• Tom was Managing Director of Canada Life in Ireland, an organisation with over 600 employees, from 2001 to 2009. During this time he managed or served on the boards of international group companies in Ireland, Germany, the UK and Bermuda
• Aged 52, he is now a professional director and actuary with broad experience serving on the boards of insurance, asset management and reinsurance companies
• He has gained a thorough understanding of excellent governance and risk management policy, with detailed knowledge of the Irish (and the respected Canadian) regulatory processes

What were the main “career decision” milestones in your life so far?

Choosing to do a maths degree was, for me, natural as it was the thing I was most interested in. But it has turned out great. At age 22, I was a maths lecturer in Trinity College, giving lectures to IT night degree students. Later I became an actuary, and have had a very fulfilling career.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Now in my early 50’s I have chosen to work about 50% of the time and love both this 50% and the other free 50% to follow a variety of interests and follow any interesting lead.

Describe a typical day

Days are of two types – either (a) preparing for or taking part in board meetings where I try to help a company find and deliver its strategic goals or (b) a mix of reading, travel, coffee and sport.

What is your education to date?

General Manager Program, Harvard Business School  B Sc / M Sc Mathematical Science, UCD, Qualified Financial Advisor, Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries UK; Society of Actuaries in Ireland.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

There’s been lots of rewarding events. Becoming managing director of a large company was a milestone… But many of the best bits go unnoticed by others – seeing people you work with grow and develop brings great satisfaction; making significant choices at life’s crossroads is exciting; getting 990 in my GRE specialist maths exam was quietly pleasing. I’m interested now in improving the standard of maths and the enjoyment of maths among young people (and this is one of my reasons for being a Maths Ambassador). I’m also interested in the call to improve maths standards in Ireland for the benefit of our economy.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

An interest in a wide variety of areas means there’s never a dull moment.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

For those good at maths the great news is it’s really, really interesting and people everywhere (including employers) value it. For those who struggle a bit, persevere, and find a good teacher/storyteller.

Teresa Martin, marine biologist and researcher

What were the main “career decision” milestones in your life so far?

My only natural ability is to swim – which has now transpired into any sports related to water, i.e. surfing, scuba diving, sailing, etc. I belong to the Galway Sub-Aqua Club where I have achieved the status of Club Diver over the past few years. While abroad in Florida earlier this year I became a PADI Dive Master.

Having these scuba skills has furthered my employment aspects for freshwater and marine biology. I have already been able to use these skills and certifications to teach others about the underwater world and why it is important to protect it for generations to come.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Yes it does. One does not go into freshwater and marine biology for the money but for the passion of giving back and protecting nature. As part of my job, I get paid to do underwater research whether it be specimen collections or underwater photography and what better reason to do my favorite sport – scuba diving!

However, this field does require long durations at sea in which you may only get a week’s notice. But, the sea is what I love and the bigger the waves the happier I am (but then again I might be a bit mad in the head there too…)

How did you go about getting your current job?

I went to Scotland for the training in Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) after my 2nd year in GMIT. This training and experience with the Irish Whale and Dolphin group helped me achieve an internship position at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, USA for a seven-month period. This opportunity was accepted as the mandatory work placement module for 3rd year at GMIT.

While at Mote I worked with the Manatee, Sea Turtle and Dolphin Research Departments, the Animal Care Hospital, Strandings Response Team, Public Education, and Summer Scuba Camp Programs. Upon returning to Ireland I took a part-time position as an aquarist at the Galway Atlantaquaria in Salthill, where I had previously worked as a volunteer last winter.

Describe a typical day

As an MMO most of your time is spent looking through a pair of binoculars or spotting scope either at sea or on headlines around the coast. These tasks are undertaken for various organizations mostly on a monthly basis and are usually assigned with limited notice, i.e. 24-72hrs. Passive Acoustic Monitoring is a more defined skill where a great deal of experience is needed for employment and I am still learning every day.

As a marine biology researcher most of your time is spent in front of a computer however, at least once a week field work is performed either by boat or land. This is when your skills are really tested, photo-identification is performed, and genetic samples are taken. These field days are quite long and exhausting but make the whole career worth it.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

As an MMO, my main duties are conducting at sea observations of marine mammals encountered within a 200m radius of the ship. This requires correct identification via binoculars or spotting scope, time, distance, type of behaviour, and numbers when possible.

As a manatee biologist I conduct aerial, land and boat based observations using photo-identification and genetic sampling methods. At the aquarium I assist other aquarists in the daily tasks of temperature and water pump checks, feeding tours, birthday parties, cleaning, quarantine and maintenance of all tanks throughout the day.

What are the main challenges?

Science is an ever-changing field with regard to new methods, techniques, and technology – therefore, it requires scientists to be on their toes and up to speed with the most current issues. On the other hand, you could be working on a technique that has never been performed before in your area or even country and that can be a challenge as it requires further research and assistance from others in that field.

What’s cool?

I get to paid to scuba dive, be at sea taking pictures of manatees, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and I get to tag sharks. When on shore I get to provide tours to people of all ages around the aquarium and show them what is living just on the other side of the prom in Salthill. 

What’s not so cool?

At sea living quarters are minimal – i.e. you share a small room of bunk beds with many other scientists or crew members. In rough seas it is even necessary to seat belt yourself into the bed so that you don’t fall out. In these situations someone is likely to get sick and then you have to concentrate on not doing the same. 

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

At the Atlantaquaria – I bring my marine mammal and scuba skills which are used for public presentations and cleaning the larger tanks. Most importantly I love going to work as it’s what I am most interested in and you never know what new question or experience the public will have that day when you are giving them a brief insight to the underwater world.

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

In secondary school I took as many science classes as possible – including biology, cell biology, physics, chemistry, organic chemistry, genetics, etc. I am not the best at physics or chemistry but knew it would be needed as core subjects for choosing a career in the sciences. All of these subjects plus maths gave be a great background for college where some of the core science subjects were repeated in 1st year.

What is your education to date?

Rocky Mountain High School in Colorado, USA; Honours Degree in Freshwater and Marine Biology at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland. Marine Mammal Observer, Passive Acoustic Monitoring, PAMGUARD (acoustic software program) and Protected Species Observer for the Gulf of Mexico  all completed in Scotland. Personal Safety Sea Survival course and Power Boating Licence 1 and 2 through BowWaves.

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

The external certification courses completed in Scotland have given me a competitive edge over other graduates in finding sub-contract work off-shore here in Ireland.

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

I plan on completing the BOSIET course in Aberdeen, Scotland within the next year – this course along with the ENG11 medical certification will entitle me to work 200m+ offshore from any country.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Working at Atlantaquaria in Galway, obtaining a work placement at Mote Marine Laboratory, and obtaining the status of Beach Patrol Officer for the Sea Turtle Research Department at Mote during Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtle Nesting Season 2011.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

I have always been outgoing, a bit fearless, and a leader. I am told that I am an honest and hard-working individual within the work place and that I will complete any task given to me even after-hours. It’s taken me a while to know what are I wanted to work in but now that I have found it, I will let nothing stand in the way of my dreams.

What is your dream job?

I would like to work at sea for 2-3 years either on a fishing or research vessel. I would love to go on an Antarctic Expedition and work with the Great White Sharks in South Africa. Overall, if I can make some money doing what I love then that’s all that matters.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

You need to have a deep appreciation and love for water. If you don’t like getting or being wet – this job is not for you! You also need a tough stomach as this job entails a lot of dissections and necropsies.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Any lifeguard, boating, fishing, or volunteer position working with people of any age would be beneficial. As a biologist you need to be able to get on with people, follow directions, and take criticism. Most aquariums and marine stations take work experience candidates who are still in secondary school and applying for these would provide the best ‘taster” for a freshwater or marine biology job.

Niamh Shaw - science communicator and performer

What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far?

Making the decision to leave full-time academic research in 2003 to pursue a career in the arts was a huge decision and a very difficult time in my life. Throughout my college years I threatened to do it, but it took me many years and a lot of courage to finally do it.

Then, once I was established in the arts as a performer around 2008, I needed to find a way of adding science back into my career in some way. So I began again by meeting a career coach and we worked out a plan to become a science communicator and performer.

Who were the biggest influences on your career direction?

My science teacher in secondary school, Mrs Greer ignited my passion for science and showed me that I was a naturally curious person and a good scientist. She supervised my Young Scientist project, which also made me very proud that I enjoyed science.

My parents helped me a lot in making my big decision to leave full-time academic research.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Very much so. It had always been a big priority of mine to have a career which was as much about the way I lived as the actual job itself. Being freelance as a science communicator/performer, I have the perfect balance of job satisfaction and creative freedom.

How did you go about getting your current job?

I had to sit down and figure out how I could combine all the things that I like doing and am skilled at. I couldn’t figure it out on my own so I spent some time with a career coach and we broke my ideal career into small achievable short-terms goals to get me to my long-term goal.

It took me nearly two years to become a regularly paid freelance science contributor for a variety of radio channels while maintaining my career in performance.

Describe a typical day

I spend a lot of time reading science/technology journals and checking out websites, TV programmes and podcasts to keep up to date on latest research and trends. I then try to find one big topic from all this information and pitch maybe two or three of these topic ideas to the radio producer.

They then get back to me with what they like and we schedule a date for recording the piece. It’s normally recorded live so I need to be on top of all the content of the piece.

Sometimes you might get a call to have something completely new prepared to go on air the next day, so there is very little research time and it could be a late night getting everything together for such a quick turnaround.

I also try to keep my performance career going which could involve some contract work in voice over for eLearning websites, role-play work for company training or live entertainment performance. Again, this can sometimes be very last minute and you have to get on top of scripts in a very short time.

Travel is common and early mornings and late nights are an accepted part of the business. You need to stay in shape and keep healthy – I exercise every day, either in the gym or at home. You need to eat and sleep well to keep your voice in peak condition as much as your body and to keep illness at bay.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

I am determined to make science accessible and available to everyone so I feel that this is my main career goal. My main responsibility is keeping on top of what’s happening in science and writing about it, or presenting it in a more accessible, popular science format.  I do a lot of writing, creating, meetings, planning and producing everyday. Juggling a lot of different balls all at the same time.

What are the main challenges?

Your time very often doesn’t feel your own. You set your own schedule but since it is not a 9-5 career, it’s very common to keep working late into the night to meet deadlines etc. I use To-Do list a lot because it’s often difficult to keep on top of the different duties I need to fulfil within the day.

What’s cool?

I get to work in many varied work environments and meet some very interesting people. I laugh a lot and am very much in control of what I do everyday.

What’s not so cool?

Financially, there is no job security, no pension, no sick leave, no holidays. Whatever I earn is down to me. That can sometimes be difficult, particularly in the current economic climate.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

I have always been a good communicator and this is an essential skill for everything that I do. I think having a good sense of humour helps a lot too and not taking yourself too seriously.

My combined backgrounds in science and engineering and in performance are also a huge asset in what I do, as I’m very comfortable communicating quite technical information in a fun and accessible way.

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

I think in hindsight there was probably no specific course available for me to encompass the varied needs that I had for my career. I think that I would always have needed to have taken two separate and different courses, which is effectively what I did.

However, it would have been nice to have made the decision earlier and just strategized a bit more wisely. Having said that, I enjoyed all my learning so maybe it was a blessing in disguise.

For those interested in pursuing a career in science communication/science journalism, there is now a course in DCU available for all graduates of science/engineering/technology courses.

What is your education to date?

I did seven subjects in the Leaving Cert – English, Irish, maths, physics, chemistry, French and German – then did a degree in Engineering (bioengineering) at UCD. I continued my studies, completing a research masters in the same department. I got very involved in performance around this time and took many courses in acting.

A few years later I began a PhD in Food Science in UCD and after that I took a post-doc position in the Department of Food Science in UCC.

During that time, I got involved in acting again at the Granary Theatre, and after two years of full-time research work I took a big leap of faith, leaving science for a few short years to focus on training in acting.

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

Logical thinking and problem solving, which I learned from engineering, have been an invaluable skill in every aspect of my career. I bring this approach to any situation requiring troubleshooting.

My skills in academic writing during my PhD and post-doc have also been a valuable skill in my career as science communicator.

Do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

I hope to take the part-time Science Communication course in DCU in the coming years. It would be a useful addition to my CV.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

I was very proud when I received my PhD. Most recently, I am thrilled to be heading to CERN in Switzerland to meet some scientists in quantum physics and see the Large Hadron Collider.

The trip is part of a one-woman show I am currently writing which aims to explain the big science philosophies to the general public in a fun and accessible format.

I am very proud that I have reached a point in my career where I am genuinely combining both my passions in science and performance and getting closer to my goal of making science accessible and fun for everyone.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

I am a warm, caring person with a great sense of humour.  I love technology and gadgets and approach everything I do with a passion and a fervour. I am very ambitious but principled. I like to know that I have always done my best.

What is your dream job?

As a child I used to say that I wanted to be a ballerina and an astronaut, so I would like to travel in space and perform a solo dance piece. I also want to travel to the South Pole to follow in the footsteps of Tom Crean and work for a few years in the one of the labs at Ross Point.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

Be very flexible. Have at least three different freelance careers to ensure that you have a regular income.

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Passion, curiosity, determination

What kinds of work experience is a good background for this position?

Exposure to the media, especially radio. Voluntary work at the Science Gallery might be a good introduction.

David King, Physics and agricultural science teacher

What were the main “career decision” milestones in your life so far?

I always wanted to work in the sciences, from the moment I went into secondary school I loved the subject. I took Physics and Chemistry for Leaving Cert. I then went on to study for my Bachelor in Science with concurrent teaching qualification from the University of Limerick (BSc (Ed)).

This qualified me to teach immediately at the end of the degree course (no HDip) which I think was a big advantage. I’d definitely recommend a job oriented degree if you are certain of the career path you want to take, and i knew i wanted to teach science.

I have been teaching for the last 10 years and have recently completed my masters in education management from Waterford Institute of Technology. I chose to pursue this course as I felt it would help to enhance my role as a year head in my school, as well as helping me keep my options open for entering into management in the future.

But mostly I was just interested in studying again. I enjoyed the masters so much that I have decided to start a doctorate in education this September (God help me!)

Who most influenced your career direction?

My Leaving Cert English teacher truly was an inspiring educator. Highly competent in his subject matter, got brilliant grades and very passionate about what he did. But most importantly he saw the best in his students. He was very much my inspiration in wanting to teach.

Also, my family were very supportive in helping me to pursue my degree, as well as my wife who was my college sweetheart (aaaawwwh!!!).

During my degree I was very fortunate to be supervised for my two teaching-practice periods by the heads of the Physics and Chemistry departments of UL respectively. They hugely contributed to my development as a Science teacher from a skills and motivation point of view

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

My wife is a primary teacher so we have similar time off. This makes life really easy when planning holidays and it’s so great to have time off together with the kids.

I enjoy the lifestyle that comes with teaching. The work is very hard at certain times in the year but it is a very rewarding job and, I must say, a big part of my life. I believe I am fortunate enough to work in a school with really great students, a wonderful staff and strong leadership from the Principal and Vice-Principal. I guess you could say I love my job! I am also very fortunate to work within a very committed, dynamic and innovative science department at BCS.

Together, we have engaged our students in many science related extracurricular activities ranging from the Young Scientists’ Exhibition, SciFest, science quizzes, Young Social Innovators, Young Environmentalists Awards, the “One Good Idea” competition, publications in the European Pupils Magazine, trips to the European Space Centre, to name but a few! I know if I was a student with an interest in science, I would be very happy to be going to school at BCS.

I have yet to meet a “teacher millionaire” so I wouldn’t advise people to enter into it for the big bucks. Having said that, it is a job with reasonably good security if you’ve been in it for long enough, and you won’t go hungry! In terms of career progression, there are opportunities for development within your own school or beyond.

There are lots of further education routes that practising teachers can take these days. One of my favourite things in teaching is all the extracurricular activities I have been able to get involved in with students over the years. I love soccer, and through my job I’ve been able to sustain an involvement in soccer coaching, working with teams from 13-18 years old.

I have also been involved with mentoring students for the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition for the last 10 years. This has been a real passion of mine, and seeing my students succeed at this event has been a real driving force for me in my job. It’s really rewarding to see your students succeed at the highest level in sport and science.

Describe a typical day

One of the things I love about teaching is that no day is ever the same. Depending on the time of year a day can be different. Teaching classes happens every day and you have to put in the usual effort to prepare for experiments, practicals etc., but extracurricular activities vary throughout the year.

If it’s the last week in September, we’re busy finalising proposals for the Young Scientists’ Exhibition. During soccer season we are well in the swing of coaching and competing. If it’s December, we’re sweating like crazy finalising Young Scientist projects.

January involves going to the YSE and hopefully winning some awards (though getting there is a reward in itself). Science quizzes go on later in the year, as well as the other competitions we enter so we are normally busy preparing for them.

What are your main tasks and responsibilities?

As a lab manager/teacher I am responsible for the maintenance of my lab environment, ordering of stock, preparation of practicals, preparation of classes, teaching, monitoring of student work and collaborating with other members of the science department on issues such as common content being taught to each year group, stock, extracurricular activities and so on. Of course, it goes without saying that there is an overarching safety responsibility involved with anything that goes on in the lab.

As I am currently a year head I also have responsibilities to the students in the year group I am overseeing. I work with a team of outstanding teachers who serve as tutors to each of the class groups in the year and touch base with their students every day.

What are the main challenges?

Being involved in so many things outside the classroom, along with your daily teaching can be taxing at different times in the year. Particularly coming up to Christmas, Easter and June and I am always very grateful and in need of my holidays! I’m not going to moan though – like I said before, I wouldn’t do all these things if I didn’t love them!

What’s cool?

I got a thank-you card from one of my sixth-year physics students recently after his graduation. In it, he said that it was always a joy to come into physics class and “banter about science”. I get to do this all day. When people mention “talking shop” in relation to their job, my “talking shop” is science, and it’s awesome! I love working with young people and helping them to discover the wonders and mysteries of Science.

Being involved in so many Science activities has allowed me to meet like-minded colleagues from across the country, which is always enjoyable. Working with and mentoring young scientists is one of the coolest things in my job, I really enjoy it.

I also had the fortune to be involved with judging the 2011 Google Global Science Fair as a preliminary and semi-finalist judge. This allowed me to network with educators across the globe about innovative, inventive and mind-blowing scientific studies by inspiring students.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

I’d like to think that I’m organised, competent at what I do and apply all my energy to helping students both in and outside the classroom. Also, I’m really loud and have a big mouth which is pretty handy in terms of classroom management!

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

I took physics, chemistry, German and geography for Leaving Cert and I loved them all. Obviously the physical science subjects were my favourites and had the biggest influence on my career path.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Seeing the enjoyment my students get from my subjects, participating in sports or science activities have been the most rewarding things about my career. And of course, there’s no greater enjoyment than success!

Things that stick out include my U13 girls winning the All-Ireland soccer title in 2010, the first girls’ team in Waterford history to achieve this feat. This year, our school won the WIT SciFest for the fourth year in a row which was also a very proud achievement.

We have had many wonderful celebrations over the last 10 years at the YSE awards ceremony on the Friday night, but I suppose the one that sticks out for me is 2008. On this night, we won second in the individual technology category and I personally won the Analog Devices “Educator of Excellence” Award. I’ll never forget it.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

You need to be very knowledgeable in your subject area and competent in delivering this content to students in a simple and interesting manner that they can both understand and enjoy. To really have a satisfying teaching career, you have to love learning as a professional and as an individual.

Enthusiasm is very important; don’t go into teaching if you don’t love working with people of all ages and are uncomfortable being in front of people all day.

Most importantly, I think teachers should let students see their human side. When I was in school, I felt like some teachers got out of a box at 9am and got back into it at 4pm. I think students value seeing the human side of teachers.

When we look back on our secondary school days, we might remember how fantastic a teacher was at getting grades, and of course that’s important. But we also remember the teachers that we got on with really well, who were decent human beings that saw the best in us.

What is your dream job?

Being a judge at young scientist competitions across the world. And coaching the Ireland soccer team!

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

Don’t view it as a clock-in, clock-out job because it’s not. Teaching is a big part of my life, not just a job. And don’t forget that you, yourself are always learning and be open to this.

Most importantly, get involved in as much as you can and commit to activities that both interest you and are of benefit to your students and school.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Getting into schools and being in front of real students – the only way to fully learn your craft.

Cian O'Mahony - Science teacher

What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far?

I chose Biology and Chemistry for my Leaving Cert, as I always had an interest in science and nature. This interest came from home and from my father in particular, who had and still has similar interests.

After school I continued with the science, and after two years in research I decided that teaching of science appealed to me. I still have an interest in developments in science and particularly in watching nature. This helps me to maintain an interest in my job too.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

My father has been the main influence in terms of interest in science and nature. Outside of that, the good teachers I had in second and third level were an inspiration to teach.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Both myself and my partner Lisa are teachers. This affords us a very interesting lifestyle, travelling for many summers to parts of the world that combine my interest in nature with her interest in language and culture.

While we will never be millionaires, the salary combined with the time off are reward enough for the job we do. We have also been able to take one year of a career break so far. This was a fabulous opportunity to further our broad education.

How did you go about getting your current job?

After studying science, I did a one-year Higher Diploma in Education in UCC.

This involved studying the theory of educational practice as well as having practical work experience. I was very fortunate to remain almost immediately in the school that I did my teacher training in.

Describe a typical day

Certainly no two days are the same. You can never predict what might happen at any time.

The challenges are those of sticking to a prescribed timetable. But the rewards are the gratitude of parents and students and actually seeing the pupils learn in a fun environment.

What are the main challenges?

Managing my time during the school day is the biggest challenge. For example, timing practical work to be finished before the pupils have to be off to their next class is always a challenge!