This was clearly the case when DkIT School of Engineering graduates James McEneaney, Mechanical Engineering graduate who now works in Abbot Nutrition, James Maguire, Civil Engineering graduate who works in Gas Networks Ireland on The Causeway Project and Seán Ó Fithcheallaigh, Electronics Engineering graduate who works for Sensata Technologies, returned to DkIT to inspire our current students with their thoughts on the development of their own careers.

All of these graduates spoke with justifiable pride about their achievements to date. Ranging from managing multi-million-euro equipment budgets and working to stringent pharmaceutical compliances, sensitively managing construction projects that visibly contribute to the Dublin skyline or developing the electronic systems to contribute to high end Mercedes maintenance and safety systems, their career stories were varied and inspirational.

In spite of their very different engineering career paths, common employability related themes were present in all three of the graduates’ presentations. These included the value of full participation in college life as a DkIT class rep/student ambassador in developing confidence; maintaining technical curiosity and actively seeking professional guidance from peers along with the importance of communication and teamwork.

All of these graduate attributes continue to be important elements of DkIT Level 7 and Level 8 Engineering programmes. Kimmit added,

“Many thanks to James, Sean and James for taking the time to speak and for giving the benefit of their experiences to our students”.

DkIT students and graduates have a full range of employability supports, assistance and professional development for up to 12 months after graduation which they can attain from the DkIT’s Careers & Employability Centre at DkIT.

Dundalk Institute of Technology DkIT Engineering Futures – Engineering Career Fair will take place in DkIT on Tuesday March 28th with a large number of local and regional employers of Engineering graduates attending.