Conal Harkin

I completed a Level 8 Bachelor of Science at NUI Galway without being completely sure where I wanted it to take me. It took some time, work and life experience for me to realise that science wasn't where I saw my future. What kept standing out instead was how much I valued working directly with people.

Through mentoring, coaching, supporting people with intellectual disabilities and autism, and working alongside a young person experiencing social anxiety and disengagement from education, I began to see a different direction for myself. I have seen how important it can be to have someone who does not judge, does not take over and does not disappear when progress is slow. Sometimes the most useful thing you can do is show up, listen and stay alongside someone while they find their own way forward.

I think that is where I have something real to offer. I read people and situations well. I am patient and know when to step in and when to step back. I can start small, build support around where somebody is at and move at their pace, rather than mine.

I am empathetic, but practical. If I commit to somebody, I follow through. I also know that support isn't about making somebody dependent on you - it is about helping them build the confidence to do more for themselves.

I now want to build a career supporting young people, particularly those facing barriers to confidence, wellbeing, participation or education.

Youth

Pathways appeals to me because of its focus on practical, individualised support. I am not pretending to arrive with years of professional youth-work experience or all the answers. What I bring is commitment, maturity, good judgement, lived experience and a genuine willingness to learn from experienced colleagues, including how to work alongside families, schools and other services.

Youth Kayaking Activities - Independent Volunteer - Christchurch

(2026)

• Help bring young people kayaking, using outdoor activity and encouragement to support participation, confidence and positive connections.
• Build rapport through shared activities, conversation and an approachable, consistent presence in an informal setting.

Volunteer - Addiction Recovery Helpline - Christchurch

(2026)

• Respond to calls from people seeking support with alcohol-related difficulties, listening respectfully, without judgement, and recognising confidentiality and boundaries.
• Offer a calm point of contact while respecting callers’ choices and independence.

Personal Training, Mentoring & Wellbeing Support - Self-employed

(2025 - 2026-07)

• Worked one-to-one and in small groups with young people and adults, including people with intellectual disabilities and autism, using physical activity to support confidence, routine, wellbeing and connection.
• Provided consistent one-to-one mentoring to a young person who had left school and was experiencing significant social anxiety, low confidence and loss of routine. Collected him and trained with him at the gym three times each week, creating a dependable point of contact when he had very little other structure in his week.
• The support went beyond the gym. The car journeys, conversations and simply spending regular time together created a safe, trusted space. I learned when to talk, when to listen, when to encourage and when to give him room, always working at his pace.
• Built the support gradually rather than taking over: small achievable steps, consistency and encouragement helped him develop confidence physically, mentally and socially while retaining ownership of his own decisions.
• Over time he began taking greater ownership of his next steps and has since moved towards counselling and returning to education. The experience showed me how a small but reliable support can become an important scaffold while somebody rebuilds confidence and direction.
• That commitment - showing up three times a week and staying consistent - changed how I understood support work and helped me recognise that this is an area in which I have something genuine to offer.
• Planned individual sessions, adapted activities to different needs, managed appointments and communication, and maintained basic records; skills I am keen to develop further in youth-support planning and reporting.

Youth Coach - Colga FAI Summer & Soccer Camps

• Coached children and young people with different personalities, abilities and confidence levels through structured football activities.
• Used sport to create connection, belonging and opportunities to build teamwork, confidence and resilience.
• Learned to read group dynamics, notice when somebody was struggling or disengaging, and know when to step in or give them space.
• Maintained clear boundaries and responsibility for a safe environment while bringing encouragement and good humour.

Work Experience Placement, Children with Additional Needs - Corlann - Rosedale School

• Supported children with intellectual and additional needs in structured activities and everyday school routines.
• Adapted communication, pace and expectations to the individual rather than assuming the same approach would work for everyone.
• Developed practical awareness of dignity, inclusion, safeguarding, professional boundaries and supporting participation and independence.

Work Experience Placement - Northampton National School - Kinvara

• Assisted with classroom activities and routines, supporting children's engagement, participation and positive behaviour.

Sales Assistant - Centra - Kilcolgan, Co. Galway

(2024 - 2026-07)

• Worked with people from a wide range of backgrounds in a busy community environment, developing patience, straightforward communication and the ability to read situations.
• Built a strong record of reliability, teamwork, punctuality and staying level-headed when priorities changed.

Bachelor of Science (Level 8) - NUI Galway, Ireland (2020 - 2024)

Leaving Certificate - Calasanctius College, Oranmore (2014 - 2020)