International Women's Day 2023 - My story: Alison Dickinson

Tell us about your career to date and how you got to your current role in Monahans
I left college with good results but university was not an option for me (due to family reasons). I had no inclination of what I wanted to be so applied for jobs locally and ended up as an office junior for a small manufacturing company. Following the retirement of the accounts controller I took over that position, but sadly, it was clear that the company was in trouble and I decided it was best for me to leave before the inevitable. I applied for a vacancy with Monahans in their payroll bureau but was asked if I would like to interview for a trainee position with the insolvency department. In view of the situation I found myself in, I thought it was very apt but had little knowledge of what the job would entail. My interview with David Holder and Steve Davis was very much a good cop/bad cop affair but I must have said the right things as they offered me the position. That was in the last century and I have been here ever since. So, like most in the industry, I fell into it by accident (or chance)!

For the first 9 months I felt completely out of my depth and wondered if it would ever click. Needless to say it did, and two years later I took the Certificate of Proficiency in Insolvency which I passed utilising the knowledge of my superiors. From there on in I dealt mainly with insolvent liquidations and bankruptcies, with a few Individual Voluntary Arrangements and compulsory liquidations thrown in for good measure.

I now deal with the majority of the solvent liquidations for the department which definitely keeps me busy.

Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
I may be accused of flattery here but it has to be Steve Elliott, and Steve Davis. They both tolerated my incessant questions with good humour and patience. I am certain that without both of them I would have given up. When Paul McConnell was the department partner he allowed me a lot more autonomy which increased my confidence no end and turned me from a capable administrator, to a case manager.

What do you wish you’d known about yourself when you were starting your career?
I wish I had more confidence in my ability and not to worry so much, especially about asking for help. That, to me, felt like a weakness, whereas I now know that it is quite the opposite. Also, that you should be in complete control of which direction you want to go in – do not let anyone else choose that for you.

What advice would you give to someone who is in the early stages of their career?
Again, choose which path you want to take and do not let anyone else force a direction on you. But, always listen to other people’s advice as they are often giving it with your best interests at heart. Do not try to please everyone but ensure that you are always honest and open about your intentions.

Use other people’s knowledge but do not be afraid to try or suggest new things.

Alison Dickinson