A QUIN woman has advised students receiving their Leaving Certificate results to look at all options available to them and not to be afraid to try something different.
Last year, Leah O’Neill graduated from the Bachelor of Commerce at University College Dublin. Now she works with EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, having completed their graduate programme.
After completing her Leaving Certificate at Coláiste Mhuire in 2019, she chose to study the Bachelor of Commerce at UCD when my CAO results came back. “I enjoyed subjects like accounting, business, and maths in school and the course gave me the chance to look at these in more depth, as well as other subjects I hadn’t done before. When writing my CAO, UCD was top of my list because the course offered me a direct pathway to a business degree while maintaining flexibility within the modules I could take”.
Following her three years at college, Leah was selected for the two-year EirGrid Graduate Programme. “A big factor in choosing the EirGrid graduate programme was the chance to work across various departments and use all the knowledge I had gained at university.
“Over the course of the two-year programme we rotate teams three times. This gives us an opportunity to build knowledge of the fundamentals of the business, in areas like information systems, finance, marketing, and management. Many of the subjects I studied in college are still relevant to my current role, especially working on a new site where I’m applying engineering fundamentals on a regular basis. I’m learning constantly, collaborating with cross functional teams while expanding my knowledge base. I find what I do very rewarding, and I enjoy the dynamic nature of my job,” she added.
By 2030 the national electricity system must be developed to allow for 80% of our electricity to come from renewable sources, as per Government climate targets, something that Leah is passionate about. “The significance of the energy and electricity sector cannot be overstated. Having the opportunity to contribute to the core of a company that upholds this vital infrastructure resonates deeply with me. As a business student, finances and money flows are key to my area of interests. Renewable energy and reaching our climate targets is key to every business and is becoming more prominent and relevant, so working in a culture central to this is exciting”.
Looking back on her own time at school Leah understands the challenges Leaving Cert students face and shares some advice to those awaiting their results this year. “When you are in sixth year there is so much going on, it’s a big milestone year in everyone’s life. My advice is to do your best, which sounds obvious, but it’s very important to believe in yourself. I would encourage students to choose a field of study that provides experiences to learn and the freedom to pursue what they’re passionate about, whether it be at university, an apprenticeship or elsewhere. When you get your results, look at all the options available to you, think about what you might like to try and don’t be afraid to try something different”.
