After completing a Bachelor of Commerce with University College Cork (UCC) in 2017 Jane Olden joined the Barden team in Cork where she worked as office assistant. Following this she joined a global recruitment firm and gained excellent experience as a recruitment consultant. In 2020 Jane joined another global recruitment firm as an Information Technology Recruitment Consultant, furthering broadening her experience and expertise in recruitment.

In 2021 Jane returned to Barden to take up her role as Associate with Barden’s IT Practice.  In her new role Jane works with Barden’s IT practice to support the IT community in Ireland, whether that is working directly with clients enabling them to build and develop world class teams, or directly with IT professional when it comes to navigating their professional careers.

We caught up with Jane recently to learn a little bit more about her.

Where are you from? 

I’m from Cork.

Where did you study?  

I studied a Bachelor of Commerce and French In University College Cork (UCC).

What did you enjoy most about your time studying?   

It had to be my Erasmus year in Rennes, France. Freedom, travel, friends…what more could you ask for?

How old were you when you had your first paying job? And what was it? 

I worked as a “Saturday Girl” in a Hairdressers at 16, sweeping floors, washing hair, and washing towels. I loved meeting the clients and getting all the hairdressing tips from the staff. There were lots of funny stories too!!

Where did you work before joining Barden?

Before joining Barden I worked in two different recruitment agencies, the latter being Morgan McKinley, where I was part of the IT Recruitment Team.

What made you decide to move into the world of recruitment? 

During college I worked part-time for Barden formatting CVs. Instinctively, I knew recruitment was a perfect fit for me.

Why did you choose to work with Barden? 

Having worked in other recruitment agencies I could see that Barden did things differently and I wanted to be a part of that.

What’s the best thing about working here?  

The best thing about working with Barden is the culture. Barden allows me the freedom to provide a genuine service with the focus on people. Because of this I go to sleep every night knowing that I do right by everyone who trusts me to help them on the career path.

What was most surprising to you about Barden? 

At Barden there is a healthy mix of business and pleasure. I’ve always enjoyed coming to work here.

What does your role in Barden involve? 

My role is to fully get to know the people I’m collaborating with, to find them the perfect fit in alignment with their goals and values.

What top tip would you give to those looking to change role?

List what’s important to you and keep it central when considering changing roles.

What three words best describe you? 

Approachable, practical, committed.

Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?  

My greatest achievement so far is surviving childhood in a very busy household with six siblings! Unless you’ve experienced the reality yourself, you’ll never understand what a momentous achievement it is!

Have you a favourite saying or quote?

What you focus on grows.

Glass half full or half empty? 

Glass half full.

What’s your moment of the day?

My favourite moment of the day is my Pilates class.

Where in the world would you most like to visit?

New York. It’s on the horizon.

And finally, who would win a fight between Spiderman, Batman or Wonder Woman?

Spiderman, my nephew would never forgive me if I picked anyone else.

Need help achieving your ambitions?

Are you an IT professional looking for help in achieving your ambitions? If so get in touch with Jane at jane.olden@barden.ie, who is ready with lots of CV, LinkedIn, interview and career advice along with cutting edge market insights.