Paula Harte
One important aspect of the role is to keep up-to-date with current information in relation to education and careers. You also need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as you are dealing with a wide variety of people on a day to day basis. Having empathy and understanding for people is very important and always be willing to be self reflective. To be inquisitive and always asking questions of yourself and others is also important.
It is a privilege to be part of people’s journey and to hear their stories. To see them go from having low confidence and self esteem to blossom in adult educational programmes is so rewarding. The difficult times that we all find ourselves in has proven to be very challenging in the last few years. People are finding it difficult to cope with life’s demands and it can be a challenge at times to hold them and offer hope and opportunities.
(submitted July 2012)