In O'Connell Secondary School we are fortunate to be placed in Dublin 1. We optimise our location by building relationships with business in the IFSC and the city. With these connections our students have availed of work experience, scholarships and internships. Here are a few of the scholarships / internships that our students have been successful in achieving:
The Central Bank Scholarship Award
We are delighted to be the school who won the Central Bank Scholarship for the last 2 years. In 2018 Calum Osbourne won this prestigious scholarship. In 2019 Philip Corpuz won the scholarship. On this scholarship both Philip and Calum benefit from:
- A competitive salary (c. €26,470)
- 24 days’ annual leave
- Excellent personal development and training opportunities
- Educational assistance and paid study leave
- Flexible working hours and excellent work-life balance
- Defined benefit pension scheme
- Great sports and social opportunities
- A growing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme
- Employee wellness programmes
- Subsidised staff restaurant
- TaxSaver commuter ticket scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme.
The Summer Work Placement Programme
Every year the North East Inner City Task Force work closely with the 'Business in the Community' group to offer internships over the Summer. Many students from the Dublin 1 area apply and 2 students are chosen. Here is a case study on our student, Renan, who won the internship in 2019 and how it has changed his life.:
Renan Henrique Campos de Oliveira Case study SWPP 2019
Renan arrived in Ireland from Brazil in early 2016 to join his mother, who had been here since 2011. He started in O Connell Secondary School in Dublin 1 in 3rd Year, but did not do his Junior Cert as his English was not yet good enough. Over the next two years he worked hard at improving his English language skills to successfully sit his Leaving Certificate in 2019. When the NEIC Summer Work Placement Programme presented itself, Renan jumped at the opportunity to apply. At the introduction session in his school, he asked lots of questions and it was clear he was very keen. He said he liked his Business subjects and would love a career in this area. He attended the BITC workshops and interviewed for 2 companies. Both interviews went well and he was rated highly. Both companies gave great feedback. Renan was subsequently placed with Irish Funds for 8 weeks.
Over the course of his placement, feedback from Irish Funds was very positive. Renan was working with checking large data sets, which required paying close attention to detail. Company feedback indicated that Renan was personable and reliable, he had a sunny disposition and always engaged positively with his colleagues. He was always determined to complete his work and was frequently looking for his next task. His openness to ask questions also showed his willingness to complete his work correctly.
When August came around, Renan was very disappointed with his Leaving Certificate results – he did not get any CAO offer and was not sure what he would do next. He was thinking of taking a gap year. He sought the advice of his colleagues in Irish Funds and they advised doing a course. With their help and that of his school guidance counsellor, he explored the option of the ‘CAO available course list’ and struck lucky. He managed to secure a late place on a business degree course in Dublin Business School. Irish Funds were very supportive of Renan throughout and even offered him a part-time role for this academic year. Now, he goes to work every Monday after his morning lectures and to quote him :
‘my life would be 100% different, if I did not do the Summer Work Placement Programme. The people in Irish Funds are amazing, especially Sara and Sean. They even offered to help me with my exam preparation. I have so much to be thankful for’.