Career Heroes - Coleen O'Hara

Tell us more about you

I have three sons aged 3 to 13. I enjoy spending my time with them on walks around parks and beaches, attending various family friendly activities, and generally using my free time for family time.

What kind of work do you do?

My role with Staffline Recruitment is managing various customer accounts and supplying various suitable candidates for roles including in a scientific capacity as well as administrative staff throughout Northern Ireland. I work closely with the client to provide the best service possible, as well as managing our temp candidates. I work in the Portadown office four days a week and also work from home one day a week.

How did you become a Key Account Specialist?

I completed my A Levels, which included Business Studies, and I knew my journey was to one day be part of a strong and dynamic enterprise. I went to University to complete a degree in Business and Accounts.

I worked for a different employer but was made redundant. I registered with Staffline to search for new work opportunities and was offered the chance to cover reception in the Belfast office for two weeks. I was grateful for the opportunity and applied for the role when the vacancy was advertised.

After two years as a receptionist, I advanced into a role offering sales support for the public sector. I was interested in the role of an account manager and knew I wanted to advance my career and one day manage my own account. With the support of my manager I became an account coordinator before progressing to become a Key Account Specialist. I've been with the company now for a total of eight years.

If you could do-over, What would you do differently?

I have no regrets about my path. I've been fortunate to have such a great support system from the company. Anything and everything I have hoped to achieve in my career I have been successful in and have always looked at it that things can only get better.