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What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
I studied Agricultural Science for the Leaving Cert and did well, following that I completed the ACFM course with Teagasc over 4 years.
I came from an agricultural background & I have a keen interest in pedigree breeding. I'm currently working as an Assistant Farm Manager near Cork city.
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
Mainly College lecturers and Employers.
How did you go about getting your current job?
It was advertised in the national papers shortly after I completed my course. I applied for an interview & was subsequently offered the job in 2006.
Describe a typical day?
Start @ 6:30 milking, feeding calves, checking cattle & complete all feeding & routine tasks by 11.
Non routine work varies with the seasons & is completed each day between 11am & 4pm.
The current spring tasks include calving cows, ploughing, slurry & fertiliser application, fencing & straw bedding cattle.
Updating the paperwork end of the business also takes quiet a while.
The evening routine replicates the morning routine & is completed between 4-6pm.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
My main role is to ensure that the dairy herd is run successfully on a daily basis together with my work colleagues.
What are the main challenges?
The early starts & the variety of practical & technical skills needed to run a large intensive dairy farm provide an on-going challenge
What do you like most?
I have yet to discover what's cool about work, but the ability to make a living from what I'm interested in is what encourages me to do it.
Is there anything that isn't great?
For me it is the repetitious work in wintertime such as bedding cattle & preparing cow cubicles twice daily.
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
A good general understanding of Irish agriculture, good stockmanship & machinery skills. I'm capable of working alone or in a group situation.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
Generally I chose well & wouldn't change my choices. I started off studying Agricultural Science & Engineering for the Leaving Cert. which were both a help.
I attended Pallaskenry & Kildalton Agricultural colleges on route to completing the A.C.F.M. Course.
I also completed various stints of work placements.
What is your education to date?
I successfully completed my Leaving Cert. followed by the FETAC Level 3 Agriculture course and in 2006 I also completed the Advanced Cert. in Farm Management run by FETAC & Teagasc.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
Overall I would say the work experience element of my course was beneficial.
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
Winning the stockmanship of the year award in Pallaskenry Ag. College in 2003 & winning the De Laval cream award in 2007.
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
I'm reasonably well organised & generally patient.
What is your dream job?
To be one of the many Irish Ambassadors who get paid well to do little!
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
I would like to have more time for leisure & social activities!
The job is interesting but weekend work & early starts are to be expected in agriculture.
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
Not at the moment
- Career Development?
- Current Job?
- Education and Training?
- Personal Qualities?
- Advice for Others?
