force behind Combilift’s operations is a desire to deliver innovation in the material handling arena.
Recorded: 1st October 2020.
Episode 10: Meet Accenture
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
Accenture is a leading global professional Services company, providing a broad range of services in Strategy and consulting, interactive, technology and operations with digital capabilities across all of these services.
Recorded: 1st October 2020.
Episode 9: Meet McCann FitzGerald
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
McCann FitzGerald is one of Ireland’s premier law firms. The firm is owned by 77 partners and employs over 600 people, including 350 lawyers and legal support staff. Listen to this episode to prepare for a visit to the McCann FitzGerald stand at the DCU Virtual Careers Fair!
In this episode, Diane Hennessy, Graduate Recruiter at McCann FitzGerald explains how the company helps clients to manage their most significant business transactions, critical disputes and challenging legal issues.
McCann FitzGerald's reputation is founded on two main pillars – the quality of their service and their ability to attract, develop and retain top legal talent.
Recorded: 1st October 2020.
Episode 8: Meet Fieldfisher
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
Fieldfisher is a European law Firm with market leading practices in many of the world's most dynamic sectors. Listen to this episode to prepare for a visit to the Fieldfisher stand at the DCU Virtual Careers Fair!
Welcome back to Careers Conversations! In this episode we meet with Karen Dempsey, HR Manager and Rosie Callan, Trainee Solicitor and DCU Alumnus.
Our guests explain who Fieldfisher is, what it does and how best to apply. They also include their top tips for applying to the company.
Recorded: 1st October 2020.
Episode 7: Meet Ornua
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
Ornua are Ireland’s largest exporter of dairy products and they want you to join their team. Listen to this episode to prepare for a visit to the Ornua stand at the DCU Virtual Careers Fair!
In this episode we meet with James Ducey, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist with Ornua. James explains the global reach of Ornua and what graduates can expect to do as they begin their careers with the company.
Recorded: 23rd September 2020
Episode 6: Meet Ericsson
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
Ericsson is a Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company headquartered in Stockholm. Listen to this episode to prepare for a visit to the Ericsson stand at the DCU Virtual Careers Fair!
In this episode we meet with Breffni O’Sullivan, Recruiter with Ericsson.
Breffni explains Ericsson’s role in Ireland and what graduates can expect to do as they begin their careers. Breffni shares his top tips for making your application.
Recorded: 23rd September 2020
Episode 5: Meet Dillon Eustace
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
Dillon Eustace is one of Ireland’s leading law firms focusing on Asset Management and Investment Funds, Banking and Capital Markets, Corporate and M&A, Employment, Financial Services, Insurance, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Real Estate and Taxation. Listen to this episode to prepare for a visit to the Dillon Eustace stand at the DCU Virtual Careers Fair!
In this episode we meet with Eimear Dunne, HR Generalist and Kevin Cowhey, Trainee Solicitor (DCU Alumnus) with Dillon Eustace.
Our guests unpack what you need to know about Dillon Eustace and share their insights on the role of a Trainee Solicitor. Both our guests share their top application tops.
Recorded: 29th September 2020
Episode 4: Meet Nikon
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
Meet Nikon, one of the world’s leading optical companies. Listen to this episode to prepare for a visit to the Nikon stand at the DCU Virtual Careers Fair!
In this episode we meet with Karl Shine, Technical Recruiter with Nikon.
Karl explains Nikon’s role in Ireland and what graduates can expect to do as they begin their careers with with the company. He also shares his top tips for making your application.
Recorded: 29th September 2020
Episode 3: Meet Davy
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
Davy is Ireland's largest stockbroker, with offices in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Galway and London. Listen to this episode to prepare for a visit to the Davy stand at the DCU Virtual Careers Fair!
In this episode we meet with Sinéad Fogarty, Senior Recruiter and Louise Ryan (Graduate Programme) with Davy.
Our guests unpack what the company does and share their experiences and top tips for applying for the Davy Graduate Programme.
This episode was recorded on 29th September.
Episode 2: Meet Auxilion
A DCU Virtual Careers Fair Podcast Special
In this episode, meet Auxilion, an award-winning provider of I.T. services in Ireland and the UK.
DCU Careers Consultant, Siobhan Murphy chats with Clara Amarante, People and Talent Partner at Auxilion ahead of the upcoming DCU Virtual Careers Fair taking place on October 15th from 11am to 3pm.
Episode 2 was recorded on 1st October.
Episode 1: How To Attend DCU's Virtual Careers Fair
Are you a final year or postgraduate student in DCU thinking about your future career?
Don't miss the DCU Virtual Careers Fair on October 15th from 11am to 3pm.
Hear from DCU Careers Consultant Siobhan Murphy and Ibby Mangi from Career Fair Plus on how the fair will run and how to optimise your time with recruiters. This episode contains all you need to know on how to prepare for your interactions with employers and advice on how to get the most from the resources and opportunities provided. If you are thinking about attending, this podcast is not to be missed!
Episode 1 was recorded on 22nd September.
Here's a special taster episode to welcome you back to Series 2 of Career Conversations!
If you have an idea for a podcast episode email us at careers@dcu.ie