John Scottus Class of 1997. Executive Researcher, Brightwater Recruitment Specialists, Dublin.
Ruth studied Computerised Business Studies in Ballsbridge College of Further Education. After graduating in 1998 she went on to work in KPMG Dublin for the following 9 years. Due to restructuring she found herself working in the Executive Search sector for the next 5 years. Then she took a career break in 2012 to become a full-time mother and has now returned (part-time) to the Recruitment industry as an researcher in the Brightwater Executive team.
So, what did you do after you left school?
After I graduated from JSS in 1997, I went on to complete a Diploma in Computerised Business Studies in Ballsbridge College of Further Education for the following year. After graduating, I secured a placement in KPMG, Dublin where I worked in the Knowledge Management Group department for the next 9 years. In 2006, I married my husband Andrew and later took an eight year career break to become a full-time mother. I’m now working part-time as an Executive Researcher as part of the Brightwater Executive Team in Brightwater Recruitment Specialists.
After I graduated from JSS in 1997, I went on to complete a Diploma in Computerised Business Studies in Ballsbridge College of Further Education for the following 2 years. After graduating, I secured a placement in KPMG, Dublin where I worked in the Knowledge Management Group (KMG) department for the next 9 years. Part of my role was to research, compile and manage business intelligence on companies, organisations, industries and individuals to provide added value support to all of KPMG’s lines of business such as Tax, Audit, Corporate Finance, Consulting, Transaction Services, FS and Marketing. We used a combination of KPMG and third party subscriber databases, electronic and hard copy information services, as well as the Internet to source information. This information was employed to support the firm in its strategic business development initiatives.
I was also part of the Learning & Development Team that developed and provided in-house effective cross department training to groups, in the use of business information systems including Lexis\Nexis and Bloomberg. In the summer of 2005 in KPMG our department was restructured. At the same time I became engaged to Andew and we were married the following year.
What was your first job?
My first job was working in KPMG Dublin in Harcourt Street. I worked in what was called the Knowledge Management Group (KMG).
Did you like going to school?
I found JSS a happy place to be for school. To get to JSS, I along with my 4 siblings, had to travel into town every day on the DART. JSS gave us the opportunity to meet people from all different nationalities. (Spanish and Korean to name a couple).
What were your main interests in school?
The subjects that I enjoyed were History, Biology and Greek. I also loved all sports, especially hockey. Outside of school, I loved socialising with my friends, heading to the cinema and meeting friends for coffee.
What was different about JSS?
Everything was different about JSS, from the Philosophy ethos, to our studies of Latin, Greek and Sanskrit. There were people from all walks of life in the school so it was a real eye opener in terms of how it would shape our future and how I would interact with friends/peers and work colleagues. It was also unusual at that time for children to be studying philosophy, but it has stayed with me and I’ve found it invaluable in all aspects of life. In terms of sports and extra-curricular activities, these were part of the school day so there was no extra pressure on parents when we got home to go out again for ballet or swimming, which was a huge bonus!
What are your main memories from school?
Most of the school trips that we did have stayed with me. I especially remember trips to Townley Hall. The events we had in John Scottus were great and I remember wonderful sports days and speech days. We had great opportunities to be involved in drama. I enjoyed all the plays we did and loved the experience of acting. The same can be said for all the opportunities we had to be involved in music. We were also exposed to lots of poetry and got lots of chances to speak in public. Public speaking wasn’t for me at that stage but I’m very glad I had the experience looking back as it’s been a part of every role I’ve had.
What has stayed with you?
I learnt to try to be honest and act with integrity in life and work. Doctor and Mrs Telford had a huge role in building my confidence. Any issues were dealt with as they arose, as JSS had a very high standard with discipline. On the spiritual side, my parents were part of the School of Philosophy, so the ethos was instilled in the family. What has stayed with me from JSS is having the confidence to see the bigger picture when issues arose, be it in a personal or professional capacity.
Are you appreciative of your education in John Scottus School?
Did it contribute to my life? Absolutely. It will always contribute to my life. I have fond memories of JSS. Academically I found it tough, but overall I’m a better person for my experience in JSS. I will always be hugely grateful to my parents for the enormous sacrifices that they made for my education.