DCU Voices

2021 EDITION 41 ALUMNI PROFILE Guiding light After a 20-year nursing career, Dora O’Neill returned to full-time education, but it wasn’t plain sailing, she tells the DCU Alumni Office. The feeling of apprehension is what Dora O’Neill recalls when she describes her early days as a mature student on the Masters in Guidance Counselling at DCU. “It was so long since I had undertaken any formal study and, also, this was the catalyst for a new career,” she says. However, once she experienced the “diverse” nature of the university campus, Dora realised that “it didn’t matter what age you were or what you were studying - everyone blended in.” Alongside her studies, Dora also found time to volunteer as a Career Ambassador for a year, during which she met and advised many students at the weekly career clinics. “These students had so much to offer, but very often they undervalued their achievements and their contribution to society, so it was satisfying to help them identify their uniqueness and the skills they had acquired,” she says. Graduating in March 2020 was not ideal, and Dora also faced the challenge of a lack of experience when it came to deciding on her post-graduation career path. However, after volunteering for some time to gain experience, as well as speaking at a webinar about her career break and return to education as a mature student, Dora found herself inundated with requests by people looking for guidance on the next step in their own careers. In June 2021, Dora commenced a new role as a Guidance Counselor with the Higher Education Authority on the Springboard + initiative, providing potential students with comprehensive, impartial advice and guidance on Springboard + education options. “It is an opportunity for me to support those in employment, the unemployed and returners who wish to return to education, in order to upskill or reskill.” Dora also works part-time as a Senior Associate for Career Reboot Ltd., where she leads community engagement and career clinics on the ‘Recharge, Reboot’ Programme. “I empower clients to find their purpose and fulfil their potential, whether they are returning to work or education following a career break, career pivoting, starting their own business, or seeking promotion.” Reflecting on her own return to education, Dora credits the new skills she acquired through her studies and placements, as well as her transferable skills from nursing, as big factors that influenced her career. “In nursing, the priority was to listen and take action; in guidance counselling, it is listening to understand.” She adds: “Having experienced a severe loss of confidence and self-worth while on a career break to raise my four sons, my return to education and subsequent new career have provided me with a clear purpose, renewed confidence and motivation. Being able to inspire and assist others in reaching their potential is definitely a highlight. DoraO’Neill (MSc Guidance Counselling, 2020) “Having experienced a severe loss of confidence and self- worthwhile on a career break to raise my four sons, my return to education providedmewith a clear purpose, renewed confidence andmotivation.”