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Career Development & Education Consultancy Services

Online Consultations Available

Catherine O'Connor MA (Ed), FIITD, LLSMD

Education Consultant & Career Specialist

CINERGY accredited Conflict Coach

Mediator and Certified Member of the Mediation Institute of Ireland

Catherine O'Connor

Supporting your needs offering Career Development and Education Consultancy services, specialising in competency-based interview training.
Here you will find a unique blend of experience, knowledge and integrity built from a career in the education and training sector over 25 years at Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University and a lifetime working in the community.

Nominated for the Provost’s Professional Award at Trinity College Dublin
Founding member of ACMW-Hibernia, the Irish chapter of Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) For Women in Ireland.
Former Member of Board of Directors at Castle Park School, Dalkey, Co. Dublin

Newly published

Grief & Fatigue: Families & the Pandemic - Stores of Struggle & Hope

Advice and stories from renowned mediators and related professionals,
artists, and others affected by the Pandemic from around the world.
Created & edited by Michael Lang and Peter Nicholson
Editorial assistance by Georgia Daniels & Laurel Amaya

Delighted to be part of this publication - Proceeds from sales go to Ukranian refugees

 

Surviving Your First Year at University - A Student Toolkit - published by McGraw Hill/Open University Press

'Grief Is' takes its readers through a journey, expressed in poetic form, to a place that finds light and hope in the heart. ISBN 9781788233293

Services

Career Development

Student Advisory

Motivational Talks

Education Consultancy

Testimonials

Anna McCarthy

Having worked in the same role for more than 16 years, I finally made the big decision to look for a change. BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE! I finally got back the work /life balance everyone talks about. But ....how did I go about this....? Through Catherine of course. I hadn't been for an interview for years and now  it was all about competency-based interviews? Regardless of the area you work in, Catherine will take you through it step by step with a good sense of humour, so the preparation doesn't feel like a drag. 3 years following my career change I went for a promotion and once again Catherine delivered. If you are serious about change or promotion contact Catherine, she will help you on your path.

Anna McCarthy

John, a recent university graduate

I really can't stress how thankful I am to have had Catherine's help in my successful job search. My new CV was absolutely night and day compared to the prior version. I know I wouldn't have got anywhere near an interview without her help.

John, a recent university graduate

Andy, 10 years in the workforce

Catherine is a star!  From initial contact to finalising my CV and covering letter, she has been so professional and understanding.  I thought I knew how to present my thoughts but my words were transformed by her into something else.  Her coaching for the interview takes the fear out of the real test and builds confidence.  Catherine has perfected what she does and if you want to make the cut for an interview, this is the way to do it.  I cannot thank her enough and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her services.

Andy, 10 years in the workforce

A.G.

Working with Catherine has been such a positive and worthwhile experience. I was unhappy in my job and needed to make a move.  Catherine digs deep to find hidden skills and competencies, restores confidence, tailoring solutions to meet every job application.   Feedback from mock interviews with her was invaluable. She is thorough, she delivers and she succeeds.’

A.G.

6th year student , St Colmcille’s School

I would highly recommend Catherine O’Connor. This year I have sat through reams of speakers all just outlining the courses in their universities, each going over the same ground. She gave us genuinely useful and relevant information that we wanted and we didn't get from anyone else. She was engaging, a great communicator and really was very professional.

6th year student , St Colmcille’s School

Áine O Sullivan, School Principal, Ashbourne Community School    

Catherine is informative about her subject matter and approachable in manner which is appreciated by her audiences. The information offered is invaluable for parents and guardians of students in senior cycle and is presented from a point of view of someone who is very familiar with the 3rd level experience. It is practical and thought provoking for all students who are considering a course at 3rd level."

Áine O Sullivan, School Principal, Ashbourne Community School    

Dr Veronica O’Dwyer: Lecturer of Optometry, Dublin Institute of Technology

Cracking the College Code has a wealth of information for both aspiring and current third level students and their parents alike. It is very accessible, well researched and comprehensive. It gives a valuable insight into how the college system really works - a wonderful resource.

Dr Veronica O’Dwyer: Lecturer of Optometry, Dublin Institute of Technology

Betty McLaughlin, Guidance Counsellor and former President of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors

This 'how to' book is the indispensable companion for parents and students - a must read, highly recommended

Betty McLaughlin, Guidance Counsellor and former President of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors

Nora Irwin: Parent and former Director, National Parents Council Post Primary and Executive Committee Member of COMPASS

A brilliant book and what every student, parent/guardian needs to read on entry to third level education. Informative, realistic and comprehensive.

Nora Irwin: Parent and former Director, National Parents Council Post Primary and Executive Committee Member of COMPASS

Provost of Trinity College Dublin, Dr Patrick Prendergast

Catherine O'Connor has written this immensely useful and practical guide. This is the kind of guide I would have welcomed as a student, and it’s a guide I’ll be recommending to my own kids.

Provost of Trinity College Dublin, Dr Patrick Prendergast