Aidan Byrne, BSocSci Social Science

"I decided to sign up to the Career Mentoring Programme as I am studying to be a social worker, so the opportunity to gain advice from a practitioner was immediately of interest. The programme is a golden opportunity to get a sense as to whether the area of interest to you would really match up to your expectations as a place you would like to work. In my case, I was particularly pleased with the excellent match that the programme was able to make for me between my mentor who works for Education & Welfare, Tusla, Child & Family Agency. My Mentor and I engaged straight away following the introductory evening and have been actively corresponding ever since, including two face-to-face meetings and further contact is planned.

The benefit to me has been easy access to practitioner expertise and the value of the guidance that I am receiving through that contact. It has helped me to gain valuable knowledge of the practicalities of social work in the child and family protection sphere, and has confirmed that I would like to work for Tusla as the work they do is excellent.

I would strongly recommend the Career Mentoring Programme as I have found it to be exceptionally helpful and the whole experience has been positive. It is an opportunity not to be missed!"

You can enhance your employability with an internship. In the current situation many employers are offering virtual internships so explore all options and consider what you can gain from different experiences.