Editor of Inhouse Magazine

How I found this job:
A friend forwarded me an email about this job.

Training provision in this company:
Has not been great - its more learn as you go along. But have learned a lot as I am responsible for the whole magazine so deal with a lot of different things.

Career development / progression in this company:
Joined as an Editor in Jan 04 so no progression from this.

Most important skills and knowledge I use in my job:
Editing and all related skills. Writing. Networking in Deaf community.

Most interesting part of my work:
Writing. Meeting people.

Most challenging part of my work:
Magazine has a very tight budget so we rely on voluntary contributions rather than paid reporters. So finding people to write is a challenge. Also, dealing with all aspects of magazine on my own.

Advice for current TCD students entering the employment market:
I got my job through contacts - a friend who heard about the job and knew I'd be interested. Before I was working in non-journalism areas but the experience I gained in these jobs definitely led to this one - so my advice is to take what you can as it's easier to get your dream job if you are already working.

Policies Manager

Amy Mulcahy

How I found this job:
While I was volunteering in Nepal I met the Country Director of The Umbrella Foundation, he explained the projects of Umbrella. We discussed the future of Umbrella and I had some suggestions based on my previous experiences volunteering in India. I began to volunteer in Umbrella and after a few months I was offered a permanent position on the management team.

Most important skills and knowledge I use in my job:
I manage a lot of the internal structures such as child sponsorship and the volunteer programme and also manage the in-house policies such as child protection. I write our grant proposals.

I have to be very organised, systematic and logical. I must preform self audits on the organisation so I must objectively detach from all projects, observe the overall progress and ensure that we are working within our mission, our targets are being met and that we are not loosing sight of the overall goal.

I think forward planning is the skill that I call on most often. When working in development or with a charity there are many projects that grab your attention and seem very attractive today, but it is my job to evaluate what the impact of these projects will have on Umbrella in 2, 5 or 10 years time. I asses whether we have clear objectives, clearly defined markers and targets, an achievable plan of action and the necessary resources, be it people or money. I have to be practical.

Most interesting part of my work:
The most interesting part of my work is working within a different culture, listening to what the people we are seeking to help want, where they want help, what support they need and coming up with solutions to problems together.

It is easy to come in with Western ideals and assume that they are also the ideals of the people you are looking to help but its not always the case.

Often the biggest impact of our organisation's work is not the impact of the project itself but often the perception amongst the beneficiaries of our decision to take on the project. For example if we decide to focus on education and send volunteers to teach in the schools it is not the impact of the volunteers classes that are important, its the perception of the community, the fact that we chose to give education such attention gives the role of education in the community a new authority. Another example would be our work with women's groups in rural communities by asking the women's opinions, taking their advice, listening the their problems we give them an elevated status in the community and give them self-confidence in their own convictions.

I often have to tell the volunteers who come here to work in our children's homes that the biggest impact they'll make is intangible it is the subtle changes, the bonds formed, the attention given and the friendships forged that will be their legacy as a volunteer here.

Most challenging part of my work:
The responsibility! The Umbrella Foundation cares for 325 conflict displaced children in Kathmandu. If we fail there are 325 children who are in a lot of trouble. It is not like working for a faceless corporation where you are working to make profits, to earn more dividends for the shareholders, our stake holders are the children, our profit is their future.

This responsibility can be overwhelming at times but it is also compelling, it doesn't let you fail. My office is situated on the grounds of one our homes for small boys. When I am having a bad day I can just look out the window, see so many smiling faces and though it might sound trite, it keeps me going, it not only encourages you that what you are doing so far is working, it also reminds you why you can't stop now.

Advice for current TCD students entering the employment market:
I would advise you to volunteer and to travel. This field of work sounds attractive and noble but it is extremely taxing and demanding and is not for everyone. See the world, work in different cultures, leave your comfort zone and ask yourself honestly if you could commit to this lifestyle long term.

Even if you don't necessarily want a career in this sector I think volunteering will teach you so much about yourself and broaden your views on the world around you.