As a second level student I always had a keen interest in sports. 

I am a 2nd Degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and assisst in teaching over 60 students 3 times per week . I always knew I would like to pursue a career in the fitness industry. I went on to study Sports Therapy and I am currently planning on pursuing a degree in Wolverhampton Uni. McDonald's aided my studies by awarding two €1500 scholarships to me.

My parents would have influenced me the most. They always stood by any decision I made and always told me to apply for a job down in the local McDonald's as they are very understanding when it comes to work and study.

They also allow you to expand knowlegde and skill as they offer very enjoyable management courses to staff always allowing you to grow in their business.

I applied for my job in McDonald's by filling out an application form and leaving a C.V. The process was quite easy I was called for an interview a couple of weeks later and got the job. There aren't too many difficult questions in the interview process.  Following this there is a food saftey test and some forms to sign regarding what your job entails.

My day in McDonald's is usually an 8-9 hour shift. When I arrive I greet everyone in work, ask how the day is going and walk the store with the present shift manager so I can approve that everything is ok for my shift take over.

I check my targets for each hour and give all staff objectives needed to be carried out for the rest of my shift.  McDonald's is a high volume fast food establishment so it requires patience and speed, as pressure can become quite high, especially if a complaint arises.

My responsibilities in the restaurant include: Food Safety, Auditing, Training , Management , First Aid Supplies, General running of the Shift , Reaching Targets, Setting Goals on each shift and Invoicing. 

It can be challenging when a high volume of customers arrive and we havn't planned for it and might not have the appropriate number of staff scheduled .  

This can cause serious pressure to the shift if people can't get their break on time or staff are waiting to go home.

As McDonald's is a fast food restaurant we cannot plan for a bus load of people just turning up at the front door so it can cause a lot of pressure.

McDonald's offers a range of upskilling courses and chances of promotion. The flexible hours and competitive rates of pay appeal to me, however as it is also an active job it keeps me alert and thinking.

I also like meeting all the different people that I work with and learning about new cultures everyday. The team environment is a great part of the job as we all must cooperate with each other to get things done.

I wouldn't call McDonald's the dream job for everyone. Everyone's peers have something to mock about if you work in McDonald's so this can be quite tough. Sometimes it can be very tiring when it's so busy in the restaurant.

My personality is outgoing, friendly and understanding. I don't put a lot of pressure on people as I think of how they feel before I react to a situation.

I always put a smile on their face making their day a little better which in turn helps them work more efficiently and we all work together to reach our targets.

In school I studied the basic subjects, English, Irish, Maths. I also took French Physics and Biology. These subjects stood to me in my course choice as Biology is essential in understanding how the body works when undertaking a fitness course. As we have come into difficult times recently people have zipped up their pockets and are not renewing their gym memberships, therefore leaving me struggling to obtain a job in this industry. If I could change anything I would have opted for a trade in carpentry or an electrician.

Secondary education. Junior and Leaving Cert. Third Level. Two year course in Sports Therapy studying a range of subjects including: Fitness Instruction, Fitness Studio Teaching,  Personal Training, Sports Therapy, Aromatherapy Holisic Massage and Stability Ball training .

English Physics and Maths would help with my job as they allow you to think logically as a manager and figure out a problem which may arise on your shift.

I was awarded two €1500 scholarships to help with my studies. McDonalds have also sent me on management courses to allow me expand my knowledge and experience with the company. McDonalds also contribute immensly to communities and charities which makes them a great company to work for.

I am patient, fun, kind, understanding and ambitious. These qualities are essential when working with McDonald's. There are always situations which require these qualities when working with different people everyday, including dealing with the general public, as customers.

I would like to become a fireman/paramedic. McDonald's has given me so much experience dealing with people and building my confidence.  My knowledge of Health and Fitness would stand to me for the Fire Brigade

Yes, McDonald's always allow the time for me to study/ concentarate on training or family life whenever I require the time. The hours are flexible and they offer a great working environment

The initial couple of days can be tough as you are in training and it can make people rethink about working here, but I would have to say persevere, as there are rewards at the end of the tunnel.

McDonald's put their people first and never leave them doing the same job all the time. To work in McDonald's you requires patience, a good personality with a willingness to learn something new everyday.

Showing an interest in other peoples interests would help as you have to work as a team so interpersonal skills are ESSENTIAL!!

• Interpersonal Skills  
• Working on your own initiative  
• Being able to deal with the general public.

I have upskilled by taking part in management courses to help with my management skills and training. I plan on undertaking further courses this year to expand my management knowledge.

Working as a Lounge girl/boy would be great as you would have the experience of dealing with people. Working with any sports clubs would prove you can work as a team member. Newsagent experience. Promotional work.