Career Explorer

What the role involves

• •Writing and testing code in languages like JavaScript, Python or Java
• •Building APIs and web or mobile applications
• •Collaborating with designers and product managers
• •Debugging and fixing issues
• •Deploying and maintaining software in the cloud

Key skills

Work environment

Mostly office or remote, computer-based, team-oriented. Many Irish tech roles offer hybrid working.

Qualifications

A Level 8 degree in computer science or a related field is common, but bootcamps and conversion courses also lead into development roles. A strong portfolio can be as valuable as a degree.

Routes into this career

• University
  Level 8 Computer Science degree via the CAO (e.g. TCD, UCD, DCU, UL, Maynooth).
• Further Education
  Higher Certificate / Level 6 in Software Development through a further education college, progressing into Level 7/8.
• Bootcamp
  Intensive coding bootcamps (12–24 weeks) for career changers with a prior degree.

What the role involves

• •Monitoring and assessing patients
• •Administering medication and treatments
• •Supporting doctors and multidisciplinary teams
• •Educating patients and families
• •Maintaining accurate clinical records

Key skills

Work environment

Hospitals, community clinics, nursing homes or home care. Shift work including nights and weekends is standard.

Qualifications

Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is required, usually via a Level 8 nursing degree.

Routes into this career

• University
  Level 8 BSc in Nursing (UCD, TCD, UL, UCC, NUIG, DCU) via the CAO — 4 years.
• Mature Route
  Mature student entry routes and integrated nursing degrees for those over 23.
• International
  Qualified nurses from abroad can apply to NMBI for registration to work in Ireland.

What the role involves

• •Installing wiring and electrical fittings
• •Inspecting and testing electrical installations
• •Fault-finding and repairs
• •Reading technical drawings
• •Ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards

Key skills

Work environment

On-site — homes, commercial buildings, industrial premises. Can be outdoor and physically demanding.

Qualifications

Completion of a SOLAS-recognised apprenticeship and qualification as an electrician (National Craft Certificate).

Routes into this career

• Apprenticeship
  SOLAS electrical apprenticeship — typically 4 years combining on-the-job training with phase-based college study.
• Mature Apprenticeship
  Mature apprenticeship routes for adult learners switching into a trade.

What the role involves

• •Preparing financial statements
• •Managing tax compliance
• •Auditing
• •Budgeting and forecasting
• •Advising on financial decisions

Key skills

Work environment

Office or hybrid, structured and professional, often client-facing.

Qualifications

A professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CPA Ireland, Chartered Accountants Ireland) plus a relevant degree.

Routes into this career

• University
  Level 8 Business/Accounting degree via the CAO, then a professional training contract.
• Professional
  ACCA or CPA Ireland exams while working in a training firm.
• Apprenticeship
  Accounting technician apprenticeship as an alternative entry route.

What the role involves

• •Planning and delivering lessons
• •Supporting children's social and academic development
• •Assessing progress
• •Managing classroom behaviour
• •Communicating with parents

Key skills

Work environment

Primary schools across Ireland, term-time, classroom-based with planning at home.

Qualifications

A professional master of education (PME) in primary teaching, or a Bachelor of Education, plus Registration with the Teaching Council.

Routes into this career

• University
  Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) via the CAO (DCU, Marino, Froebel/UL, Mary Immaculate).
• Postgraduate
  Professional Master of Education (PME) for graduates with a Level 8 degree.

What the role involves

• •Designing infrastructure projects
• •Managing construction sites
• •Ensuring structural and safety compliance
• •Project planning and cost control
• •Coordinating with contractors

Key skills

Work environment

Mix of office, site and client-facing work; can be outdoor on active sites.

Qualifications

Level 8 engineering degree, typically chartered status with Engineers Ireland over time.

Routes into this career

• University
  Level 8 Civil Engineering degree (TCD, UCD, UCC, UL, NUIG, DIT/TU Dublin) via the CAO.
• Apprenticeship
  Higher level construction and engineering apprenticeships are emerging for site-based routes.

What the role involves

• •Preparing and cooking dishes
• •Managing kitchen hygiene and food safety
• •Menu planning and costing
• •Leading a kitchen brigade
• •Managing stock and suppliers

Key skills

Work environment

Hot, fast-paced kitchens; evenings, weekends and holidays are standard working times.

Qualifications

A culinary qualification helps, but practical experience is highly valued; apprenticeships are a strong route.

Routes into this career

• Further Education
  Level 5/6 Professional Cookery in a further education college or National Hospitality Training Centre.
• Apprenticeship
  Commis chef and chef de partie apprenticeships combining college and on-the-job training.
• On the job
  Many chefs build a career through kitchen experience and progression through the brigade.

What the role involves

• •Planning and running marketing campaigns
• •Managing social media and content
• •Analysing campaign performance
• •Coordinating with sales and design
• •Managing budgets and agencies

Key skills

Work environment

Office or hybrid, often agency or in-house marketing teams; project-driven and deadline-focused.

Qualifications

A degree in marketing, business or communications is common; professional qualifications (e.g. DMI, CIM) add value.

Routes into this career

• University
  Level 8 Business/Marketing degree via the CAO.
• Further Education
  Level 6/7 marketing certificates and diplomas in further education.
• Professional
  Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) or CIM qualifications for career changers.

What the role involves

• •Cleaning and structuring data
• •Creating dashboards and reports
• •Identifying trends and patterns
• •Communicating findings to non-technical teams
• •Supporting decision-making

Key skills

Work environment

Office or hybrid, computer-based, often cross-functional with business teams.

Qualifications

A Level 8 degree in a quantitative field is common, with short courses and bootcamps offering alternative entry.

Routes into this career

• University
  Level 8 in Data Science, Statistics, Maths or Business Analytics via the CAO.
• Conversion
  Data analytics bootcamps and Springboard+ courses for career changers.

What the role involves

• •Picking and packing orders
• •Loading and unloading deliveries
• •Using warehouse equipment
• •Maintaining stock accuracy
• •Following health and safety procedures

Key skills

Work environment

Large distribution centres; shift work and some physical lifting.

Qualifications

No formal qualifications required, though forklift and manual handling certifications improve prospects.

Routes into this career

• Direct entry
  Apply directly to warehouse agencies and distribution employers — often no experience needed.
• Certification
  Forklift and manual handling tickets improve pay and progression.

What the role involves

• •Dispensing prescriptions under supervision
• •Managing stock and ordering
• •Advising on over-the-counter medicines
• •Maintaining records
• •Supporting the pharmacist

Key skills

Work environment

Community pharmacies or hospital pharmacy departments; retail-facing and structured.

Qualifications

A pharmacy technician qualification (e.g. IPTC) and registration on the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland register.

Routes into this career

• Further Education
  Pharmacy technician courses at Level 5/6 in further education colleges.
• On the job
  Some train as a technician while working in a community pharmacy.

What the role involves

• •Supporting pupils with care and learning needs
• •Helping with mobility and personal care
• •Assisting the class teacher
• •Supporting inclusion in class activities
• •Monitoring pupil wellbeing

Key skills

Work environment

Primary and post-primary schools during school hours, term-time.

Qualifications

A Level 5 SNA qualification (e.g. 5N1786) is typically required for school roles.

Routes into this career

• Further Education
  Level 5 Special Needs Assisting course through further education colleges.
• Online
  Accredited online SNA courses for flexible entry.