What did you study in college?
I have a BA in English & Sociology from University College Cork and an MPhil in Irish Theatre & Film Studies from Trinity College Dublin. I also have a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing from DMI Ireland.
Did you go straight into tourism?
No, after college I travelled around Asia and Australia working in various jobs from teaching English in China to commercial fishing in Western Australia and everything in between!
I worked in hospitality part-time on and off throughout school, college and travelling and always enjoyed the fast-paced environment and meeting people from all over the world. After two years of travelling I returned to Ireland in 2009 where I began working in the arts industry. From working in theatres in Dublin and Cork, I set off again to work in the arts in New York and Melbourne in 2012 for two years. I specialised in marketing, fundraising, business development and box office/front of house management.
Upon returning to Ireland, I worked in the arts in Dublin until 2018 which is when I decided that I wanted a new challenge and applied for a job in Fáilte Ireland.
Why did you decide to work in tourism?
My background in hospitality and my experience of travelling exposed me to elements of the tourism industry in a very practical and hands-on way but I wanted to use the skills I had developed in marketing and business development to carve out a career in an industry that was clearly thriving in Ireland.
What does your current role entail?
In my current role as an officer for Ireland’s Ancient East, I am the contact on the ground for the tourism industry in Tipperary and Laois. My job is 50/50 desk based and on the road visiting my assigned geography. I meet tourism businesses and key stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities and ways that Fáilte Ireland can support the county to meet its tourism goals while driving visitor numbers and revenue to the area.
What’s the best part of your job?
Being on the road and meeting people working across the industry is the best part of my job. You get to see first-hand how many amazing and hardworking attractions, activities and community groups are active in Ireland and it is a great feeling to know that you are helping them in some way with your guidance and support.
What characteristics do you need to succeed in tourism?
Resilience, creativity and good listening skills.
What advice would you offer someone considering joining tourism?
A career in tourism can often be seen as one with unpredictable work schedules and no weekends or social life; this is not the case. There are many ways that you can use your skills to match with a job that is more flexible and suited to your needs and skills. Don’t be put off by not having a specific background in tourism, I have found that my skills were very transferable and what I don’t know I learn from a very supportive group of colleagues across the organisation.
What are your plans for the future?
Right now I am very happy on the Ireland’s Ancient East team so I’ll stay put! Having been in the role (and organisation) for almost two years it is great to be able to say that I am still learning and being challenged by the job and I’m looking forward to the next two years and beyond.
Sarah O'Dwyer
