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What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
Choosing Science and Maths subjects in School.
Taking an Engineering Degree in College.
A variety of roles within Irish Cement, including Maintenance Engineer, Quarry Engineer Project Engineer, Travel to Ukraine to assist with design of Coal and Kiln Project, Secondment to CRH for the Sarbanes Oxley 404 Compliance Project (Finance), Travel to US on audit assignment and my current Role
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
The people who have mostly influenced my career direction are my peers and my wife.
My current role evolved after some discussions with my Plant Manager.
How did you go about getting your current job?
I started with Irish Cement in 1996 following two interviews.
I had heard that Irish Cement were taking on graduates through a friend and I applied.
Following my return from a secondment with CRH earlier this year, my current role was devised in conjunction with the Plant Manager.
Describe a typical day?
Every day generally presents different challenges and therfore no two days are the same. Weekly projects and operations meetings are the routine pieces in between. Currently, with the ongoing construction of the new factory line, decisions may be required quickly on numerous issues for work to progress on the many construction sites within the factory. Other issues may require careful consideration as to their likely impacts going forward and are therefore more long term.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
My main responsibilities are:
Plant liason for the kiln 3 construction project. This involves working closely with the project team to resolve all interface issues between the project delivery and the existing running plant. (Practically full-time at present).
I am also responsible for plant civil/infrastructure maintenance. This would involve implementation of any necessary works for plant infrastructure upkeep including the selection and supervision of the contractors who carry out any work.
What are the main challenges?
The main challenges are the variety of issues that need to be resolved on a daily basis. These ensure that no two days are the same.
What do you like most?
The variety of challenges that need to be overcome on a daily basis.
Is there anything that isn't great?
Writing monthly reports, etc.
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
Organised, attention to detail, easygoing and open to suggestions from others.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I chose Physics, Chemistry and Technical Drawing as my optional subjects for the Leaving Certificate with a view to choosing an engineering course at third level.
These subjects certainly helped with first year in college as I had a foundation in those subjects to build on.
In hindsight, I would have chosen Applied Maths over Technical Drawing as the engineering course had a significant Applied Maths content.
Overall, I feel my subject choices were appropriate for my career choice.
What is your education to date?
- Leaving Certificate 1989
- Bachelor of Engineering UCD 2003
- Masters in Engineering Science 2006
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
My engineering degree course was the most important foundation for my job.
Since then, I have found the Project Managemet and Problem Solving course very practical and useful.
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
Proud of CRH Sarbanes Oxley 404 Project and assisting at the start of the Ukraine Coal and Kiln Project
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
- Organised
- Attention to Detail
- Easygoing and open to suggestions from others.
What is your dream job?
Own and run my own Restaurant. Because every day brings new people and challenges to overcome.
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
My current role allows a good mix of working time and time with my family.
Within the CRH organisation there are good progression opportunities.
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
Skills - organisation and attention to detail Interests - all things technical Education - basic engineering foundation course (degree or similar)
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
Organisation, attention to detail and open to suggestions.
What is your favourite music?
Rock
What is your favourite film?
Goodfellas
What is your pet hate at work?
Bad Timekeeping
What is your star sign?
Libra
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
I have completed a number of courses during my career with CRH, some are listed below:
Kepner-Tregoe - Project Management Workshop - 3 days FAS Safepass - Health and Safety - 1 day Emergency Training Services Limited - Introduction to Health and Safety - 1 day IEI/CIF/HSA - Safety on Construction Projects – Seminar - 1 day CRH/Irish Management Institute - Young Managers Programme - 1 week Irish Industrial Explosives - Quarry Shot Firing (EPIC certified) - 1 week Irish Management Institute - Newly Appointed Managers Programme - 3 weeks Enterprise Management Associates - Persuasive Business Proposals - Development, structuring and presenting business ideas - 2 days Kepner-Tregoe - Analytic Trouble Shooting - Problem Identification and Solving - 3 days Presentation & Communication Skills - 2 days I intend to continue training/upskilling as necessary.What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
A good grounding in any engineering discipline is a basic foundation. Work experience with exposure to civil, mechanical and electrical engineering is also very useful.
- Career Development?
- Current Job?
- Education and Training?
- Personal Qualities?
- Advice for Others?
