- Name: Paul Sheane
- Age: 65
- Current location: Wicklow, Ireland
- Home town: Wicklow, Ireland
- Education: BA Engineering, Trinity College, Ireland; Postgraduate Industrial Engineering Programme, East Warwickshire College of Further Education, United Kingdom; MBA, University College Galway, Ireland.
- Current position: Economic Development Consultant
- Bio: With a background in engineering and an MBA, Paul Sheane is a self-employed economic development consultant, who has worked in over 25 countries. He's completed contracts with the World Bank and the UN, along with private consulting firms. Prior to working internationally he worked in Ireland with the regional development organization in Shannon.
- Countries I've worked in: Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Republic of South Africa, Uganda, Gambia, Nigeria, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia, Latvia, Bahrain, Czech Republic, Jordan, Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ireland, UK, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam
- Sector / subsectors: Engineering, Economic Development
- Areas of expertise: Mechanical Engineers, International Economic Development.
- Country: Ireland
- Region: Africa, Middle East
- Sector: International development
- Degree subject: Engineering
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Tell us who you are and what you do.Paul Sheane is proof that success working domestically can translate into an international career. His massive success with the Shannon regional development organization in Ireland became his calling card when he entered the international sphere. He talks to us about what fields are booming in the sector of economic development, why you can think of him next time you’re on an international flight, and the cliché about development work that Paul found to be absolutely true.
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You’ve worked in international development for a while. How have you seen it change?In the world of international development, it’s always great when you can see growth with your own eyes.
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You mentioned adaptability and flexibility. Are there other important skills in this sector?Find out which cliché about international work Paul found be absolutely true.
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How is the sector changing? Are certain fields growing faster than others? What skills are in demand?Find out which growth sectors Paul says are booming in economic development at the moment. And hear about one of Paul’s major success stories that changed the way we fly around the world!
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Do you have tips for young people who want to get their foot in the door in this sector that is notoriously difficult to break into?Paul says start domestically, although some specializations will always be in demand internationally.
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You started in engineering and ended up in economic development consulting. How did that come about?Reminder: You can mix careers, if not cross over altogether.
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You have both an engineering and business degree. Is there anything you have done differently? Are there other subjects that will help someone in this sector?Tip: Don’t get too hung up on where you start.
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You have an MBA. Would you recommend getting an advanced degree?The times they are a-changin’.
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What do you look for when you hire someone?Paul tells us what kind of person you need to be at the end of the day.
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What are some of the biggest challenges you face in this sector?If you don’t speak the language, you better like your interpreter.
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You worked in both the private and public sectors. Can you tell us about that?From textiles to mining to tea, Paul has had his hand in many fields.
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Are there advantages to working on the private sector versus the public, or vice versa?Paul tell us what annoys him about the public versus private discussion.
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What can someone do to stand out in the economic development sector?Find out why Paul says you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously.
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What lessons have you learned while working abroad?The importance of “getting on with it.”
