As part of their activities for National Careers Week 2017, LCVP students and their teachers, LCVP Coordinator Mr. Flynn and Guidance Counsellor Ms Morgan, attended the first ever Student Life Summit in Croke Park. Students were given the opportunities to explore interesting and diverse career sectors, along with listening to inspirational guest speakers.
The first speaker of the day was Dr. Aoife Lyons – Director, Alltech and a Clinical Psychologist. Her father, Dr. Pearse Lyons, is a past pupil of St. Mary’s College, and awards a Science bursary every year at our annual prizegiving ceremony. Students described Dr. Aoife Lyons’ advice as inspirational, highlighting two important qualities as the key to success – warmth of personality and competence.
Dr. Rhona Mahony – Master, National Maternity Hospital, emphasized how rewarding her job is, delivering babies to the world, putting smiles on peoples faces. She encouraged students to consider midwifery, although the work does not follow a schedule as babies are unpredictable and follow their own schedule!
Paula Neary – Partner in Accenture, described her work, which involves computer science and problem solving. Accenture develops new technology needed by companies. Students experienced virtual reality at the interactive Accenture stand.
Brigadier General Peter O’Halloran from the Defence Forces highlighted the varied careers within the Forces. Representatives of each area were there on the day – the Cadets, the Air Force and the Navy . Aer Lingus, sponsors of the event showcased all the diverse career options available within the Aviation industry, from becoming a pilot or cabin crew member to engineering, marketing, social media, accountancy and catering.
David Ward – Head of Training, Lufthansa Technik Shannon, asked the students to imagine working in an aircraft hangar or the cockpit of a plane everyday. He went into great depth in his presentation showing the pathways into aeronautical maintenance engineering. PwC – enlightened students about their various programmes and career opportunities available to them in the areas of Assurance, tax, and consultancy. Brian MacCraith – President of DCU, gave an insight into the variety of courses available in the college. Leading Gaming company Riot Games, showed how to turn a hobby of gaming into a lifelong career of video game development.
At the end of the day students had plenty of careers to consider and much encouragement to follow their dreams, focus on goals for the future, as well as some Thomas Edison quotes shared with them throughout the day: ‘There is no substitute for hard work ‘ and ‘ Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration’. Inspiration for 2017!
Thanks to Megan Hearty and Jenna Farrell (LCVP Students) for their contributions to this article.
