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Fionnán O’Farrell joined the Barden team in June 2021 as an intern with Barden’s Financial Services recruitment practice. A proud Dub Fionnán’s first job was a part-time role in a menswear shop, he then went on to set up his own retail business in Dublin city centre.
We sat down with him recently to learn a little bit more about him…
Where are you from?
I’m from Dublin.
Where and what are you studying?
I’m studying Commercial Modern Music in BIMM Dublin.
What are you enjoying most about your time studying?
It’s great to get to study something I’m particularly passionate about. I really enjoy the fact that before starting a project or assignment, I most likely have a knowledge or interest in the artist or music that I’m writing about.
How old were you when you had your first paying job? And what was it?
I had a part-time job in a menswear shop as a sales assistant when I was 18.
Where did you work before joining Barden?
Barden is my first office type job. Before working here I had mainly been focusing on music and would play the odd pub gig now and then.
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
When I was 19 I left college and set up my own retail business in Dublin City Centre. We sold Irish gifts. Although we unfortunately had to shut down after 18 months, I’m still quite proud that we managed to get it off the ground in the first place. It was a fantastic experience to run the day to day of the business and build relationships with customers and suppliers.
Why did you choose to do your intern placement with Barden?
Over the last year I’ve been seriously considering what career path I wanted to take after college. After a lot of research I decided that recruitment was the ideal fit. When it comes to recruitment firms Barden is right up there with the best in the country so I was over the moon when I was offered a placement here.
What’s the best thing about working here?
I love that I feel like part of the team already. I’ve been given lots of work that’s vital to the financial services team so I’m enjoying that I’m adding value here.
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I’m working with the financial services team here at Barden. Recently I’ve been writing up job specs for potential candidates, sourcing suitable candidates and getting to grips with LinkedIn! Over the next few weeks I’ll hopefully be making a few calls to candidates and I’m looking forward to that.
What was most surprising to you about Barden?
I was pleasantly surprised at how versatile Barden are. Before I joined the team I wasn’t aware of how many different sectors they recruit in. It’s great to gain a better understanding of what they do and see the breadth of their work across accounting & tax, financial services, IT and legal recruitment.
What three words/phrases best describe you?
Creative – Friendly – Ambitious
Who is your role model, and why?
I’ve had plenty of role models over the years, especially in my family, but if I had to pick someone aside from that, I’d have to say Seamus Coleman, the Irish Football Captain. He’s a brilliant leader as well as being polite and honest in interviews. I met him once when I was younger and he was a complete gentleman.
Have you a favourite saying or quote? What is it?
I’ve never been big on quotes or sayings, so I’d be lying if I said I had a favourite!
Glass half full or half empty?
Glass half full for sure. It’s important to look on the bright side of life.
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
Definitely Thailand. There was talk of organising a trip pre-covid so I would love to be able to visit over the next few years.
And finally, who would win a fight between Spiderman, Batman or Wonder Woman?
I’ve never seen the Spider-man or Wonder Woman films and I’m a big fan of The Dark Knight movies so I’m going to have to go with Batman on this one!