Building a Future
Work Experience Diary
10-11th February
Name of Work Placement: Platform Architecture, 25 South Main Street, Bandon, Cork
Day 1 - 10th February
Start Time: 9.30
Finishing Time: 3.30
On my first day at the architects, I was given an briefing on the work and role of an architect. I was told the difference between an architect and an architect technologist. For the duration of the day I was given two different plans of a house and was instructed to make structural changes to the house to suit the clients needs. I used tracing paper to trace over the plans of the house. I enjoyed this challenge because I had to work around the existing features of the house and make the client satisfied.
Day 2 - 11th February
Start Time: 9:30
Finishing Time: 3:00
On Tuesday Michael and I (another student on work experience) were asked to measure the office and stairs and draw to scale. I enjoyed this task as it involves walking around the room and measuring the walls, windows, doors and stairs. In the afternoon I was asked to draw a window in the office to scale. The architect technologist told us about insulation in houses and the technical side to building and designing a house.
Overall I really enjoyed my two days at the architects as I learnt a lot about drawing to scale, reading the plans of the house, measuring structures and the technical parts of the house such as heating, installation and Lock Lane.
I have learnt from going to the architect that I would much prefer to be an architect over an architectural technologist if I was to pursue this as a career. I enjoyed working with Eugene, Pat and Michael and I would consider it as a career in the future.
Bowe Property Bandon
Day 3 - 12th of February
Start time: 9:30
Finishing time: 6.00
I began my first day at Bow property at 9:30. I met Rhiannon the secretary. First she went through her emails and showed me how to respond to them. She taught me how to use the Acquaint system on her computer. This showed all information about the property they are selling, letting and managing. At 10:30 I met Maria who was an auctioneer. Maria and I then went to Clonakilty for a house viewing. I returned back to the office and did some more work with Rhiannon. I had my lunch from 1:30 to 2:30. In the afternoon I met Brendan who was the owner of Bowe property. We went to the other office in Ballincollig where I met Margo. Brendan and I went to a viewing in Carrigaline and returned back to Bandon for 6pm.
Day 4 - 13 February
On the second day I met Jer who is an apprentice auctioneer who works in the Bandon office. In the morning we delivered some letters around Bandon town as well as the trip to the bank. I did some more work with Rhiannon when I returned. We printed some brochures for different properties and did taxes. I made a trip to the post office to pay some bills also. In the evening I went to a viewing with Brendan in Bandon. My day ended at 5.30.
Day 5- 14th of February
On my final day I began going through emails with Rhiannon. We then update property cards and property payment. Brendan I made a trip to Kilbrittain to view a new house for an AIB final valuation. I returned to the office and did some more admin for the remainder of the day. At 5:30 I help Rhiannon close up.
Overall I really enjoyed working at Bowe. I was surprised by the amount of paperwork attached to that industry. I was also surprised that I was viewing houses with Brendan and Maria. I liked the balance of office work as well as being out viewing and valuing properties. I really enjoyed working with Rhianna in the office. I will definitely consider auctioneer as a career in the future.
Aine Moloney
A Taste of the Business World
For my work experience, I went to McCarthy & Crowley Accountants for a week. I was curious to discover what it would be like to work in an office. I really enjoyed learning Business Studies at Junior Cert and I am considering to study this area at 3rd level. I was eager to gain an insight into the world of accountancy to figure out if a related career would suit me.
After completing the work experience, I am still interested in Business but I found out that maybe working in an accountants wasn’t for me. I enjoyed carrying out the tasks, but some of them became repetitive and boring after a while. Examples of tasks were bank statements, cheques and spreadsheets.
I have gained a lot from my work experience. My IT and communication skills have furtherly developed. I was introduced to working with new programmes on the computer, for example Excel. I think IT skills are so important and the knowledge I have gained will benefit me in 3rd level. Communication skills are essential for any workplace and mine have certainly improved.based on my experience. It was my first time in a workplace and I was not afraid to ask questions about tasks. This will be important for any 3rd level institution or any future workplace.
Based on the work experience, I came to the conclusion that sitting at an office all day wouldn’t be for me. I think I would be more interested in a job that is variable. However, I still really enjoyed the work experience there and am now considering a career in the business world.
Thanks to all employers
Aisling O Reilly
