In our third HR insight series, we speak to Elaine Mooney, Group HR Manager at Brennan & Company. 

Our HR series aims to provide unique insights of working and becoming an HR professional in Ireland by getting advice from exceptional employers and organisations.

Elaine started her career in a recruitment agency before moving in house to Gateway Computers to manage their recruitment function. She then made the move to Australia where she spent several years working as a HR consultant. After returning to Ireland, Elaine took on the role of HR Manager at Robert Walters. Elaine is currently the Group HR Manager for Brennan & Company and holds a Masters in Human Resource Management from UCD Smurfit.

What attracted you to HR?

My undergraduate degree was in Psychology as I had always been interested in people and what makes them tick. By working in HR, it has given me access to so many different types people and situations.
It is also a career where I can have real impact on both the people I work with and on the business by driving the people agenda. A day in HR is never boring!

How did you progress your career?

By being interested and getting involved. I have never been afraid to put my hand up and to spot opportunities where I can add value to them. A number of roles I have worked in have been as a result of creating the role for myself, rather than waiting for it to become available. 

What’s the most valuable piece of advice you have been given throughout your career?

While it’s good to be aware of your weaknesses and areas for development, don’t get bogged down in them or focus all your energy on trying to ‘fix’ them. Remember the things you are really good at and make sure to do them more often.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You will make many. So lose the fear you have as you will learn from even the biggest of mistakes…… and rethink that dodgy perm in the late 1980’s.