Aileen MacCrae
Attending the “Women returning to Work” course in February 2016 was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I approached the course with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Having previously worked as a professional at a senior level, I had been out of the work place for 16 years. I knew that I wanted to go back to work but my confidence in my ability to do so was extremely low. I felt that, although I wasn’t looking to go back to my previous profession, I had been out of the work environment for too long to offer anything worthwhile to any prospective employer.
From the very first day I felt an immediate camaraderie with the other participants. We had been on a wide variety of journeys before arriving at the Novotel on the first morning and we had differing objectives regarding what we wanted to achieve from the course. However, we were united in our common goal to return to work at some level. I was definitely starting from scratch, having not even looked at my cv for over 20 years. The topics covered and advice given were invaluable. Theresa has a wonderful capacity to provide meaningful and pertinent information to everyone, regardless of their differing circumstances. The time spent dealing with interview technique and practice interviews was very helpful. We were frequently divided into small working groups and I found the interaction and sharing of ideas very supportive. Everything offered by the course was extremely useful, but, the most crucial thing for me was the development of an up to date and relevant CV. I was able, with a great deal of advice and input from Theresa, to set out my skills and qualities in the best possible way to reflect my change in career direction. Identifying my transferable skills and qualities and setting them out in a concise and clear manner really helped boost my self confidence.
Within weeks of finishing the course I had a successful interview for a position for which Theresa had recommended me. If I had been told at the outset of the course that I would be employed within weeks of finishing I simply wouldn’t have believed it. The assistance and encouragement provided within the group and then on a one to one basis after the course is superb. I would recommend this course to anybody wishing to return to work, regardless of the length of their absence.