Working hard is the simple secret

HAVING good communications skills and applying yourself to the task is the way to get ahead, says Eithne McCormack, a quality technician with IBM. "If you're willing to work then you will make it in this business."

McCormack, who works for IBM in Mulhuddart, Co Dublin, is practising what she preaches quite convincingly. She is now on her second promotion since joining the computer giant in September 1997 when it first opened at the site.

"The opportunities are there in the sector and I know that, if you're a good worker and have good communication skills, you will get ahead in IBM. If you don't, then I think you have nobody to blame but yourself."

Always one to spot a trend, McCormack applied for a position in IBM as soon as she heard that they were setting up here. "I applied to IBM because I felt that there would be better opportunities there with it being a new development. I wanted to get in on the ground floor before everybody else." After some months experience, she was then promoted to team leader.

Her current position involves her working at "the end of the quality line." If there is a problem with the quality of the micro-chips produced by the company then it's her job to rectify it.

"I test sophisticated micro-chips to make sure they are working properly," she explains. "It all boils down to the high quality of the components leaving the factory. It's vitally important to the entire operation.

"Experience goes a long way in my job. I've been here from the start and have a knowledge of the machines and how they work. The ability to communicate with your peers is another big factor." McCormack is studying for a diploma and feels there is a lot of scope for advancement within the company. "A lot of the people here are doing various courses and constantly updating their skills which I feel is the way to go."

The IBM Dublin operation, which employs over 1,000 people, was built up at a breath-taking pace. The first sod on the new site was turned in April, 1997. The facility itself opened on September 1st, 1997 - and one week later the first equipment arrived. By the end of the month they had produced their first million high quality electronic components.

Although she does get plenty of time to go out and socialise she is currently "preoccupied" with buying a house, and is now at the delicate colour scheme stage.

IBM employs 1,000 in Mulhuddart, co. Dublin, producing micro-electronics, storage systems and servers for Internet users. Opened in 1996, it expects to employ 2,850 within five years.