Career Sectors Sector Description Information Booklet . . and do not forget to look at the following - links from the the Careers website - www.wit.ie/careerscentre
Further information also available from—
Targetjobs.co.uk
Vitae.ac.uk
Europa.eu
This in-depth advice on key graduate sector descriptions is available from gradireland.ie and will answer some of your questions as to what is involved in the following particular sectors. Accountancy and financial management Agriculture, animal and plant resources Banking, insurance and financial services Charities and voluntary sector Construction, civil engineering and QS Emergency services and armed forces Engineering Environment and natural resources Fund management / administration and investment banking Hospitality, sport, leisure and tourism Human resources, recruitment and training IT and telecoms Languages and culture Law, legal services and patents Library and information services Logistics and transport Management consulting Management, business and administration Manufacturing and processing Marketing, advertising and PR Media and publishing Medical and healthcare Performing and creative arts Property Public sector and civil service Retail, sales and customer services Science, research and development Social, community and youth Teaching and education
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Within the aforementioned Career Sectors the following sector descriptions are available from gradireland.ie -.
Accountancy and financial management
- Accountancy is a great career for graduates looking for professional qualifications and good earnings. And you don’t necessarily have to have a finance or accounting degree. You will, though, need to prove to employers that you have what it takes to study for exams at the same time as working. Once you are qualified, there are numerous opportunities: you could work for many different types of organisation and you can find work anywhere in the country. As a Financial Accountant, you could work for one of the Big 4 professional services firms, or for a smaller accountancy firm. Financial Accountants provide specialist services to commercial and non-commercial organisations to ensure that they are financially sound and comply with legal requirements and regulations. Their main areas of work are assurance and auditing, tax and business advisory/financial services. As a Management Accountant you will specialise in providing information and advice to managers in all kinds of organisations, including large and small businesses in various sectors, non-commercial organisations such as charities, and government departments.
Agriculture, animal and plant resources There are many career opportunities for graduates in Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture industry, which employs over 150,000 people and accounts for around 9 per cent of total direct employment. In the Republic of Ireland, farmers make up almost 7 per cent of the workforce and the agri-food sector accounts for almost 10 per cent of employment. In traditional farming, self employment is common. However, there are a host of careers in agricultural-related services and businesses. These include
Animal and plant research Agribusiness management and sales Commodity broking Agricultural journalists Agriscience research Parks, recreation and tourism Wildlife Lecturing
Other areas of work that graduates should consider include aquaculture, horticulture and forestry. Page 3 - Career Sectors/Sector Descriptions
Banking, insurance and financial services
- Banking is a traditional career area for graduates, as is the wider financial services sector. Although many graduate entrants have a financial background there are also openings for those with degrees in other subjects: you can expect good training on a graduate programme and there may be a chance to extend your knowledge through professional exams. Banking employers actively search for graduates to take the business forward and many of them run graduate recruitment schemes. Employers usually start accepting applications for their graduate programmes in September or October, so be prepared to apply early in the first term of your final year. Banking is mainly divided into corporate banking, which provides banking services to large organisations; retail banking, which provides services to individual and smaller businesses; and investment banking. Financial services covers areas such as pensions, insurance and risk management. Management training schemes in retail banks (the smaller, high street branches of large commercial banks) give you a chance to manage your own branch within a few years. But there are also roles for graduates with specialist skills, such as IT, as well as graduate jobs in other support functions, such as marketing and HR. Other specialist areas, which you can train for on the job, include risk management, compliance and, particularly in the insurance sector, actuarial work. Within this sector you can also find work with insurance companies, consultancies, specialist finance firms and businesses that built their reputation in a different sector before diversifying into offering financial services products. Most careers in this sector will suit graduates with a feel for business, but there are many different paths: a job in a retail bank or building society would suit those with good people skills, while actuarial work needs graduates who are strong on numeracy.
Charities and voluntary sector Charity work is a popular career for graduates, but can be surprisingly competitive. Working in this sector can be rewarding and fulfilling and even a short volunteering placement can bring great focus and enrichment to a gap year. It can offer opportunities to work in roles specific to your degree and also in general administrative areas. In some instances international travel is an option.
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for-profit basis which can range in size from very small and locally-based to large, national and international entities. The focus can be on issues as diverse as community development, poverty, homelessness, mental health or ecology/conservation. So if you are interested in working in this sector, you should be able to find a charitable organisation that is meaningful to you. Graduates working in this area are usually committed to the mission of the charity in question, motivated towards change and with a social conscience. However, they will also need the practical skills to make a significant contribution. This means that working in this sector combines idealism and commitment to a cause with realism and practical skills. Volunteering is often required early in your career to get a ‘foot in the door’. This will help you to demonstrate an interest and commitment to the sector as a whole and to gain specific knowledge and understanding of a given organisation.
Construction, civil engineering and QS - Construction offers a range of career opportunities for graduates in architecture and design, building services, civil engineering, construction management, construction economics/surveying and facilities management. You may choose to develop your career in areas such as residential, commercial and industrial contracting; or public sector and civil engineering projects. Working hours can be long and demand great flexibility; often your time is split between office and site. Be prepared to experience all weather conditions. If you are ambitious and skilled, the financial rewards and opportunities for career progression can be good. Ireland has experienced a slow-down in the residential and commercial sectors but growth areas include environmental engineering and sustainable green energy technologies. A construction-related qualification also makes you very marketable overseas.
Emergency services and armed forces The emergency services and armed forces offer flexible, dynamic careers to the right people, along with a strong sense of contributing to their community or their country. Although a third-level qualification is not a requirement for entry to these sectors (the usual entry route is the same for graduates as non-graduates), a degree qualification will enhance future career advancement. In the case of cadetships within the military, a degree is a prerequisite. The day-to-day reality of working in these sectors means ‘hands on’ experience and great variety within a working day. But, while working in these sectors can be very fulfilling, it can also be very stressful and should not be undertaken lightly. These roles are suited to people who first and foremost are committed to this type of work and who also have the required mental and physical stamina. You will need good organisational ability, good problem solving/analytical skills and the ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner. Page 5 - Career Sectors/Sector Descriptions
Engineering Graduate engineers possess marketable skills, and their strong foundation in technology, problem solving, numeracy, analytical and evaluative skills, teamwork and project management makes them attractive to employers both inside and outside the engineering sector. The chemical and electrical/electronic engineering sectors in the Republic of Ireland have seen rapid growth in recent years. Mechanical engineering is also a significant engineering employment sector. Beyond these traditional areas, there has been a drive by the government and industry to increase activities in research and development, particularly in disciplines such as electrical, electronic or microelectronic engineering, biomedical engineering and mechatronics. The real concern for the engineering sector is attracting the skilled graduates it needs to continue to thrive. A report by Engineers Ireland predicted that the number of engineering graduates entering the workforce each year needs to grow by 7 per cent annually up to 2020. New initiatives designed to boost research and innovation has opened up new opportunities for graduates with an engineering degree. Despite the difficult economic climate, thanks to Ireland's shift towards R&D, technological development and the green economy there is an increasing demand for engineers.
Environmental careers focus on protecting natural resources and developing alternative sources of energy. The need for graduates with environmental training has grown due to a combination of increasing statutory regulations and a growing awareness of the need for sustainable development. An environmental, technical, scientific or engineering degree is an advantage. Environment and natural resources
Fund management/administration and investment banking The funds industry in Ireland offers a variety of career opportunities for graduates and employers can be found in several locations, from Dublin to Cork, Limerick, Galway and Kilkenny. The industry is young and vibrant, with 70 per cent of those working in the sector under thirty years of age. Job opportunities for graduates include fund management and administration, investment banking, investment management along with corporate banking (financial services for companies with high turnovers) and private banking (services for high networth individuals). Entry routes for these jobs is usually through a graduate training scheme, and many recruiters also offer internships which can give you valuable experience when it comes to applying for jobs. While these are competitive areas to get into, the good news is that Page 6 - Career Sectors/Sector Descriptions
Hospitality, sport, leisure and tourism The hospitality, sport, leisure and tourism sector offers careers for graduates from a variety of disciplines. In recent times, the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector has been one of the broadest industries across the island of Ireland as well as being one of the largest employers. It incorporates accommodation, leisure/recreation activities, food and drink providers, tourism service providers, events and conferencing facilities, tourism attractions and the transport and travel trade. The sporting sector is also growing. You’ll find opportunities in many areas including sporting organisations and clubs, sports management and local authorities.
A business-focused career with opportunities for promotion Every organisation in this industry also offers a range of business-focused career options such as HR, finance, marketing and IT. The huge range of opportunities in this sector makes it an attractive option for graduates looking for a fulfilling career. You will have plenty of chance to take on responsibility and show what you can do. This can lead to good promotional opportunities, often at a very early stage. To be a success in this industry, you’ll be a person who loves variety and enjoys high energy tasks in a flexible working environment. You’ll love working with people and in teams. You’ll enjoy organising, problem-solving and taking the initiative. Marketing and promoting a product or service will excite you, as will being creative and innovative.
Human resources, recruitment and training Human resources, recruitment and training are key functions in modern businesses, so graduates working in these areas could find jobs in most sectors of the economy. 'Human resource management' describes the function that manages a company’s employees or human resources. It has evolved from what traditionally was an administrative department to one that is strategic in nature and has the ability to make a positive impact on both the organisation and on individual employees. Human resource professionals are involved with recruitment, training, career development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, industrial relations, employment law, compliance, disciplinary and grievance issues, redundancies etc. Page 7 - Career Sectors/Sector Descriptions
IT and telecoms With many multinational IT companies now basing their European headquarters in Ireland, there are many opportunities for graduates in this sector and these are not limited to those with computing and IT degrees. IT graduates can find jobs in a variety of different specialist areas including -
design and programming Testing Support Training sales project management
Large IT recruiters include the -
financial services Manufacturing public sectors
You can also find IT jobs in -
retail banks consulting firms manufacturing firms telecommunications industry
IT graduates can also find roles in smaller specialist software development houses and consultancies. As almost every organisation uses IT and therefore needs support staff, so you could potentially find an entry-level IT job anywhere.
Career success in IT is not just about technical skills: when applying for jobs in IT, you will also need to demonstrate that you have -
Communication team work problem solving project management skills
There are good long-term prospects for those who know how to use technology as a tool to support and develop business and this can be a way of moving into management.
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Languages and culture Graduates with language skills are in a strong position in the current labour market, as this is one of the areas where skills shortages are reported. In particular, a second European language is said to significantly increase your long-term job opportunities. Languages in combination with another skill, such as logistics or marketing/sales, will make you particularly employable. With an increasingly global marketplace, small and medium sized organisations communicate with clients internationally so a competence in a second language is an asset in a number of fields. Many language graduates take up administrative roles in large international companies in the form of personal assistant or senior secretary to corporate management. Other sectors where language skills are an advantage include tourism, conference or exhibition management, sales, marketing, and customer relations/customer support. Graduates with languages and IT skills may get work in *software localisation. Other careers using languages include translating, interpreting and teaching. Teaching English as a foreign language is increasingly popular, providing opportunities to travel. There are many TEFL companies targeting young Irish graduates as they have a proven willingness to travel and teach abroad. Jobs in the culture sector include working in museums and art galleries, for example as curators or education officers, or in the public sector in roles such as arts development officer. In some of these careers, it is an advantage to be fluent in the Irish language. * Software localisation refers to the whole area of adapting computer software to suit the needs of a particular country, language and culture. The bulk of development is occurring in the western world, however it must continue to match the needs of all customers. Over 100 million people access the internet in a language other than English. Localisation is the process of adapting products and services to the needs of global users – it enables non-English-speaking users around the world to benefit from technology. Language translation is only a small part of localisation – it also involves modifying products to consider cultural and political sensitivities, colours and sounds, date, time, currency formats and social factors to enable users to interact more effectively with the products. The entire process of localisation involves the expertise of a multidisciplinary team. Jobs include software localisation engineer, software localisation specialist, localisation programme manager, language co-ordinator, translator, language automation specialist, programme manager and quality assurance. The software localisation specialist translates software from English to native languages and adapts software to reflect cultural sensitivities. Large multinational companies employ their own localisation team permanently. Many other organisations employ the services of specialist software localisation companies, where their services can be used on contract when they are needed. Page 9 - Career Sectors/Sector Descriptions
Language experts within a localisation team need to have specialist knowledge and be able to handle complex terminology. Translators need to be highly experienced and knowledgeable in specialist subjects and IT languages, and able to work effectively as part of a technical team. Language staff can be required to translate all types of software, computer programs, technical manuals and documents for customer support. Core activities include translation from English to a target language, liaising with localisation team members and using computer-assisted translation technologies (CAT).
Law, legal services and patents The law is an attractive career field for graduates, but can be competitive. Law degrees and follow-on professional qualification routes require high academic standards in order to secure a place. But for those interested in pursuing a career in the law, there are good rewards if you enjoy challenges and are prepared to work hard. The legal profession is divided into two professional practice areas: solicitor and barrister. There are also opportunities for law graduates who do not wish to practise, as a law degree is well regarded by non-legal employers.
Library and information services Working in library and information services can be an interesting career choice for the right graduate. These jobs usually provide a lot of variety and interaction with people, coupled with an opportunity to develop knowledge in one or more specialist areas. This area of study at postgraduate level also offers the opportunity to specialise after completing a broad undergraduate degree such as arts. The library and information services sector focuses on acquiring, organising and disseminating information resources to meet the needs of customers. With everincreasing volumes of information available and increasing access to information on the web, the management and organisation of this information has become a very specialist role. Jobs exist primarily in three categories -
academic libraries, such as in a university; public libraries; big organisations with large-scale information management needs such as law firms.
Employment within this area is steady and the majority of vacancies at graduate level are in the public sector. There is a clear career path for graduates to follow, with initial roles being quite generalist and increasing in specialisation as careers progress. A thirdlevel qualification is a prerequisite for both entry and future promotion. First and foremost this career suits a particular personality someone who is very detail oriented and persistent at working on a given project. It is crucial to be self-motivated, resourceful and enthusiastic, with an ability to prioritise Page 10 - Career Sectors/Sector Descriptions
and to structure information. It would also suit someone who likes interacting with people, including co-workers and clients.
Logistics and transport Logistics and transport are two related areas which both offer good career opportunities for graduates. Logistics describes the management of activities associated with the planning and movement of materials, parts and finished goods across companies, together with the information flow that accompanies it. Graduate programmes for logistics jobs are available both in-house and through specialist logistics service providers. Promotion to the role of Logistics Manager is a clear progression route. Transport Managers are concerned with the movement of people or freight and the different transport methods. Employers can include organisations in the
logistics and distribution sectors Manufacturers retail and FMCG chains contract fleets passenger transport companies freight transport companies consultancies and courier services
These careers would suit graduates who can demonstrate initiative, flexibility and selfmotivation. Attention to detail and excellent organisational, problem solving and planning skills are also required.
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Management consulting Management consulting is a popular career for graduates, with the potential to earn salaries way above the graduate average. Entry is highly competitive. Management consultants analyse and evaluate a client’s organisation and propose ways to improve its structure, efficiency or profitability. The range and type of work that management consultants undertake varies with each project: some large consultancy firms operate in all sectors, while other firms (often smaller in size) specialise in a niche area such as IT or HR. Careers in consultancy are open to graduates from any degree discipline. The common theme is that graduates who enter this area have always performed very well academically on their course. Working in management consulting is a very sought after career option and many graduates consider it as something that would interest them. However, it doesn’t suit everyone. Working hours tend to be very long and intense; employees often have to sacrifice their personal lives for their careers. Similarly, because of the project-based nature of the work, you don’t necessarily get to see the long-term impact of your contribution to a client company and this does not suit everyone. For the right person, though, this is a career with many benefits: the opportunity to work on leading-edge projects; high starting salaries; international assignments; and exposure to a broad range of industry sectors and functions.
Management, business and administration Management, business and administration is arguably the most wide-ranging of all possible graduate careers, with many functions across almost all industries and services. And while it is a natural career option for many economics and business students, it is also open to graduates of any discipline. General managers and administrators are required in every organisation in every sector whether commercial or not-for-profit. While graduates of business degrees are naturally drawn to these careers, most are open to graduates of any discipline. Throughout economic peaks and troughs the demand for skilled managers and administrators never wanes. General management will appeal to you if you like to lead and motivate others to achieve a common goal and if you want autonomy and responsibility in your work. A graduate administrative post will appeal to you if you like working with information, creating organisational systems and enjoy routine and structure. Senior management is sometimes referred to as administration. You may choose to work as a generalist or specialise in a chosen area. Page 12 - Career Sectors/Sector Descriptions
If you are ambitious and driven then an opportunity to start or run your own business may appeal. There are many opportunities worldwide to take on and grow a franchise of an existing business, and, for the very adventurous, lots of organisations to support you if you’ve decided to start a business from scratch.
Manufacturing and processing Graduates looking for careers in manufacturing and processing can find a variety of jobs including quality, finance, production, human resources, research and design. Increasingly, the manufacturing and processing sector in Ireland focuses on research and development, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, hi-tech electronics and bio-medical. This means that graduates entering this sector must be well qualified and highly skilled as that is the nature of the roles available. The fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is also a major employer of graduates and is a good option for those looking for a general management careers. Many of the major employers in this sector run graduate training schemes. The manufacturing and processing sector includes any or all of the stages involved in transforming a raw material into the desired end product. Key manufacturing industries include -
food and drink automotive Pharmaceuticals hi-technology/electronics chemicals and plastics
Technology is one of the key factors within this industry and this sector is extremely focused on minimising costs. Working in this sector can be very interesting: there is ongoing development and change as there is always a requirement to optimise manufacturing performance and output. Roles tend to be quite 'hands on' and dynamic and the problem-solving nature can bring a lot of job satisfaction. There are a lot of multi-national firms in this sector and working conditions are usually very good. Also, because these firms are large there are usually a range of directions your career can take you after joining. This sector is particularly suited to people who have a technical qualification coupled with a longer term interest in management. The majority of entry roles are technical in nature, for example research or production, but as careers progress the emphasis often moves onto an ability to manage people and projects. Jobs tend to be flexible and can be quite 'hands on', thus suiting people with a pragmatic, practical ability. Page 13 - Career Sectors/Sector Descriptions
Marketing, advertising and PR Marketing, advertising and PR are all popular career choices for graduates who can bring together creative and commercial talents. Jobs are open to graduates of any degree, though a qualification in marketing, business or communications will give you a distinct advantage. Work is available inhouse with large or small companies, or with agencies providing services to a number of external clients. These three sectors are closely related, as all are involved in some way with promoting the goods and services of an organisation or managing its reputation and public image. Although, advertising, marketing and PR are distinct sectors, many of the skills are transferable, allowing professionals to move from one sector to another.
Media and publishing Working in the media and publishing is a popular career choice for graduates, but one of the hardest to get into. However, there are many related jobs which might suit those with particular interests and skills. In Ireland, the worlds of marketing, market research, advertising, public relations and some brands of journalism are closely inter-linked and practitioners can move between them in order to develop their careers. Salaries can be good for those who want to advance further, but the work can be demanding in terms of personal lifestyles and energy levels generally. Hours are long and irregular, often involving tight deadlines, so flexibility is essential. This sector encompasses many job specifications within journalism, print media, film, television and radio among others. Although advantageous, a degree isn’t always necessary and competition for places is fierce. Work is often on a freelance or short-term basis. Career paths in print and web journalism and editing vary in how structured they are. Writers can be staff or freelance and in magazine publishing graduates starting out could be assistant editors or trainees. Don’t forget about other roles in this sector such as design and sales.
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Medical and healthcare The medical and healthcare sector focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of illness. This sector is extremely large, with a huge variety of clinical, administrative and commercial jobs in both public and private industry. The sector has been the subject of a lot of change and review in recent years as attempts are made to increase quality and efficiency. The job opportunities can be divided into several broad categories -
Clinical roles: this includes jobs such as dentistry, medicine, nursing and radiology focus on diagnosing and treating patients. Researching existing conditions and developing new treatments is also a very large clinical field.
Administrative or technical roles: Organisations in this sector tend to be very large and there are a huge amount of back-up/support services related to running them. Job opportunities include human resources, information technology, waste management, finance and purchasing.
Commercial roles: There are numerous roles within sales, marketing and development of health-related products. The medical devices and pharmaceutical sector is very big in Ireland.
This sector is regarded as fast paced, interesting and dynamic and it can also be very well paid. The people working in this sector are dealing with people’s lives and this adds a huge sense of importance to the role. Usually there is good career progression and many opportunities to specialise, particularly in the clinical arena. There is also the opportunity to work internationally. If you're considering this career sector you should be able to demonstrate high levels of commitment, hard work and attention to detail. It is vital to appreciate the nature of the continuous learning throughout your career. It is a very people-oriented sector so communication skills and compassion are also requirements.
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Performing and creative arts The performing and creative arts sector is notoriously competitive, but has a huge amount to offer for those with the talent and drive to succeed. Performing arts is a collective term for music, drama and dance while creative arts describes professions such as craft making, fashion and textile design, photography and painting. Creative arts covers a wide range of careers in art and design-related areas, including many, such as multimedia, that cross over with IT. Traditionally, the term ‘creative industries’ meant sectors such as advertising, design, music and film. Increasingly it includes new types of work, bringing these sectors together with technological innovation and new communication platforms. This means you could be working in areas such as computer games incorporating original music and film content or websites that incorporate TV, animation and music.
Property If you thrive on variety and like meeting people, working in the property sector could be a good choice for you – and you don’t necessarily need a degree in property. There is a range of roles and areas in which you can specialise. The opportunities for advancement can be good, as is evidenced by the young profile of senior management in many Irish property companies. Working hours can be demanding but if you don’t like being chained to a desk, this is one career where getting out and about is a requirement of the job. Travel opportunities are increasingly available as many companies are now part of a worldwide network. Some of the larger companies are affiliated with companies around the globe with thousands of employees. Choosing a firm with offices in several locations will give you the opportunity to spread your wings internationally or to choose from city life or a more rural lifestyle. The property sector is not all about work: it is a highly sociable environment so there are plenty of opportunities for enjoying yourself, meeting friends and networking.
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Public sector and civil service The aim of the public and civil service is to implement government policy and to provide services to the public, which means that it covers a great range of jobs in a variety of departments and agencies, from general to specialist professional roles. Career options include accountancy, HR, customer services, and policy and strategy formulation across a spectrum of economic, financial, international, environmental and social issues. Employers include government departments and agencies, local authorities, health boards and educational institutions within the Republic and Northern Ireland. This may also be a good career choice for those who wish to travel. There are openings in embassies and consulates throughout the world and many civil servants also have the opportunity to travel to the European Parliament in Brussels. While cuts in public sector spending have meant fewer public sector jobs in both the Republic and Northern Ireland, there are still vacancies available in some public sector organisations. The European Commission continues to recruit.
europa.eu
Retail, sales and customer services Retailing takes place via a wide range of outlets, including food stores (such as supermarkets and convenience stores), non-food stores (such as department stores) and non-store retailing (such as mail order and e-commerce). There is also a huge range of careers available to graduates, from specialised roles such as buying and merchandising to general store management as well as business support functions like HR and finance. Graduate training programmes and fast-track management training programmes can be a good way for ambitious graduates to progress rapidly. Many will offer you a taste of different roles before you decide which is the best career path. Retail is a career which needs a strong customer service ethic, entrepreneurial ability and problem-solving talent. You’ll also need good communication, organisation and planning skills. If you’ve got what it takes you can expect to be given early responsibility and to be well rewarded.
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Science, research and development As a science graduate, your training will hold you in good stead whatever your choice of work. The pharmaceutical industry has been a big employer in recent years and is dominated by global multinational companies. Many of the world’s top medical device companies also have bases in Ireland and the biotechnology sector is set to grow. The public sector also recruits a substantial number of scientists and this is a particularly important source of jobs in Northern Ireland. Processing and production is a significant area of employment for science graduates in Ireland, as there are opportunities in a wide range of industries. Graduate schemes are often available, particularly with the large multinationals working in areas such as pharmaceuticals or medical devices. Research and development (R&D) opportunities are open to virtually all science graduates and available in both academic and industrial fields. There is also an ever-increasing degree of collaboration between industry and academia, as the government has recognised the importance of R&D to the future economic growth of Ireland. There are rich opportunities to travel because many international companies site their R&D plants outside Ireland. With environmental concerns becoming high on the political agenda, there are widening opportunities for science graduates to look at issues such as climate change, and renewable energy. There are also broader opportunities that use scientific skills, such as work in the patents office, in technical writing and scientific publishing, in technical sales and marketing, and in teaching.
Social, community and youth Graduates looking for a job where they can really contribute to improving people’s lives or helping to combat inequality and injustice may find a fulfilling career in social care or community and youth work. There is a good amount of variety within these roles and they are usually not exclusively office based. This career sector would be particularly suited to people who have a strong sense of service or dedication to a cause and are genuinely interested in helping others. Some people have a strong desire to work in this sector because they want 'to give something back', to feel as if their work is meaningful. But you will also need the key skills to contribute on a practical basis, especially very good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and negotiate. You will also find that high energy, good project management and good administrative skills are all very beneficial. What's involved - The social care sector provides personal care and support services to individuals, families and communities regarding difficulties they may be experiencing – physical, mental or environmental. Examples include working with Page 18 - Career Sectors/Sector Descriptions
people with mental or physical disability, addictions, fostering, adoption and young offenders. Working in the community and youth sector involves working with communities of people disadvantaged by race, economic circumstances or geography. Work focuses on identifying inequalities and empowering the people to overcome the issues they are faced with. These sectors overlap quite a lot and often the same type of person would be interested in working in any of these sectors. The opportunities for graduates are far more clear-cut in the social work/social care sector. These are typically state funded jobs, with quite clear career progression. A degree in social science or a similar area is required and even with such a qualification, people working in this sector must gain a national social work qualification (NQSW) . See www.coru.ie for the Republic and www.niscc.info regarding Northern Ireland. Within the community/youth sector there are as many unpaid as paid roles available and people interested in working in both this sector and social care often gain valuable, relevant work experience on an unpaid basis early in their career.
Teaching and education A career in teaching is a popular choice for graduates, and there are many roles to choose from. Most people associate education careers with teaching at schools or in universities, but there are also jobs working with pre-school children as well as adults of any age, and there are many specialist roles and areas of expertise. As well as primary, post-primary and third-level teaching, you could work in other areas such as special needs or learning support, adult education, educational psychology, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and careers guidance. A career in education is worth considering if you enjoy communicating and have a genuine interest in helping people to develop their potential at a range of different levels. Other important qualities include creativity, organisational skills, flexibility, the ability to work in a team and depending on the area in which you work, an enthusiasm for and in-depth knowledge of a specific subject. If you are passionate about a particular subject, teaching could be an excellent choice for you. Entry requirements vary according to the specific area of education and country in which you want to work, but most roles require some kind of specialist training. The majority of teachers in schools need a recognised basic teaching qualification, which can be taken at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
We are sure you will find these sector descriptions helpful as you research your future career options from your chosen degree subjects. Page 19 - Career Sectors/Sector Descriptions
Contact Details Careers Centre Main Building (immediate left) Waterford Institute of Technology Cork Road Waterford Telephone Fax Email Website -
051 302038 051 302736 careers@wit.ie www.wit.ie/careeerscentre
Reference Details Careers Information Library Top Floor Luke Wadding Library Waterford Institute of Technology Cork Road Waterford
The details in this booklet can also be viewed online at www.wit.ie/CareersCentre/CareersInformationLibrary/Booklet-Occupations/ Page 20 - Career Sectors/Sector Descriptions - MVP 2012/02