Have you graduated from third level education in the past 5 years? Are you frustrated that you haven’t found a job which uses your skills, talents and college education?  Would you like a chance to “discover” new business and career opportunities?

 

Then check out the Discovery Zone – a 12-week programme which aims to help graduates reach their full potential. The programme is being delivered in partnership with Donegal County Enterprise Board (DCEB), Donegal County Council and Letterkenny Institute of Technology.  The Discovery Zone can help a graduate to:

 

  • develop new ideas,
  • start a new business or
  • explore ways in which they can use their skills & talents to exploit a commercial opportunity.”

 

The programme is the brainchild of business guru, Gerry Moan and has been run very successfully in Donegal before, but is focusing specifically on graduates this year.  DCEB chief executive Michael Tunney says that in times of recession like this, “it’s hard for graduates to find jobs which allow them to use their skills and education.”

 

“They can use this situation to their advantage with the Discovery Zone programme by taking some time out to re-focus on their careers and their futures in a structured manner.”   The programme can help graduates to evaluate new business ideas and to complete a feasibility study.

 

So how does Discovery Zone work?

 

The programme offers:

  • face-to-face training
  • mentoring,
  • access to an extensive network of specialist contacts across many industries,
  • the opportunity to work alongside other budding entrepreneurs and professionals.

 

“Connecting with the right individual, with the right skills, experience and knowledge can help kick-start your new career or accelerate the development of your new business,”   says DCEB Assistant CEO, Ursula Donnelly, who will co-ordinate the programme on the ground in Donegal.

 

Ursula says that to apply, you must have graduated from a third level college in the last 5 years, and be prepared to commit to 3 days a week for the duration of the programme.  “The programme is fully-funded so there is no cost involved but applications close on Friday 22nd March,” she adds.  Details on www.discoveryzone.gerrymoan.ie; enquiries and applications to Ursula Donnelly, Donegal County Enterprise Board Tel 07491 60735 or email udonnelly@donegalenterprise.ie