Mairead O’Keeffe-Dumoulin – Career Change to Follow Her Passion for Helping Others

Cork native Mairead O’Keeffe-Dumoulin is working as a Room Leader in a local playschool and afterschool following a successful career change through studying at Portobello Institute.

Before turning to education, Mairead thrived in the sphere of Quality Assurance and Control in a cosmetic manufacturing company. Armed with a Master’s in Food Science, she had professional success in Belgium and later as a Laboratory Manager with a French cosmetic manufacturer. However, a twist came in February 2022 when she faced redundancy.

Facing a pivotal juncture in her life, she sought the guidance of a life coach, determined to redefine her professional trajectory.

Mairead’s journey of reinvention brought her to Portobello Institute, a decision influenced by positive reviews and feedback from a former colleague.

She embarked on SNA Level 5 & 6 combined courses in the summer of 2022 and subsequently pursued the Early Learning and Care level 6 course from October 2022 to July 2023. The digital learning environment of Portobello, coupled with its flexible timings and responsive administration, stood out as remarkable strength.

“I enjoyed my time as a student in both the SNA and ECCE courses, I really felt I got to know them, plus the lecturer was outstanding as she provided us with extra support classes,” she said.

A smaller student cohort in the SNA course facilitated close interactions and peer learning. The larger ECCE Level 6 class had its own charm, with a Whatsapp group acting as a lifeline during assignment deadlines.

Mairead followed her passion by taking this new career path.

“I did follow a passion and that passion was to make a difference however big or small to somebody’s life. I am proud of my achievements, sometimes when I explain what work I am currently doing and what I used to do in the past and explain that I underwent a type of ‘transformation’, I think that I give courage to others who may be thinking of a career change,” she said.

Mairead’s present role is not just a job but a passionate endeavour where she believes she can make a difference, however big or small, to someone’s life every day, whether it’s a child, co-worker, or parent. The transition from Quality Management to becoming a Room Leader is a testament to her adaptability and resilience.

Interestingly, her work as a substitute SNA in a Gaelscoil rekindled her love for the Irish language, showcasing her zest for learning. The ECCE Level 6 qualification acts as a feather in her cap, enabling her to work in a preschool, while her SNA credentials remain a cherished backup for future opportunities.

“My career has completely changed, I used to work in Quality Management and am about to start as a Room Leader in a local playschool. I did school-based and home-based Summer Provision during the summer holidays. I also got to work as a substitute SNA in a Gaelscoil and I was thrilled with this as I have fallen in love with the Irish language at 50! 

“I believe that I am working in a career that I want, I honestly feel that I make a positive difference to somebody’s life every day at work, and this could be a child or a co-worker or a parent. The ECCE level 6 allows me to work in a preschool and I still have my SNA qualification that I can use later on,” she said.

Upon reflection, Mairead wears her transformation badge with pride. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for those contemplating a career change, reinforcing the belief that it’s never too late to follow your passion.

For more information, you can see our SNA Level 5 & 6 combined course or our Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Level 6. Visit our Early Years & Montessori department or our SNA department for more.

You can book a consultation to speak with our expert advisor, Jennifer Matteazzi, about any of our Early Years & Montessori courses. Call her directly on 01 892 0031 or email [email protected].