Jessica Molloy, project manager, We Localise (formally Connect Global Solutions), Blanchardstown. "I had worked in retail, in Roches Stores. I went on maternity leave, then extended it and was off work for two years.

"I didn't want to go back to work in retail. I went to Fás and noticed there was an eight-week course on office skills, career guidance and future options. I really liked the computer class. I saw that FIT had a business through computers course, so I did the aptitude test and got it. I was really delighted.

"I loved it! We did the ECDL [ European Computer Driving Licence], basic manual accounts, computer accounts, customer service, typing, even PC maintenance. I used to be afraid of computers, but then when I did the ECDL I found it was really easy and I really started to get into it.

"I did a four-week work placement at Blanchardstown Hospital, which used my computer skills. It was very good full-time experience.

"I then did mock interviews with FIT and they referred me to several job interviews. One was with Connect Global Solutions. It was the toughest interview I ever went to. I walked out thinking I was just going to forget about it. But they called to say I had the job and my work experience at the hospital was the clincher.

"I started off last year as a project manager's assistant, and became a project manager in March, which involves file management, communicating with engineers and clients, and working with translators. I want to learn more about accounts and will do a college course this year. Work covers 75 per cent of the course fee if I graduate.

"I don't think I would have ever got into this work alone. FIT helped me realise what I want to do. There's so much more I can do now."