Q&A with a Careers Adviser: Niamh Walsh
With a background in History and Politics and 15 years’ experience in diplomacy and international organisations including for the EU, Niamh brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a careers adviser. Now at the University of Oxford Careers Service, she specialises in careers in diplomacy, human rights, and law.
All our careers advisers are experts—but what about the people behind the advice? Let’s get to know Niamh a little better in this Q&A
Q&A with Niamh Walsh:
What’s your one top tip for career planning?
Talk to people as much as you can. Talking to people who work in the areas you are interested in is a short cut to figuring out if it might be for you and they’re journey will give you inspiration and ideas.
What’s something you wish more people knew about the Careers Service?
That our appointments go live at 8am in the morning for two working days later! So many students are frustrated when they can’t get an appointment. The early bird has the advantage!
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from working at the Careers Service?
If you don’t have the answer to something someone in your team almost certainly will have. You just have to ask for help.
Which is the most rewarding part of your role?
When a student realises they have agency and options regarding their own career journey and that all they need to do is take one step forward.
Has anyone ever taken a career path which really surprised you?
Myself! I spent nearly two decades working in human rights and diplomacy and travelling the world. Re-training as a coach and careers adviser and living in the one place for an extended period of time is still a surprise to me and has brought great professional and personal fulfilment.
Have you ever had a mentor who shaped your career? What did they teach you?
One of my first bosses taught me through his example about making the time for people and to hear their story no matter how busy you are. He was a high-level Ambassador but he always made time for people. It gained him the respect of everyone who dealt with him.
What’s one piece of careers advice you wish you had followed sooner?
Keep a careers notebook and make a note of who you meet, work with or hear speak that interests you career-wise, jot down where you met them and why they impressed you – it's amazing how you can quickly forget who is in your network!
Do you have a book, film or podcast which has influenced your professional outlook?
The Women at Work podcast by Harvard Business Review.
1:1 Advice Appointments
Our specialist careers advisers come from a variety of professional backgrounds, including teaching, banking, publishing, and law. All of them, including Niamh Walsh, are equipped to help you with any career-related issue you might have.
