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Rasaq Falade, Garda Reserve

Rasaq Falade is a Garda Reserve in Listowel, Co. Kerry. Originally from Nigeria, he studied in IT Tralee where he recieved a BSc Honours degree in Analytical Science. Rasaq works up to sixteen hours a week in the Reserve and can be called upon to assist when there are large events such as football matches or concerts taking place.

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What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?

Being a humanitarian person who believes in commitment to community service and also coming from a background where the police force are armed and now entering into a society where the police force are unarmed, leading effectively, highly respected and trusted by the people.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

My father who was a civil servant and my Tralee local employment service counsellor, who also is a civil servant.

How did you go about getting your current job?

I saw the recruitment campaign advertisement on the internet and I applied through www.publicjobs.ie. I got my first telephone interview a few months after, then I was shortlisted for the selection test and passed, from there I went for final interview and medical tests.

Describe a typical day?

Being a Garda is different from other jobs where you have a pre-set task ahead. Everyday is different from the other, but a typical day starts with a parade in the station where you get briefed of any situation at hand, this is followed by regular beat patrol within the community, attending to calls and needs of the public.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

Protection of life and properties
Maintaining law and order (Law enforcement)
Community and neighbourhood policing
Traffic and crowd control
Giving evidence in court

What are the main challenges?

Attending to emergency situations where you are expected to act rapidly in a dangerous environment with a wide range of different people, some of whom may be hostile to you (e.g. in a riot or fight), also working with people in distress and taking decisions that will affect life and livelihoods and sometimes on the basis of incomplete and ambiguous information.

What do you like most?

What I really like about my job is the whole essence of being able to serve my community and gaining their trust.

Is there anything that isn't great?

Nothing really as every job comes with its own hazard.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

Interpersonal relations with people of different backgrounds
Excellence analytical and planning skills
Problem solving ability
Team player (ability to lead and be part of a team)
Hard work and good time management

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

Having come from an analytical science and business management background these have influenced my career path by paying attention to details, accurate reporting and having a critical and analytical angle of viewing situations as well as effective leadership and people management qualities.

What is your education to date?

MBA – Institute of Technology Tralee
BSC(Hons) Analytical Science - Institute of Technology Tralee
HND Food Technology – Yaba College of Technology, Lagos – Nigeria
Leaving Cert – Oniwaya High School, Agege, Lagos – Nigeria
Occupational First Aid (Fetac Level 5) – Garda College
Certificate in Information Technology – IT Tralee, Kerry
Pharmaceutical Training – IT Tallaght, Dublin

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

Both Analytical Science and Business Administration.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Being able to represent and give a positive image to the minority community in Ireland as a member of An Garda Siochana.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

Calm and collected
Effective planning
Self-motivated

What is your dream job?

A job that gives me an opportunity to serve, lead and take responsibilities. As I understand leadership to be all about trust and not position.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Yes, it is part-time with relatively flexible hours so it gives me the opportunity to do other jobs and study as well as spend quality time with my family.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

Anyone considering this job should be ready to work thoughtfully rather than reactively. Also they should be emotionally present and ready to facilitate meaningful conversation.

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Honesty
Accountability
Respect

What is your pet hate at work?

An unorganised environment and unorganised people.

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

Yes I have and willing to do more.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Any job that is customer focused where you are dealing with the public.

What is your current job title?

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