My Career: ‘I continuously learn new things from colleagues and visitors’

Name: Susannah Ahern

Age: A lady never ages past 18 in her heart

Lives: Cork city

Job title: Programme Heritage and Education Manager at Nano Nagle Place.

Salary bracket: It falls somewhere within the typical salary range for charity sector - though, like many in this field, it’s as much a calling as it is a career!

Education background: Distinction, Cultural and Heritage Studies Third Level, Diploma in Project Management, UCD. Distinction in Event Management, College of Comm. Certificate in Leadership Management, Failte Ireland. Certificate in Museum Practices with IMA Retail and Hospitality Certificate.

Hobbies: My hobbies include travel and education. I love exploring new places and learning about different cultures, which has greatly enriched my understanding of the world. Traveling allows me to experience history first-hand and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, I am ionate about museology and continuously seek opportunities to expand my knowledge.

Whether it’s through formal courses, workshops, or self-study, I enjoy learning new skills and staying updated with the latest developments in my field. These hobbies not only provide personal fulfilment but also contribute to my professional growth.

Describe your job in five words: Inclusive, creative, inspirational, social, and flexible.

Describe yourself in five words: Outgoing, curious, ionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable.

Personality needed for this kind of work?

As Programme Heritage and Education Manager at Nano Nagle Place, you need to be extremely organised, dynamic, and driven. In addition to these skills, you must possess humility and comion.

Humility allows me to appreciate the rich history and stories of Nano Nagle and the people I work with. Comion enables me to connect with visitors and colleagues on a deeper level, understanding their needs and aspirations. An openness to humanity is crucial, as it fosters an inclusive environment.

How long are you doing this job? I have been working in this role since 2017, when Nano Nagle Place opened to the public.

How did you get this job? After completing a course in Heritage Studies, I was eager to change my career path. A friend informed me that Nano Nagle Place was seeking ambassadors, and I was immediately intrigued.

The redevelopment of the site piqued my curiosity, and having attended school here, I felt a deep connection and affinity with the place. The opportunity to be part of such a significant project was incredibly exciting. I was thrilled to secure the role and to be involved in the vibrant cultural and heritage activities at Nano Nagle Place. This role allowed me to combine my ion for history, education, and community engagement, making it a perfect fit for my skills and interests.

Do you need particular qualifications or experience? An inquisitive nature and eagerness to learn and develop, coupled with courses on history and museums, are hugely helpful as well as experience in people management.

Describe a day at work: My day begins with organising and preparing for various events and activities. I start by checking emails and responding to inquiries, ensuring everything is meticulously planned and executed. My background in management has equipped me with the skills to handle these tasks efficiently and effectively.

Throughout the day, I engage with visitors and staff, providing them with information about Nano Nagle’s legacy and the cultural offerings. My leadership experience helps me to manage visitor interactions smoothly and ensure a positive experience for everyone.

I coordinate with external partners and organise visits for groups, ensuring their experience is enriching and memorable. This involves meticulous planning and effective communication to meet the diverse needs of our visitors. My project management skills come into play here, as I am adept at handling logistics and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

In addition to these activities, I am responsible for programme planning for exhibitions and the curation of the museum. This includes developing and implementing engaging exhibits that highlight Nano Nagle’s contributions to education and social justice, as well as ensuring the museum’s collections are well-maintained and presented. My leadership experience is crucial in managing these projects and ensuring they are executed to the highest standard.

As an executive at Nano Nagle Place, and steward of Nano, we discuss strategic plans and commitments as part of the wider NNP Plans. These meetings are crucial for aligning NNP goals with its mission and values.

My leadership skills are essential in these discussions, as I contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation. I also provide line management to the ambassadors, guiding and ing them in their roles to ensure they deliver exceptional service and uphold the values of Nano Nagle Place.

Overall, my role involves a mix of istrative tasks, visitor engagement, collaboration with colleagues, programme planning for exhibitions, curation of the museum, and participation in executive meetings. It’s a dynamic and fulfilling role that allows me to make a positive impact on the community while preserving and celebrating the legacy of Nano Nagle. My retail management and leadership experience play a significant role in ensuring the success of these activities.

How many hours do you work a week? Usually, 40-plus, but it depends on what’s on in the week.

What do you wear to work? It depends on the day, I mostly dress smart casual, but depending on the day, it may need to be more formal. Comfort is always key.

Is your industry male or female dominated? Female.

Does this affect you in any particular way? No.

Is your job stressful? How? Rate it on a scale of 1-10. Overall, my job can occasionally be challenging when faced with multiple deadlines due to the variety of responsibilities and commitments. However, it is incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to make a positive impact both nationally and globally.

Do you work with others or on your own?

I am fortunate to work with incredible colleagues who are equally ionate about sharing Nano Nagle’s story. This creates numerous opportunities for collaboration.

When do you plan to retire or give up working? I will work for as long as I can.

Best bits: Working at Nano Nagle Place offers numerous rewarding experiences. I am fortunate to come to work every day in an oasis in the middle of the city, surrounded by tranquil gardens and historic buildings.

The diversity of people I interact with enriches my daily experience, and I continuously learn new things from both colleagues and visitors. The collaborative environment and the opportunity to contribute to preserving and celebrating the legacy of Nano Nagle make my role incredibly fulfilling.

Worst bits: I struggle to say no, but I’m learning the value in it. There is always not enough time in the day.

Advice to those who want your job: Begin wherever you are and always maintain curiosity and optimism. As the saying goes, “what’s meant for you won’t you by.”

Follow your ion and stay committed to your goals. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, and never underestimate the power of perseverance and dedication.