The future looks bright for graduates in Ireland

CareerWise Recruitment has seen a steady and consistent growth of graduates finding employment within a very short period of time.

This is compared to five years ago when graduates were forced with a decision to continue with further education (Masters, PhD etc …) or to leave for a distant shore. This in turn put significant strain on many Irish families.

Where are these vacancies?

These vacancies have arisen across multiple sectors. The Medical, Pharma, Biotech, Generics, Agri, ICT, Shared Services and also in Irish indigenous companies, many of whom are competing on the world stage such as Dairygold, Kerry, CRH, DCC, Glen Dimplex, Greencore, Kingspan, NTR and Paddy Power. It is expected that this trend will continue.

Why is Ireland attracting these graduate jobs?

Ireland Continues to have the youngest population in the EU – 40% under the age of 30.
Ireland is ranked in the top 5 globally for skills available; thanks to our Universities, Institutes of Technology and Third Level Colleges.
Ireland has a connected research ecosystem – which needs these graduates to support.
Ireland has committed to remain within the EU.
IDA have had a significant track record in a attracting foreign direct investment.
Ireland is the fastest growing economy in Europe.
Ireland is one of the top countries in the world to do business.

This is backed up by some interesting facts on International companies already here in Ireland.

8 of the top 10 are Pharmaceutical companies.
15 of the top 20 are Medical Device companies.
9 of the top 10 are global ICT companies.
9 of the top 10 are gaming companies.
6 of the top 7 are diagnostic companies.
50% of the worlds leading financial services firms are based in Ireland.

What can graduates do to be ready?

Article by Mike Morrisey (Director, CareerWise Recruitment)

The most important thing is to be positive.
Be prepared – have a dedicated interview suit available at short notice.
Have a good CV; this is your self-marketing tool.
Set a plan and be willing to invest time in looking for vacancies, via agencies, job boards (e.g. Recruit Ireland, Irish Jobs).
Always be switched on – employers often look to fill graduate vacancies by word-of-mouth
Have a good detailed Linked In Profile – Get recruiters & employers to come to you.
Be proactive – Create a target list of companies that you would like to work for.
Increase your networking skills, leverage your friends, family and former class mates that have been successful in finding a job.
Don’t let rejections get you down – persistence is the key.

In summary

The future looks bright for our graduates with plenty of career prospects. However, we do face some obstacles.

Attracting and retaining the best graduate talent can be challenging for companies as millennial graduates are looking to get as much out of an organisation in terms of development and career prospects. Competition between employers is significant with regard to overall benefit packages and future committed opportunities on offer, however, graduates are constantly seeking development opportunities and require a lot of investment and time in the workplace.

All these factors are escalating hidden costs and putting pressure on companies hiring budgets.

Joe Robbins

(Director) BBS (Hons), MBPICS – Shannon Office

Joe Robbins is co-founder of CareerWise Recruitment. A graduate of the University of Limerick (Degree in Business Studies, 1985), Joe worked in the UK for five years where he specialised in materials management, production management and plant management for a number of companies.

He returned to Ireland in 1992 to become Operations Manager for a Cork-based start-up, FMC Automotive Division which was subsequently taken over by Snap-on Equipment. Joe managed the business re-location of this company to Shannon in 1997 before setting up CareerWise Recruitment in 1999.

He is a committee member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Mid-West region, and a former Director and Vice President of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce. Joe is former Chairperson of the Sixmilebridge Camogie Club and current Chairperson of the Clare County Camogie Board.

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