Make IT in Cork

We are now half way through our Ireland odyssey, and it is high time to thank the people who brought us here: Make IT in Cork.

This journey began at the beginning of the year on Twitter, and it's all my wife's fault.

As a PhD researcher looking into online recruitment and HR, she had been following relevant discussions on Twitter closely. Over time, she found that she shared many opinions on mobile recruitment with a man by the name of John Dennehy, CEO of Zartis Ltd. the company that owns Make IT in Cork and its sister company, Make IT in Ireland. They shared so many opinions, in fact, that John invited her over to Cork as a visiting scholar in order to learn more about what Zartis are doing in the mobile recruiting space. http://zartis.com/

We had been to Ireland twice before on short holiday trips, and absolutely loved it, so the decision to come to Cork for two months did not take long.

In all honesty, it took about 30 seconds.

But what is this company that invites people over to Ireland? And why are they doing it?

Here's what Make IT in Cork had to say:

www.makeITinCork.com

That is the official line. But there is another side to the company, and of course the people involved.

The guys at Make IT in Cork have made sure that we felt welcome in the city. They gave us some tips on where to go and what to see, and even took us out to see some of the lesser-known places in Cork city.

Cork Coffee Roasters, McCartney Street, Cork

Siobhán introduces Anu to possibly the best coffee in town.

 

The Hi-B Bar, a Cork institution, just don't answer your phone!

 

They have included us in local social events and introduced us to people, and also offered to help with day-to-day stuff like houses and schools

This should not be overlooked. Moving to another country, even for a short visit, can be challenging. But Make IT in Cork have helped to make the transition as smooth as possible. Every time I needed advice or just a friendly face to talk to, John, Siobhán and Ronan have been available and more than happy to help. That kind of support is priceless!

But these activities are not just confined to Cork. The sister company running the country-wide initiative called “Make IT in Ireland” is also helping to bring IT talent to the Emerald Isle, primarily to Dublin:

www.MakeITinIreland.com

Ireland is such a beautiful place, and the people are just the friendliest and most welcoming in the world. I know that many an Irish person must get sick of hearing that, but it's true.

And here's another thing that's true: the Irish IT and Tech-sector is quietly booming even though the headlines talk about austerity.

 

There are more and more opportunities for IT and tech talent opening up all the time, with no signs of slowing. Also, 2013 is a great year to come to Ireland thanks to "The Gathering", a year-long celebration of all things Irish. Towns, cities and villages across the country are organising their own celebrations and inviting those who have left and those who have never been to come to Ireland to enjoy everything it has to offer.

And let me tell you, it has a hell of a lot to offer. Come and see for yourself.