Pathways to Progress

Would you like to work with a global leader in food services and facilities management?

Sodexo is hiring and they’ve partnered with The Open Doors Initiative for an exclusive online Career Paths event. Join us on September 15th, 11am-12pm for insights into Sodexo’s culture, recruitment process, and daily work life. Register online now: https://lnkd.in/e834D6hZ

Pathways to Progress is a programme of the Open Doors Initiative and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union as part of the European Social Fund Plus Ireland

Towards Work is a programme of the Open Doors Initiative and funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality

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Thank you for joining our event with LinkedIn!

We truly appreciate your time, energy, and enthusiasm. It was a pleasure to connect, learn, and explore new possibilities together.

Stay tuned for more opportunities — we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Just over a week left to apply for The Open Doors Initiative's Future Leader programme!

A 12-month mentorship programme designed to help you achieve your career aspirations, develop new skills, and reach your full potential. Apply by Friday 1st August 2025.

As part of Future Leaders, you’ll have the opportunity to:

- Advance your career path with personalised guidance from an experienced mentor.

- Build or refine essential skills that align with your goals.

- Set and achieve meaningful milestones, with a clear plan and ongoing support.

- Overcome challenges and unlock your potential with actionable strategies.

This programme is not aimed at job seekers or those starting their careers.

This programme is tailored to support professionals who have been working in Ireland for at least one year, who are looking for support in developing their careers, acquiring new skills, or achieving specific goals.

Please complete this form to apply for the Programme: https://forms.office.com/e/VbwcnVnjtv?origin=lprLink

We’re excited to introduce Dudu Simkhumba, Communications Officer in the Civil Service and a proud participant in our Future Leaders Programme.

“The Future Leaders Programme has been very instrumental in my career growth. I feel more empowered and have full confidence in planning for my career development. I have regained my confidence, found my voice and most importantly, I have learnt that leadership is not about the power but it’s about the impact.”

— Dudu Simkhumba

Dudu’s journey is a powerful example of how the right support and opportunities can unlock leadership potential and build confidence from the

If you are interested in participating the Future Leaders Programme, please sign-up here: https://lnkd.in/e8VeYfHB

Introducing LinkedIn's AI Coaches: Empowering Professionals with AI Fluency

We’re excited to support our partner LinkedIn in launching their new programme AI Coaches. The programme aims to support professionals and job seekers through coaching, and help them overcome barriers and unlock new opportunities using AI.

LinkedIn and Open Doors are launching this new programme with an exclusive in-person event at the LinkedIn offices in Dublin. We'll hear from experts, learn about using AI responsibly at work, and connect with peers. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with LinkedIn coaches and work together on their AI skills.

Event details:
🗓️ Wednesday, July 23rd
🕒 13:30 – 17:30
📌 LinkedIn HQ, 4 Wilton Place, 6th Floor (Executive Briefing Centre)

If you're a professional looking to upskill in AI, this is your opportunity to learn from the best!

Please register in advance, places are limited: https://forms.office.com/e/Dg2rvmSqa8?origin=lprLink

The deadline for registration is - 18th of July

Join the Open Doors Initiative Job Ready Programme!

This is a four-week, online programme to help job seekers prepare to enter the Irish job market. Those who successfully complete the programme will:

• Learn how to navigate the Irish job market

• Receive tailored support about key topics such as CV writing, job interview preparation, and LinkedIn profiles

• Understand Irish work culture, communication styles, and employment rights

• Improve their chances of finding work in Ireland

• Receive a completion certificate with a list of the skills learned during the programme

If you're interested, please register by Monday 11th of August: https://lnkd.in/dFYtK7zz

The next programme will start on Monday 18th of August.

We’re proud to introduce Gurkan Ates, a rising young professional and participant in the Future Leaders Programme.

“Thanks to Pathways to Progress, I have the chance to connect with an experienced industry professional who supports and guides my leadership development. Each session reminds me that leadership is a skill—just like any other—that grows through practice, reflection, and passion.

From our very first meeting, my mentor and I found a natural and friendly connection, which made it easy to have open, meaningful conversations.

What makes this experience even more special is the genuine and warm atmosphere created by both Open Doors and Pathways to Progress. That same spirit is reflected in my relationship with my mentor, who kindly dedicates his time to help me grow as a young professional. It’s something I deeply value and truly appreciate.”

— Gurkan Ates

Gurkan’s story is a powerful reminder of how mentorship and meaningful connection can inspire confidence, leadership, and growth.

If you are interested in participating the Future Leaders Programme, please sign-up here: https://forms.office.com/e/VbwcnVnjtv?origin=lprLink

Apply now to join the Open Doors Initiative Business English course, delivered in partnership with AllTalk Training and supported by European Social Fund Plus Ireland. It is open to anyone who is a migrant, refugee, or asylum seeker (including those under Temporary Protection) over 18 years of age and will be delivered online.

The course content has been designed specifically for those working in business settings in Ireland and will help the trainees to improve their interaction with their colleagues as well as managers, allowing for fewer misunderstandings and better performance.

For further details on the course and application process, visit: https://lnkd.in/eeRSn2b6
Apply by Wednesday 16th July 2025.

Pathways to Progress is a programme of the Open Doors Initiative funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality

🎁 Get a Free LinkedIn Premium Subscription – Our Gift to You! 🎁

At Pathways to Progress, we believe in your growth. That’s why we’re giving away LinkedIn Premium licenses – absolutely free!

To claim your gift:

1️⃣ Follow us

2️⃣ Share this post with 3 friends

3️⃣ Take a screenshot showing you’ve completed the steps

4️⃣ Send it to [email protected]

📩 Email subject: "Gift from ODI"

Take your career and networking to the next level – on us!

Ever considered Public Relations as a career? Apply before July 7th for the prestigious Public Relations Institute of Ireland Diploma bursary and a paid internship with a leading PR agency Harris Public Relations for 9 months!

Devised to contribute to a more diverse, stronger, stable future for PR and communications, The Public Relations Institute of Ireland’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Bursary is developed in partnership with The Open Doors Initiative and is now in its fourth year. 2025 will mark the second year of the internship with Harris Public Relations. The aim of the initiative is to create a pathway for people from under-represented groups in society to train in public relations and communications.

The bursary includes a place on the PRII Diploma in Public Relations with fees covered and a nine-month paid internship with Harris PR, including equipment, mentorship, and professional development planning throughout. ODI will support the recruitment of the successful candidate.

Commenting on the announcement of the bursary, Sonia Harris Pope MPRII, Founder and Managing Director of Harris Public Relations, says: “Not everyone has a straightforward path to a career in PR – that’s certainly my own experience and that of many of my peers and colleagues. Public relations is an industry that really benefits from diverse perspectives and experiences and at Harris PR, we’re keen to invest in the next generation of talent. We already have a proven commitment to supporting those new to the profession and encouraging others to consider it and we encourage our peers in the industry to consider how they too can take an inclusive approach to nurturing new talent. 2024 saw our first successful candidate, Carolina Lucca, join us on her internship and quickly became part of our team, drawing on her own personal life and career experience to immerse herself in the world of PR. For the second year of the Bursary, we’re hoping to connect with people who have not previously considered a role in PR, but who would thrive in our supportive, positive environment.”

For full details of the bursary application process, please visit our website: https://lnkd.in/e_QdqA_B