“I have gone from 100 euros in my pocket, with no job lined up and very little English to proudly being an area manager."
The only way is up after Jessica arrives in the UK
Jessica Dreninova arrived in the UK with little money and no job lined up but working in the cleaning sector and further study has opened the door to a successful career.
Soon after arriving in 2010, she took a job as a housekeeper cleaning cottages. These days, she is an area manager at one of Ireland's largest indigenous support service organisations, the Mount Charles Group.
She said: “I found it very hard at the start. But as the weeks passed, the time I spent in my own job in this new country made me feel more at home, I had a routine to follow, I had a job to take pride in.
“Originally, I wanted to stay in the cleaning industry because it helped me pay my bills. It was also one of the only industries that I could understand and thrive in with my language barriers. On top of that I found cleaning so relaxing and I saw personal development in my job.
“In 2012, I worked as a cleaning operative in a factory and, after four years, the client asked my manager if there was a way I could be promoted. I was so happy. I was working in an industry that recognised my hard work. I felt like I had found my place.
“I have gone from 100 euros in my pocket, with no job lined up and very little English to proudly being an area manager.
“I have achieved a distinction in Business Administration Level 2 Qualification, which I completed in English and I have created a life in Northern Ireland. I can’t believe where I am.”