Blog » Deirdre Hughes

Deirdre Hughes

3rd November 2016

Role: Principal Research Fellow

Company: University of Warwick

Track Record:

Experience  in a wide range of sectors has helped Deirdre Hughes build a multi-faceted career and varied portfolio of work.

Give a brief outline of your career to date.

I grew up in Coleraine in the 1960s -1980s and started my career as a clerical assistant in the Motor Vehicle Taxation Department, County Hall, Coleraine. I now specialise in careers policies, research and practice at an international, national and regional level. I was Commissioner at the UK Commission for Employment & Skills (July 2011 – September 2015) reporting directly to Ministers across the UK. I also Chaired the National Careers Council in England, (May 2012 – September 2014) working with three Skills Ministers. I am a leading international and EU expert in quality assurance and evidence-based policies and practices in careers work, currently working with European Public Employment Services across Europe on career coaching, labour market information and the use of ICT (2014-2018). I currently chair the Independent Quality and Governance Board for the UK matrix quality standard and the ‘Core Maths Support Programme’ in England – promotions. I began my career in earnest working with young people not in education, training or employment (NEET) and I have retained a great passion for this work. On November 8 and 9 SkillsNI will be formally launched at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast attracting over 7,000 young people, parents and employers from across Northern Ireland (and further afield). Come and join us!

What was your favourite subject at school?

English Literature.

Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?

I was keen to leave school to find a job as soon as possible. I left school at 17 years old having previously worked after school and in Saturday jobs at a hairdressers, a café, and (a shoe shop. At the age of 23, I realised that I wanted to return to study at a further education college. Having had more work experience, later at the age of 25, I was accepted onto a Post-Graduate Diploma in Career Guidance at the University West of England (formerly Bristol Polytechnic). I then went on to complete a Masters in Education with the Open University, followed by a Readership Award and completion of a PhD through Publications at the University of Derby.

How did you get into your area of work?

I was always curious about how people find suitable work opportunities. I think this was because I grew up in Northern Ireland at a time when unemployment was high and I could see first hand the damage unemployment can do to an individual and family’s life. I applied for a job as an Unemployment Employment specialist and was given the job because I explained in my interview that this seemed a total contradiction. They seemed impressed and gave me the job!

Is this what you always wanted to do?

I always wanted to work with people and to support them in finding a ‘line of sight to work’.  I started in the civil service, then social service and moved into the careers service. I then discovered I enjoyed being a trainer and managing people and projects. I didn’t want to work only in the public sector, so I moved into the private and voluntary sectors to broaden my knowledge, skills and experience. I’m now a portfolio worker, running my own business, DMH & Associates Ltd, a Principal Research Fellow at the University of Warwick, Institute for Employment Research and an International Consultant on careers policy, research and practice. The role of a portfolio worker wasn’t invented when I started out on my career – just like today i.e. we are preparing people for a future jobs that we don’t know exist.

Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?

Having academic qualifications is important, but experience in a wide range of differing sectors and settings is crucial. Good communication skills – written and verbal – are necessary because I often deliver keynote presentations. Essentially, my job is varied and I work with global, national and regional organisations.

Are there alternative routes into the job?

Nowadays, anyone can build a portfolio of jobs.

What are the main personal skills your job requires?

Good communication skills, patience and a ‘can do’ attitude.

What does a typical day entail?

There is no such thing as a typical day. Every week is different!

What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?

The best aspect of my portfolio work is meeting people and encouraging governments to invest in improving careers information, advice and guidance for young people and adults. The most challenging aspects is often convincing politicians that many young people and adults want face-to-face careers support, for example online services are great, but this doesn’t suit everyone, particularly those most disadvantaged in local communities.

Why is what you do important?

There are major skills shortages and skills mismatch and Northern Ireland’s talent pipeline needs to be strengthened for the economy to succeed. Learning and work has become increasingly complex. That’s why I’m bringing best practice in the form of an interactive Skills Show aimed at 14-19 year olds later this month.

What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?

Career is a sequence of life and work experiences over time. When it comes to learning and work, we all have to build our own pathway. Find people who inspire you, make time to research ideas and gain experiences of the world of work.

If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?

Play my piano and go to keep fit classes.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?

Smile, listen to instructions and try to be helpful to other colleagues.

Describe your ideal day off.

Spending time socialising in Belfast, Castlerock or Derry/Londnderry with my sisters and brother.

And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?

Being motivated and organised. Keep a record of the jobs you have applied for and, most importantly, check your Facebook page – employers then to do this before interviews. Stay ahead of the curve!

http://www.skillsnorthernireland.co.uk/

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