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Michelle Geary is a Support Specialist with the Barden. She joined the team in Cork in November 2021 and works with and supports the Barden recruitment team across the various expert areas including accounting and tax, financial services, IT and legal. Her core activities will include support administration and operation for the consultant and leadership teams.
Before joining Barden Michelle worked as complex manager and duty manager with Press Up Hospitality Group, and Assistant Manager with 3Arena. In 2010 she completed a BA Arts in Politics and History with University College Cork.
We recently sat down with Michelle to learn a little bit more about her.
Where are you from?
Midleton, Cork
Where did you study?
I did a BA Arts in Politics and History in University College Cork (UCC).
How old were you when you had your first paying job? And what was it?
My first paying job was when I was 15 and I worked as a receptionist in an Opticians at the weekends. Although my parents previously had their own business so we were put to work in some capacity many years before that!
Where did you work before joining Barden?
Having moved from Dublin back to Cork in 2020, I started working with Press Up Hospitality Group, between the opening of The Dean Cork and the Captain Americas complex in the city. Previous to that I had worked with 3Arena as an Assistant Manager in the Private Members Clubs.
Why did you choose to work with Barden?
I had been looking at a change in career since summer 2020, like a lot of people I had re-evaluated many things on the back of the pandemic and wanted to move away from hospitality but utilise my skills with the right company. Making the right move was key to me and when I came across Barden’s job ad online it really stood out to me as something different. This was only cemented further when I met Ed, Elaine and Jonathan and how they spoke about Barden the company, but also the team. It was clear from the outset that Barden strives to do things differently whilst effortlessly maintaining the human factor in all areas which was a refreshing experience.
What’s the best thing about working here?
The people.
What does your role in Barden involve?
My role is to support the rest of the team with their candidates and roles. The role is primarily admin focused so an average day for me can involve formatting CV’s, job spec’s along with sourcing and other adhoc duties.
What top tip would you give to those looking to change role?
Listen to your gut.
What three words best describe you?
Motivated, sincere, fun – at least I certainly like to think I am 🙂
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
I helped establish a not for profit community centre for expats and like-minded locals when I lived In Switzerland. The Living In Luzern group had been very helpful to me when I originally moved and I got involved as I wanted give something back. I could never have imagined it would develop Into the scale of the centre but it was great fun albeit a mammoth project! It’s great to see where it is at today – although I’m long overdue a visit back!
Have you a favourite saying or quote? What is it?
Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.
Glass half full or half empty?
Glass half full 100%.
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
South America – one that will need to be ticked off in the coming years.