Tomas Breen, Web Developer, IT Alliance

Degree subject Computer Systems
Job title Web Developer
Employer IT Alliance

I've been interested in computers since I was about 11. At secondary school I took part in the Young Entrepreneurs Scheme and with three friends I set up a small web development company, creating websites for small businesses. Over the years that grew enough to help me work my way through college. I taught myself a lot but decided I needed to go to college and get a degree in IT. The big boom in IT was happening at the time and although it dropped off later things are coming back again now.

At college I spent a couple of months constantly applying for jobs and I got the interview for this job in the middle of my exams. I had a phone interview with the HR Manager, followed by a face-to-face interview, and I was offered the job the next day. I'm now working as an in-house web developer. When I started I was also working in a desk-side support role but I'm now working full time on a development project, which is what I really wanted to do.

IT graduates have a reputation for being inexperienced and it's important to develop your skills and get commercial experience. I'm hoping to get Microsoft certification, which involves several exams, and this will open up new areas that I can go into. Ultimately I'm interested in using technology to streamline business processes.

Job-hunting tips

I think my commercial experience and motivation helped me get this job. It's also important on your CV and at interview to show confidence in your abilities – but also to be honest about areas where you want to develop your skills.