Majella O'Shea, Director: Busy and exciting. There is never time to get bored. But we have a great team of people here and the work ethic is fantastic.

We also find plenty of opportunities for fun. Laughter is considered a healthy aspect of the work environment and it can often be heard ringing through the walls of 24 Merrion Square in Dublin.

How does this job compare to your last job?

My last job was principal of a post-primary school, Coláiste Lorcáin, in Castledermot, Co Kildare. It was also a busy job and I loved it, especially the interaction with the students. I am still working towards improving the educational experience of the students. The difference is that now I am using what I learned as a teacher and principal to help shape what happens at national level.

My current job sometimes takes me into schools and I still really enjoy that aspect of the work.

What's the best part of your job?

The best part of the job is my work on the Review of Senior Cycle Education, which is very exciting. I work as part of a team seeking to pull ideas from many stakeholders in education together into a set of proposals for the future of senior-cycle education.

We also have to research the international scene to make sure that what we are proposing is in line with the best of what is happening elsewhere. This work involves very interesting exchanges of ideas and is very creative.

Another great aspect of my job is that it involves meeting a lot of people, through meetings, making presentations, conferences and so on.

What's the hardest part of your job?

Getting there. I live in Carlow and my commute can take two- and-a-half hours each way.

Communication and problem-solving are vital elements of being a director with the NCCA and I call on those skills several times a day. But I believe strongly in doing the best I can do and then letting go of the outcomes. Once I know I have done my best, I don't worry and I will stand over my decisions. I think that's important to be able to move on with your work and prevent stress.

Who's your education idol?

I don't have one education idol. My idols would be all the students I have encountered over my career, especially those who were losing their way, or hit on difficult and challenging times, and believed in themselves enough to overcome their difficulties to make the life they wanted for themselves. They have been instrumental in forming my beliefs about what education should be like today.

As educators, I believe it is important that we do everyting we can to facilitate them on their journey, by providing them with more flexible options.

If you could change one thing about the NCCA what would it be?

Its location. I would move it closer to Carlow. It would then be the perfect place to work.

What's unique about your job?

Having the opportunity to listen to what people say, through consultation, and then influence change at national level. Although it might sometimes feel slow, that is a necessary aspect of the work to ensure that what we propose is good and beneficial to the future of our young people.