What influenced me most in my career decisions was my understanding and interest in the school subjects I studied at school and college. Having realised that I enjoyed maths the most, I was quick to decide that either Engineering or Science should be the course I do in college. Accounting and similar courses were ruled out having attended presentations and realised that I would never get feel for the subject. I have decided for Engineering due to the career prospects, as I gathered from conversations with Engineers.

Consultation with career guidance counsellors and peers most influenced my career decision. I also researched the internet and libraries for career guidance information. I believe that research was crucial in making an informed decision.

Following the completion of my degree, with a break of one year, I applied for a job as Mechanical Engineer to a few companies. In the case of my current Employer, I sent my CV in response to job advertisements in college and on graduate web-sites. I was then invited for two rounds of interviews, as a result of which I received a letter with the much desired job offer.

I currently work on a project, which is the installation of a complete new cement production line. The equipment to be procured, installed and commissioned range from simple belt conveyors to mills, kiln, homogenising and cooling systems. Every day would be structured depending on the tasks that need to be completed to contribute to the team's common goal, which is the completion of the project on time, within budget, safely and with adequate level of quality.

The tasks could range from resolving simple organisational issues on site to liasing between Designers, Contractors, Suppliers and other departments within the organisation.

My main tasks and responsibilities consist of planning, organising, monitoring, problem solving based on the understanding of the design requirements, set up goals and capabilities of suppliers and contractors. For example, if there is a disagreement between the supplier of an expensive piece of machinery and the independent quality control company, hired by ourselves, understanding the technical aspects of the machine, its purpose, the fabrication process would be crutial in resolving the issue.

There is always a steep learning curve in this industry, and it can get a bit overwhelming at times. Having said that, I have always found support from colleagues and management.

What I enjoy most in my job is the sense of achievement from seeing the results of hard work in the form of the project completion examples of this would be seeing new systems in operation and fulfilling its purpose.

I do not enjoy having to deal with increasing amount of paperwork. But I understand that it is only a matter of getting used to it, dealing with it efficiently. On numerous occasions the project and myself have benefited from it.

I would say that, although there are technical aspects to the job, the most important skills are communication skills, ability to motivate, ability to systemise your work and other interpersonal skills.

We had no Physics, Chemistry and other technical subjects in the school I attended, which would have been useful for my career development.  I did however have the opportunitiy to study Honours Maths in preparation for my current career.

In hindsight I would have looked for the opportunitiy to at least study Applied Maths, which would have made it easier to go through first year in college.

I am delighted I went to UCD, where it was possible to do one common year before choosing the Engineering discipline.

Having completed my Leaving Cert, I started my studies in Mechanical Engineering at UCD. It appealed to me that the course was only four years long, at the end of which I graduated with a Bachelors in Engineering. Since then I have studied a number of short work-related courses as part of my training, mostly related to management and safety.

I find there is no particular subjects or modules in college that are particularly relevant for my job. They were all relevant. It has been useful to have at least some technical understanding of most of the subjects studied in college.

I find rewarding the sense of achievement from project completion.

I believe the fact that I am ambitious and motivated helps me most in my career.

I would do what I am doing now.

I enjoy the predictability of the "9 to 5" job. It allows me to plan my leisure activities and my family life. There are times during projects when greater commitment of time is required, but within a well structured organisation these occasions are kept to the minimum. My job also gives the opportunity to join project teams abroad thus giving the opportunity to experience completely new environments and find new friends.

An education in Mechanical Engineering would be preferable. I would advise them to get as much diverse work experiences as possible, even if these jobs are not engineering related.

Good inter-personal skills, patience, organisation, motivation and decision making.

I hope to undertake further studies in management and business to complement my Engineering degree.

Work in any industry.