Antoinette Byrne/Property surveyor, Pierse Contracting: Seven years ago Antoinette Byrne was keeping a room full of small people happy as a Montessori teacher.
Then she decided to move to another discipline with an altogether different set of demands.
Last month she graduated top of her class in a BSc in property valuation and management.
It was back in the summer of 1999 that Antoinette Byrne first dipped a toe in the property waters while working part-time with estate agent Ray Gaffney in Arklow, Co Wicklow.
"I just wanted a change and property was big business at the time."
The summer work decided it for her and she signed up for a full-time course in auctioneering and estate agency recognised by the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute (IAVI).
Just over three years ago she joined one of the country's biggest builders Pierse Contracting.
As a property surveyor, she co-ordinates the closing of residential sales.
She studied part-time for the IAVI-recognised BSc to complete her training.
"There are many skills that are required.
"You need a mix of people skills, communication skills, marketing, as well as being organised.
"Women are good at multi-tasking and it's great to see so many in the property industry.
"The pace is not easing off. It's still as hectic as ever."
