Tell us about your career history to date.
I started out in hospitality in my late teens and realised early on that I enjoy helping people. Overtime I branched out into other sectors of hospitality and retail to get by until I could eventually find something where I could combine technology and helping people. I studied media studies for four years and wanted to put that to good use. Later on I got the break I needed and found work with Cool FM. I worked there for about two years in the promotions department and this took me around Northern Ireland taking part in road shows, festivals, gigs, events and also involved admin, putting together promotional shows for clients and helping out in the cool academy programme by giving talks and helping run the course from time to time. From there I began working in admin for the Health service and when that came to an end that’s when I started a placement at OCN NI that I’m very pleased to say led to full time permanent employment.


What does your role at OCN NI entail?
As a customer service advisor my role involves providing excellent customer service. There is a lot of depth to what we do in our department so it’s good that I get a lot of variety on a daily basis. One minute I could be taking someone through registrations or results submissions on the phone and the next I could be processing certificates and helping people with other general queries. I think the key to success in my role is to be a real people person and it’s because of this that I have gotten to know quite a few of our customers. My department is the first point of contact for many people so it’s important to make a good first impression.


What do you most look forward to in your role at OCN NI?
For me, I most look forward to providing the end product and printing off certificates (or in our current case upload them) knowing that you’ve helped a person or a group of people so that they can carry on with their learning. It’s great knowing that the certificates I helped produce for them will help to open doors and provide more opportunities. I take a lot of satisfaction in knowing that. 


What do you like to do outside of work?
I train Brazilian jiu-jitsu three-four times a week, or did before the lockdown! I’m eagerly awaiting the re-opening of the academy when it’s safe to do so as it’s a huge part of my physical and mental wellbeing. I like going out for drinks with friends and watching live music. I also like to go for walks.


What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Good work will always remain good work.