One‑third of Irish workers in jobs unrelated to their studies, Indeed finds

Indeed’s latest research shows that one‑third of Irish professionals are employed in fields that do not match their university or college studies.

The survey of 1,000 professionals and jobseekers revealed that just over half said their education directly relates to their current role, while the remaining participants reported a mismatch.

Strong alignment between education and career was reported in the education sector (75 %), finance (69 %), healthcare (65 %) and IT and telecommunications (65 %). Conversely, lower alignment was noted among those working in retail, catering and leisure (49 %), manufacturing and utilities (47 %), travel and transport (42 %) and legal services (42 %).

Derek Diviney, vice‑president of Indeed, said the findings highlight the flexibility of modern career paths and the importance of transferable skills.

While 59 % of respondents felt their higher education prepared them well for future careers, 32 % said interview preparation was lacking, nearly a third wanted better guidance on CV writing, and 26 % sought help identifying jobs that match their skills.

The report comes as Ireland’s job market remains tight, with graduate job postings down 9 % since 2024, making entry‑level positions increasingly competitive, especially for 18‑ to 24‑year‑olds who struggle to identify suitable roles and stand out in applications.

Source: Silicon Republic. Photo: Picography / Pexels.