Ask me a question!
What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
I have always had an interest in sustainability, while studying I worked as a researcher for two years, this research was focused around environmental current affairs. I then worked in a reinsurance company for three years, this role began as an administrator and I was then promoted to office manager. I joined Davy in 2017, as an associate on the Corporate Access and Events team in Capital Markets division. This was a fantastic opportunity on a busy team where my role involved delivering events and organising roadshows.
When the opportunity arose to join Davy Horizons sustainability consulting team, I was keen to further my passion for sustainability and take the next step into working in the area I had always loved.
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
Describe a typical day?
On a typical day, we begin the day with a team meeting where every team member discusses our tasks for the day and project deadlines. The team meeting is a safe space where we can share our ideas and hear each other's unique viewpoints. Projects involve a lot of team collaboration, each team member has unique ideas and skillsets which combined can create effective strategies for completing projects.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
My main tasks vary from day to day, but they tend to include - collaborating with my team members on client's projects, client engagement, providing workshops to educate client supply chains on sustainability. I am responsible for running events on the team and with this also fuels my creative side!
Working with the marketing department to design and promote Davy Horizons events, insights and white papers. I am also the chairman of the ICRS Ireland Hub. The ICRS is the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability which is the professional body for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability. The aim of this hub is to provide education, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) accreditation, events and networking to our members.
What do you like most?
I love that my role is both logical and creative, which is quite unique. Another part of my role which I love is hosting webinars, I did an internal webinar recently on sustainable fashion and we had the founder and designer Aoife McNamara on, and it was really inspiring!
You can see a clip of this here.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
What is your education to date?
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
My role aligns with my personal values and I feel lucky to be working in something I really believe in. It is very satisfying to see the impact you can have while working with a company to help them be more socially and environmentally responsible. It is particularly satisfying informing and educating staff members on sustainability and seeing them also get on board to pave the way for positive change.
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
I think having compassion is important for in my role, as the end goal is to positively impact the planet, people's quality of life, and future generations and to add value not cost. It is important for students when deciding which career path to take to consider a job that is emotionally rewarding. This may be difficult to distinguish at first, but my advice is to decide what motivates you and find a way to feed your motivation.
What is your dream job?
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
A career in sustainability and ESG is a meaningful career that is here to stay. Covid-19 has accelerated the shift to a more sustainable world meaning a wave of new 'green' roles are available. Another attractive side to this sector is that it needs diversity to thrive, diversity in all forms, genders, ages, cultures and skillsets. I think it's important to work in a sector where diversity is celebrated and appreciated.
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
1. Good communication skills
2. Willingness to learn
3. Adapt as the sector develops over time and the ability to work well in a team.
But it is not a 'one size fits all' kind of job, the financial industry needs a variety of roles and people with different skillsets to make it work, not just one type of personality.
What is your pet hate at work?
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
Make sure to develop your interpersonal skills just as much as your technical skills, one great way to do this is to network. Joining a sustainability association is a good way to network with professionals in this field. The workshops and events can help build your understanding of CSR and sustainability. The ICRS Ireland hub is free for students to join and provides free workshops, events and networking opportunities. You can join by clicking this link - https://icrs.info/membership
An internship is a fantastic opportunity to give you a real taster for this position, as well as large organisations, you could also try interning at a start-up, or non-profit. If you are in a position where you can volunteer, that is a great way to show your dedication to sustainability. From conservation campaigns such as tree planting, recycling programs and beach clean campaigns are a great way to get involved and also help the planet while you are at it!
- Career Development?
- Current Job?
- Education and Training?
- Personal Qualities?
- Advice for Others?