Michael O'Leary/Education department: What's it like to work in St Patrick's College? I teach and supervise in-service diploma, post graduate diploma, BA, MA, BEd. M.Ed, EdD and PhD students.

I collaborate on research projects with colleagues in the college and in other universities in Ireland and abroad. I attend a number of conferences each year. For example, in April I will be travelling with four colleagues to present at the American Educational Research Association conference in Montreal.

While the workload is heavy, the working environment is excellent.

People often describe St Patrick's as a friendly place and coming into work is something I really look forward to (most of the time!).

How does this job compare to your last job?

I worked as a full-time researcher in the Educational Research Centre. The job was very interesting but not as varied as the one I do now.

What's the best part of your job?

Being around engaging, creative, smart, enthusiastic people (both staff and the student body).

What's the hardest part of your job?

Without question, marking hundreds of exam papers and assignments.

Where's the best place in St Patrick's to retreat to when it all gets too much?

There are two places actually: the Quiet Place - a beautiful circular room with stained glass windows ideal for meditation - and, when the weather is nice, the Quad, part of the 19th- century building and quite atmospheric and olde worlde.

Who's your education idol?

The principal of the school I worked in for 15 years, Paddy O'Brien. I learned a great deal from him about teaching, professional responsibility and how a sense of humour can be used to great advantage in the classroom.

If you could change one thing about St Patrick's, what would it be?

I would dearly love to see more men in our pre-service teacher education courses.

What's unique about St Patrick's?

The value placed on high quality teaching and the commitment to the large proportion of mature students who choose to study with us.