Co-ordinator

How I found this job: While working in a voluntary basis with my own voluntary organisation "Voice of Congo" which is a member of Refugee Voice Wales.

Training provision in this company: In partnership with other organisations we provide different training which meet the needs of our members (refugees and asylum seekers).

Most important skills and knowledge I use in my job: Languages, negotiation, communications, IT, leadership and team working skills.

Most interesting part of my work: Empowering refugees and asylum seekers to rebuild their lives. Lobby, campaign and advocacy work. Training.

Most challenging part of my work: To make sure that the voice of refugees and asylum seekers has been heard. Challenging negative attitude toward refugees and asylum seekers.

Advice for current TCD students entering the employment market: Movitation and willingness to learn other skills than to stick with one. Voluntary work helps to gain references, learn new skills, meet people with different background, work experience etc.

August 2008

Update: September 2010

Supported Employment Specialist

How I found this job: By myself. It was advertised and have applied and went for the interview.

Influencing factors in accepting this job were: I am interested in human rights, so it was an opportunity for me to support people with disabilities, to campaign, lobby and raise awareness for them as I was doing for refugees and asylum seekers and migrants

What my role involves: I am a Job coach

Most important skills and knowledge I use in my job: Listening, team working, communication skills. As a human rights activist I know what tools are needed to make the voice of people with disability to be heard

Most interesting and challenging part of my work: Meeting different employers and service users to find job in this time of recession is very difficult

Advice for current TCD students entering the employment market: Meeting other students who have experience in the field, volunteering and doing work experience to gain and learn more than one skill.

Any other relevant information: Attending meetings, conferences, seminars and other functions to have knowledge. I am also chairperson of the Congolese Anti-Poverty Network, Committee Mission with St John of God, board member of Dunlaoghaire integration forum. The Congolese Anti-Poverty Network is a member of European Anti-Poverty Network, and New Community Partnership, United Against Racism, etc...

Executive Assistant to the General Counsel

Lori Aine Bennett

MPhil Anglo-Irish Literature, 2007

The Metropolitan Opera, New York

How I found this job: I learned of this job through an alumni career interest email list from my undergraduate institution.

Influencing factors in accepting this job were: I have a wide variety of interests, including the arts/music and the law. This position allows me to have both in my daily role. In addition, I was drawn to the international renown of the Met Opera, as well as the people who work here, who are all lovely, interesting individuals.

What my role involves: I do everything from answer phones to draft contracts. Basically, I am here to make our General Counsel's life easier. I also attend law school at night, so this "on the job" training has been invaluable to me.

Most important skills and knowledge I use in my job: Legal writing and research skills, organization and efficiency, people management.

Most interesting and challenging part of my work:
All of the legal knowledge I am absorbing has made this job interesting and allowed me to grow as a law student.

Advice for current TCD students entering the employment market: Don't get discouraged. Finding a job will take time, but it is far better to have patience and wait for the right opportunity than to jump at the first thing that comes your way. You will also learn a ton by going through the job search process, and this will help you in making that all-important decision.

August 2010