Jodie Meehan is as an Associate with Barden’s Business Support Practice, and is based in our office in Cork. She is an expert in talent advisory and recruitment practice and works directly with a variety of professionals and clients in all aspects of business support and operational finance.
Jodie joined the Barden team in November 2023. We sat down with her recently to find out a little bit more about her…
Where are you from?
I am from Cork (and obviously very proud of it).
Where did you study?
I studied Government in University College Cork.
What did you enjoy most about your time studying?
My favourite thing about studying was being on campus and meeting friends for catch-ups all the time!.
How old were you when you had your first paying job? And what was it?
I was 16 and I worked in a local Chinese restaurant – I would always go to my friends houses after work with free food so I was very popular.
Where did you work before joining Barden?
I worked in a Legal Cost Accountancy firm as a Trainee Legal Cost Accountant.
What made you decide to move into the world of recruitment?
Once I felt ready to move, I started to explore the idea of recruitment. I would consider myself quite a social person and I love a challenge. After speaking to a few people about their own career in recruitment, I decided that it was the best next step for me.
Why did you choose to work with Barden?
I applied for a few different roles, but very early on Barden stood out. Cole gave me so much advice and I could tell they really wanted the right person to join the team, every conversation was so positive and I just knew from talking to Cole, Sarah, Elaine and Ed that Barden was different.
What’s the best thing about working here?
There are so many! I would have to say the main thing is the atmosphere, everyone is so happy to help and will drop what they are doing to answer a question or give advice and considering I am new to recruitment I find that so valuable.
What was most surprising to you about Barden?
How energetic everyone is! It is so motivating to be around such a high energy group of people.
What does your role in Barden involve?
I am still learning the ropes, but my role is varied, I get to talk to people every day, source talent, liaise with clients and at the moment I am learning so much from my colleagues around me.
What top tip would you give to those looking to change role?
Be proactive and ask for help! – It’s scary but when the right opportunity comes along you won’t regret it.
What three words best describe you?
Energetic, ambitious, and honest.
Who is your role model, and why?
I can’t think of one person, but I really respect and admire people who put themselves out there and take risks and luckily enough I get to see a lot that in Barden.
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
In college I did a sleep out on campus in aid of Simon – I was a member of the Simon Society in college and helped organise the event we a substantial amount of money for a great cause.
Have you a favourite saying or quote? What is it?
What is for you, won’t pass you!.
Glass half full or half empty?
Half full always!.
What’s your favourite song?
Lonely Island – Amble but that’s at the moment, it changes all the time!.
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
Argentina or Fiji – they are on my bucket list and hopefully one day.
And finally, who would win a fight between Spiderman, Batman or Wonder Woman?
Wonder Woman obviously – no explanation needed!.
Need help achieving your ambitions?
Are you a Business Support professional looking for help in achieving your ambitions? If so get in touch with Jodie at jodie.meehan@barden.ie, who is ready with lots of CV, LinkedIn, interview and career advice along with cutting edge market insights. Simple.