#GradStories Hayley Kilgallon, Programmes Assistant, For Purpose

What’s your name, job title and employer?

My name is Hayley Kilgallon and I'm the program's assistant at Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and I am taking part in the For Purpose graduate program.

What are the main tasks you do in your job in a normal week?

At Social Entrepreneurs Ireland I work as part of the impact team and I support the running of various events and trainings for Social Entrepreneurs across Ireland as part of our selection process. On support programs a normal week at work for me could involve helping to answer and direct queries from participants on our programs, tracking and monitoring program progress and organising arrangements for upcoming training days for helping other members of the team with community events.

What skills do you need to be successful in your role?

Having good organizational skills are definitely really important and the ability to plan effectively because I have to balance a lot of projects at the one time. I've also seen my project management and event management skills develop as an important aspect of my role and I'd say underpinning all of that, it's important to have good interpersonal skills. I spend a lot of time communicating and interacting with people whether they be participants in our programs, external facilitators or supporters for just other team members about Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.

How would you describe the company you work for?

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland support people who have an idea to change the approach to a social problem in Ireland. Some of our alumni would be FoodCloud , the Irish Men’s Shed Association and AsIAm

What do you love about your job?

I love that my job is really varied and engaging, and Social entrepreneurs Ireland is an exciting place to work. It's so rewarding to meet with social entrepreneurs who are trying to change the approach to a social problem in Ireland and I find that inspires me massively day-to-day and gives me a great sense of purpose which is something that's really important to me and something that drew me to the For Purpose graduate program.

What did you do as a student that has helped you on your career?

I would definitely recommend getting involved in clubs or societies at university. I was involved with the UCD ladies GAA club as a volunteer and that experience was a huge benefit to me and it gave me an insight into the behind the scene works that goes on voluntary at organisations. As well as that I'd advise students to really focus on developing a strong transferable skill set and a good work ethic that's really helped me and I think put yourself forward for different things out of your comfort zone. Whether that's giving presentations, getting involved in group projects or class discussions all that has been really helpful in my career so far.

How did you get into your job?

I saw the position at Social Entrepreneurs Ireland advertised via For Purpose on the gradireland website and after submitting my application to For Purpose I did a phone interview with them followed by a face-to-face interview to assess my suitability for the position and for their program. I then interviewed with Social Entrepreneurs Ireland for which I had to prepare a presentation and a written piece. I then met with the CEO of the organization before being offered the position.