Irish degree programmes offer better career prospects than expected:
This time last year Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada went on a language strike, speaking nothing but Irish despite the lack of translation resources available in Brussels. This proved a point to the EU that more translators were desperately needed, especially with a knowledge of law or science.
What does this mean? It means that the demand for specialist Irish speakers with a degree has skyrocketed. Students who study in Irish can expect to be considered for one of many well-paid jobs either in the EU or in Ireland.
At present, the Department of Education is part-way through a plan to train 700 students in Irish from 2016 to 2022. The aim is that they accept jobs in the EU – who themselves hope to have all documents and websites as Gaeilge by 2022.
Apart from career prospects in Europe, public bodies in Ireland, from the Defence Forces to your local County Council must also provide content as Gaeilge too.
Speaking about the opportunities offered to graduates, Colm Ó Ciardubháin, lecturer for s Scoil na Gaeilge in DCU, said, “people request services through Irish when dealing with public bodies. If you can help provide that service, all things being equal, you will have a genuine advantage over the competition.“
Someone who has taken these opportunities, graduate Caoimhe Ní Cathail spoke very highly of having a qualification. “I went straight into full time employment in media after completing my course, Gaeilge agus Iriseoireacht. As a bilingual journalist, I have had so many more opportunities come my way.“
Comment from current students seems to be that they chose their course for the love of the language, and to have the option of a career if an opportunity comes.
Ali Spillane, a student of gnó agus Gaeilge spoke of that option, “osclaíonn an Ghaeilge dorais duit cinnte ach phioc mé an cúrsa mar taitníonn an Ghaeilge go mór liom ach ní dhúiltóidh mé jab san AE riamh!“
Deirbhile Ní Cathail, echoed that statement, “I don’t plan to exclusively look for a job through the medium of Irish, or one that requires me to use my Irish. However a company that just happens to work through the medium of Irish, not necessarily having anything to do with it, would be the dream!“
Fiontar agus Scoil na Gaeilge currently offers undergraduate courses in Gno and Iriseoireacht, with Masters courses in Gnó agus I dTeicneolaíocht an Eolais and Léann na Gaeilge.
Tom Douglas
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