What advice do you have for those wishing to go back to work?
What advice do you have for older workers?
What advice do you have for school leavers?
If science excites you, studying physics at third level gives you an enormous range of options. You won’t be tied to a specific career but rather can take the time to develop your specific interests.
Your numerical, analytical and team working skills will increase significantly – all areas which are in high demand from employers. Take a look at the Institute of Physics in Ireland web site for more details on careers in this area.
What advice do you have for graduates?
There are good opportunities for graduates in areas such as electronics, computer hard ware manufacture and software design. Employers ranges from large multi-nationals such as Intel, Hewlett Packard and Medtronics to small companies often in a start up phase in areas such as medical devices, telecommunications or computer animation/gaming.
Consider taking a postgraduate degree. This can significantly increase your earning power. This can be done immediately after your first degree or you can work for a few years and then come back to your studies. Some companies will fund or facilitate additional learning.
What advice do you have for career changers?
Evaluate your own strengths. Consider do you need a short course on some area of technology which interests you? Members of the Institute of Physics can get one-to-one advice from trained careers counsellors with expertise on the physics sector.
What advice do you have for non-Irish nationals?
If you are working in a physics, mathematics or chemistry related area consider joining the professional body for your subject (Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry in Ireland, Institute of Mathematics) in order to avail of the professional supports such as assistance with career development, seminars & conferences, lectures, professional journals and becoming chartered e.g. Chartered Physicist CPhys.
What advice do you have for those wishing to go back to work?
Consider taking short courses to bring your skills up-to-date, particularly in relation to computing and communications.
What advice do you have for older workers?
Consider taking short courses to bring your skills up-to-date, particularly in relation to computing and communications.
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Cian O'Mahony "After studying science, I did a one-year Higher Diploma in Education in UCC. This involved studying the theory of educational practice as well as having practical work experience"
Amateur Astronomer
Deirdre Kelleghan "Giving talks in libraries, schools and arts centers to thousands of children each year is very satisfying"
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Dave McDonald "For astronomy, a yearning for answering the unanswered questions is a must. You also need to be dedicated and focused and not put off by the weather."
Planetary Scientist
Caitriona Jackman "I work with data from the magnetometer on the Cassini spacecraft which is in orbit around the planet Saturn"
Electronic Engineer
Shane Callanan "Engineers are the same all over the world. There are technical problems to solve, and we love to solve them!!!"
Software Engineer
Karl Stanley "The purpose of technology is to automate the things that people are bad at, so they can spend more time doing things they are good at"
Design Engineer
Sinead Kenny "The coolest thing of all is to hear that the device has worked and that the quality of life of patients has improved."
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James Stewart "at the moment I am working with a group of young people, teaching them how to plan, shoot and edit a short film"
Analytical Chemist
Brian O'Connor "It is very cool knowing that I play a role in the production of this drug coming to the market."
