Evan Hand

• Placement with TD Tom Brabazon.
• Anticipated Skills:
• Observing parliamentary debates, committee sessions, and legislative procedures.
• Drafting correspondence, preparing briefing notes, and assisting with administrative duties.
• Supporting constituency engagement, learning how TDs balance national responsibilities with local representation.
• Developing political awareness, professional conduct, and insight into Ireland’s democratic institutions.
• Exposure to both the national parliamentary chamber (Dáil Éireann) and the broader workings of Leinster House.

Oversaw polling stations during national elections.

• Skills gained:
• Electoral integrity: ensured fair and transparent voting procedures.
• Public service responsibility: managed sensitive tasks under strict legal frameworks.
• Attention to detail: verified voter lists and ballot handling.
• Conflict management: addressed queries and resolved issues calmly.
• Civic engagement: contributed to Ireland’s democratic process.

• Selected for national work experience programme (one of 75 students nationwide). No student from my school had been selected for many years.
• Skills gained:
• Parliamentary insight: observed debates, committee work, and legislative processes.
• Networking: engaged with officials and peers from across Ireland, strengthening professional presence.
• Research and analysis: learned how policy is debated and shaped.
• Representation: acted as school delegate in a prestigious national programme.
• Professional conduct: operated in a formal political environment, demonstrating maturity and initiative.
• Comparative observation: connected Irish parliamentary practice with broader democratic traditions.

• Skills gained:
• Professional administration: managed filing systems, catalogued lockers, and processed correspondence.
• Confidentiality: handled sensitive materials responsibly, including secure shredding and deliveries.
• Logistics: coordinated distribution of uniforms, printer cartridges, and COVID-19 supplies.
• Public service insight: observed court cases and learned about specialist Garda units.
• Discipline and accuracy: maintained high standards in documentation and record-keeping.
• Networking: engaged with Garda personnel across multiple specialist divisions.

• Skills gained:
• Customer engagement: advised on products, handled queries, and ensured positive shopping experiences.
• Retail operations: cashier duties, stock management, and merchandising.
• Creativity: built displays and demonstrated products to attract customers.
• Team collaboration: worked with colleagues to meet seasonal demand.
• Time management: balanced multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Conflict resolution: managed customer complaints and found solutions under pressure.
• Commercial awareness: understood sales targets and contributed to store performance.

• Skills gained:
• Safety and risk management: prepared equipment and ensured participant safety.
• Instructional support: assisted the lead instructor in teaching and guiding groups.
• Leadership: supervised young participants and encouraged teamwork.
• Adaptability: responded to changing weather and sea conditions.
• Event coordination: helped organize daily camp activities.
• Mentorship: motivated participants to build confidence in outdoor sports.
• Responsibility: upheld safety and professionalism in a recreational setting.

• Skills gained:
• Educational support: assisted teachers with lesson preparation and classroom management.
• Child engagement: supported literacy and numeracy development.
• Organizational skills: prepared materials, laminating, photocopying, and setting up PE events.
• Responsibility: ensured student safety during yard duty.
• Communication: built rapport with children and staff.
• Empathy and patience: supported diverse learning needs.
• Initiative: assisted with unexpected classroom challenges.