What is your career background? 

I joined Fingal County Council through the Local Government Graduate Programme in July 2021, under the Economic Enterprise & Business Development discipline. I had a higher certificate in Hospitality Services Management, an  honours business degree with marketing stream and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA). 

While working as a graduate assigned to Economic Development, Economic Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development Department, I worked on community funding schemes, European projects (URBACT), and economic development initiatives.

What does your role involve? 

 I have since moved to the Planning and Strategic Infrastructure Department in Fingal County Council, working in the registry office. That means that I am the very first person to check all incoming planning applications. I undertake the first validation checks and work closely with my colleagues in administration and with technicians and planners.

What are the most rewarding things about working for a local authority?

While working with Fingal County Council, I have taken on a number of projects that I really enjoyed and am proud of. I have been nominated to coordinate a remote working hubs marketing scheme for Fingal. I was chosen to represent Fingal County Council in the Young Ireland 2021 competition in Scotland. I have developed and promoted an outstanding company during the Sustainable Fingal initiative - this company has, over the time,been nominated as a Fingal’s Enterprise Awards winner.

Why should someone consider a career with a local authority?

Working for a local authority, your work always matters, and it is extremely relevant to everything. Working in the Council, over the time you can change to so many career paths. 

I would recommend the Local Government Graduate Programme to anyone who would like to get a better understanding of what local authorities do on a daily basis and to anyone who is interested in a varied career that could span a number of departments.