What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
English, Irish, French, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, History. I had no idea what I wanted to do when I chose the subjects I did. I am glad I chose Honours Irish as it enabled me to enter An Garda Síochána, and French as I feel having another language is important.
Perhaps I should have taken up another language like German or Spanish instead of the science subjects as I do not see the relevance of these subjects to my career.
What is your education to date?
Leaving Cert, Management and Industrial Relations at NCIR - Diploma, B.A Management through Garda College.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
Any learning is of relevance as it broadens the mind but I have found modules on leadership, human relations and negotiations to be especially relevant to this job.
The Management and Industrial Relations course was also important as I was starting out my career, but the B.A course which I am about to complete this year is the most relevant. This has developed my ability to manage people and my skills as an investigator. .
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
I have undertaken training as a Scenes of Crimes Officer in tactical training, in firearms, in computers and as a Senior Investigating Officer. There are continuous professional development courses on offer within the force and I intend to participate in each module as it arises.
I have completed the Enneagram course which is a course in the study of personalities and is proving relevant and useful.
