I first came in contact with WIN in 2009 after being made redundant as a result of the company re-locating. WIN was just in its infancy, and from the start, it provided excellent support.
It gave me the chance to be in an environment where people who were in the same situation could meet to network and discuss possible new employment opportunities.
WIN provided me with the motivation to persevere in my job search. I was lucky to find a new position, but unfortunately, in November last year I was made redundant for the second time due to company closure. WIN was again my starting point to help me on the road to searching for a new job.
Luckily, the mentoring programme was just being put in place and my application to be paired with a mentor that could give me guidance in career development was accepted. The mentoring programme is spread over a three month period and you meet with your mentor every second week.
Initially, there was a group training session in which we were given information on how to get the best out of the programme and how to put an action plan in place to optimise the use of our time and our mentors.
The mentoring programme has been a very positive experience for me. I have been given professional advice on some of the following areas:
• how to update and present my CV in a professional and easy to read manner
• how to network efficiently
• how to maximise your job search
• dealing with competency based interviews
Our meetings have been very positive and have given me more focus and drive in my job search. It has also given me more belief in my own abilities and that I have a lot of skills and experience to offer. I would highly recommend WIN to anyone who is unemployed or underemployed.
WIN - West of Ireland Networking
c/o Galway County and City Enterprise Board
Woodquay Court
Galway
T: + 353 91 895019
W: westofirelandnetworking.com T: twitter.com/WIN_Networking F: facebook.com/WINWestOfIreland
