What are my chances of getting a job?Irish employers are continuing to employ significant numbers of graduates, including UK graduates, particularly in areas such as engineering, business and IT. Over 12,500 students get jobs in Ireland each year directly after graduation. (Higher Education Authority Ireland) The most recent data on graduate employment levels pertain to 2005 graduates. The First Destinations Report, What do Graduates do?, the Class of 2005 shows that 54% of all third level graduates who responded to the survey obtained employment in the Republic of Ireland with 5% of graduates obtaining employment overseas. Only 4% of graduates were seeking employment. These figures relate to the destinations of graduates nine months after graduation. (Higher Education Authority Ireland) - Typical problems encountered: Some professions require registration with the relevant professional associations and all the necessary qualifications and training to meet Irish standards and conditions (e.g. surgery, nursing, physiotherapy). There is intense competition from other graduates, particularly postgraduates.
- How to improve your chances: Undertake postgraduate study. In June 2006, the Irish Government announced a new Strategy for Science,Technology and Innovation 2006-2013, which aims to double postgraduates - 1,000 PhDs every year by 2013 and a further 315 postgraduates in the humanities and social sciences. This investment of €8.2billion (£7.7billion) will open up five main economic areas for hugely enhanced research and development in agri-food, marine industries, energy, healthcare and the environment. (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation for Ireland (DETI)) Obtain practical work experience through a graduate internship or placement scheme. Build your skill set. You need to be able to demonstrate basic competencies such as good computer skills, numeracy, teamwork, communication skills. Offering fluency in another language might also help.
- Language requirements: English and Irish (Gaeilge) are the official languages of Ireland. You will need to be fluent in English to work in Ireland. For some public service appointments, such as some teaching and lecturing posts, some knowledge of Irish is also required. Irish self-study courses are available through Eurotalk Interactive, Routledge Language Learning and Gaeltalk Online at Learn4Good.
back to top Where can I work?- Major industries: High technology areas, particularly in the software industry, pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, transport, storage, communications, the public and social sector, electricity, gas and water.
- Recent growth areas: The internationally traded services sector, including financial services and e-business, engineering, consumer products, chemicals, biometrics, waste management, construction and the environmental sector. (Manpower Worldwide)
- Industries in decline: Agriculture and manufacturing.
- Shortage occupations: Engineering, financial services (particularly accountancy), IT, computing, medical, social care and science areas.
- Major companies: Microsoft, IBM, Novell, GlaxoSmithKline, Integra LifeSciences, International Financial Services Centre, Daiwa Securities, Siemens, Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, Intel and Merrill Lynch.
- Lists of companies: Kompass - a worldwide business directory searchable by country and product/service, Chambers of Commerce Ireland, Irish Yellow Pages and Wikipedia.
- Major cities: Dublin (capital, largest), Cork, Galway and Mayo.
back to top What’s it like working in Ireland?- Average working hours: The average Irish working week is 39 hours. Working hours are governed by EU directives, which stipulate that you’re entitled to a minimum of 11 hours continuous rest in every 24 hours and at least one rest period in a working day of more than six hours. You’re also entitled to at least 24 hours continuous rest every week.
- Holidays: You are entitled to a minimum of four weeks holiday and the nine public holidays every year.
- Average graduate starting salary: €24,000 - €26,000 (£22,400-£24,288). The highest paid graduates are in engineering with an average starting salary of €28,000 - €30,000 (£26,000-£28,000).
- Tax rates: All EU/EEA and Swiss nationals resident and working in Ireland will pay tax in the same way as Irish nationals. The two bands for personal income tax are 20% and 41%. (Revenue - Irish Tax and Customs).
- Working practices and customs: Business dress does not differ from the UK. Mr, Mrs, or Ms should be used when greeting people. In conversation, the Irish tend to move on quickly to a first-name basis. It is appropriate to present a business card at introductions. Before a meeting, there is usually preliminary small talk, to establish rapport. Networking over coffee is a popular way to do business.
back to top What are the next steps?
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Ireland: Job market
