FEATURED ADVICE

Careers rarely develop the way we plan them. Our career path often takes many twists and turns, with particular events, choices and people influencing our direction.

We asked Elaine McGarrigle from CRH plc to give some advice for people considering this job:

Elaine McGarrigle

Mechanical Engineer

CRH plc

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 Elaine McGarrigle

The most important skill that a person in my position can have is communication.

One needs to be able to communicate effectively with people of all levels in order to do a days work. I think that this is the most important quality, to be able to fit in well with people, everyone from the operators to the senior management, one needs to be able to read them and how best to communicate with them.

An interest in basic engineering and in the heavy machine industry.

It is important to realise that working as a mechanical engineer in Irish Cement does not generally involve sitting at your desk all day. It involves alot of hands on, on-site work so a person needs to be prepared to get their hands dirty.

Another quality that is important is to be willing to learn. Even after a number of years in college, one needs to be eager to learn the ins and outs of a new environment; how cement is made, what equipment is involved, what generally goes wrong and how it is fixed.

Everyone will help and teach you but you need to open your mind and be prepared to take it all in.
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WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS?

Realist? 		Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
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Entrepreneurship

People opt to start their own business for a wide variety of reasons, from losing their job, to wanting more autonomy and flexibility or for the thrill of going it alone and getting rich quick! Some people simply have a good idea and a belief that they can make that idea work.

Whatever the reason, there are lots of supports available to help you along the way. The following links provide valuable information on starting a business in Ireland:

  • Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) - provide advice, information and support to you in starting up or growing your business. There are 31 dedicated teams across the Local Authority network in Ireland, offering a wide range of experience, skills and services. The LEO is for people interested in starting up a new business or already in business including entrepreneurs, early stage promoters, start-ups and small business looking to expand. Click here for our full list of services and supports.
  • Enterprise Ireland - If you have a new business idea, you may qualify for funding and supports from Enterprise Ireland, or from your Local Enterprise Office.
  • Citizens Information - advice for people thinking of setting up a business highlighting some of the important information you need to know with links to relevant topics.
  • BASIS (Business Access to State Information and Services) - provides valuable information, advice and resources for potential entrepreneurs wishing to start a business.
  • Údarás na Gaeltachta - can offer qualifying businesses and companies from various sectors a range of incentives and supports to start up, develop, expand or locate in a Gaeltacht region.
  • Youngentrepreneur.ie - a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to illustrating the validity of entrepreneurship as a career choice for young people.
  • Shannon Development - (Now Shannon Commercial Properties) - provides commercial property solutions for clients ranging from individuals and start-ups to multinational groups from every industry. Services offered include consulting, sourcing, leasing and selling office and industrial buildings, assisting with development of greenfield and industrial sites and delivering property management services.

Many of the issues concerning new start up companies are discussed in our section on Work & Employment

 

Be Careful How You Question The Rules
  

Learn to disagree without being disagreeable. Focus on the rule, policy, or issue - not the person behind it. Avoid personalizing it. The person must not feel attacked.