Meet Jessica McSweeney.

When Jessica decided it was time to move on from her support role in a high-pressure finance environment, she knew she wanted more than just another job — she wanted a career. Working on the front line with frustrated customers gave her a real appreciation for planning and coordination, and project management felt like the perfect next step.

But there was a challenge: Jessica didn’t have a project management qualification to back up her ambition.

That’s where ITOL came in.

Jessica enrolled in the Project Management Job Programme, which blended accredited qualifications with job support — something she felt would give her the best chance to secure a new role.

“The flexibility was amazing,” she says. “I could study after work, at my own pace, without worrying about deadlines.”

Gaining Confidence, Gaining Skills

As Jessica worked through the courses, her confidence grew. From foundational project management principles to practical tools like scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, she built a solid knowledge base.

One thing she really valued was the job support that came with the programme. With CV help, interview preparation, and guidance on job applications, Jessica felt empowered to put herself forward for project roles — even those she might have considered “out of reach” before.

Landing the Role

In just under a year, Jessica landed her first role as a Project Coordinator — an ideal starting point to break into project management.

“Having the qualifications on my CV definitely made a difference,” she says. “It showed employers I was serious.”

Jessica’s role allows her to put her skills to use every day, managing schedules, coordinating with stakeholders, and supporting project delivery. She’s excited to build on this first success and continue growing her career in project management.

A Word of Advice

When asked what she’d say to others thinking about making a similar change, Jessica is clear:

“Don’t wait — invest in yourself. I didn’t think I’d get a project management role so quickly, but the course and the job support made it possible.”