Panellist: Peter Brumby

Peter Brumby represents MPES,  a Manx owned and operated company that specialises in examination based teaching and training for people working within the accountancy and other professional fields. Peter will take part in our panel, ‘Further Your Education’, which looks at the ways you can continue your professional development right here in the Isle of Man.

Tell us about yourself!

I joined the MPES team in 2004. My professional tuition focuses on the audit based and corporate governance papers.

As a former student representative on the Island’s ACCA committee, I have a wide range of business experience including retail and financial services. My experience includes exposure to, and involvement with plc and FTSE100 companies in the UK, as well as large multinational organisations outside the UK and Manx based regulators.

Why did you decide to work in the Isle of Man?

The reason I decided to work in the Isle of Man was due to the fact that the employment and housing opportunities were less stringent than the Channel Islands, where I was living and working before I came to the Island in 1989 and coming here was preferable to returning to my native Liverpool, where job prospects then were also limited.

Panellist: Heather Blackley

Heather Blackley is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and operates The Marketing Partnership, a certified study centre for CIM in the Isle of Man. Heather will take part in our panel, ‘Further Your Education’, which looks at the ways you can continue your professional development right here in the Isle of Man.

Tell us about yourself!

Having been qualified and worked in Marketing for 30 years, I am keen to share my passion for Marketing as a profession! I have lived and worked on the Isle of Man for more than 20 years and am keen to ensure others have the same opportunities in professional marketing as I had, so am committed to continuing our Isle of Man based Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Accredited Study Centre – this means that people starting or progressing their careers in Marketing can benefit from local face-to-face learning opportunities with other like-minded professionals through our Centre, The Marketing Partnership Limited .

I have recently developed the Isle of Man Marketing Apprenticeship Scheme, supported by Government, now entering its fourth successful year in September 2020 – this is also another viable option for Graduates seeking to enter the Marketing profession locally and has historically attracted successful local businesses to offer new Marketing roles.

Panellist: Alexandra Koyfman

Alexandra Koyfman first came to the Isle of Man in 2017 to study for her master’s degree through University College Isle of Man’s MA/MSc in Business Entrepreneurship (WBIS) Programme.

Tell us about yourself!

Through my degree, I began a work placement with PDMS Ltd., a software house in Douglas, which allowed me to lead the First Point Community Portal Project that supports people with additional needs through technology. My work earned me the Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence Young Achiever of the Year 2018 Award and a permanent role with PDMS. Today, I am an Analyst with PDMS, providing software solutions to clients around the world.

I began visiting the Island during every university break to spend time with my partner, who lives here. I became enamoured with the greenery and inescapable sea, and when the opportunity presented itself, I decided to begin my career in IT and business analysis here.

When I finished my undergraduate degree, I wanted to work in business, but I didn’t know how to get there. The Master’s in Business Entrepreneurship (WBIS) Programme was an ideal transition between academic and professional life while I gained the experience to determine what I wanted to be. This degree can support you in figuring out who you want to be when you grow up.

Panellist: Gail Corrin

Gail Corrin is Higher Education Manager at University College Isle of Man, having returned to the Island in 2009. 

Tell us about yourself!

I returned to the Isle of Man in 2009 after working in Australia for 20 years in a range of personal and professional development organisations and initiatives, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, adventure therapy, juvenile justice and CPD consultancy. As Higher Education Manager at University College Isle of Man, I have focused on expanding the Island’s undergraduate and postgraduate offer with my specific expertise being work-based learning.

Despite the obvious attractions of Australia, the Isle of Man is not only my original ‘home’ but it also offers a unique environment where your work is visible and connected, and I feel I can make a real difference here.

Even though we are a small country there are often opportunities and activities that remain hidden – graduate employment and continuing education need to be promoted and encouraged.

Panellist: Sacha Horsthuis

Sacha Horsthuis, 27, is Director of Cycle 360 which is a unique and exciting venue in the Isle of Man where cycling, fitness and cafe culture meet under one roof. Sacha will be taking part in our panel session, ‘Work Smarter’, which looks at the growing trend for flexible working and entrepreneurship in our young professionals.

Tell us about yourself!

Working with exciting, brave and confident companies that recognise the power of brands, has always been something that really excites me.

I moved to the Isle of Man after finishing University in 2014 and got my first job was as Marketing Communications Assistant for a global law firm. Since then, I’ve become the co-founder of a business and alongside my husband, we’ve established a recognisable brand that attracts hundreds of visitors daily. My main passion lies in all areas of marketing functions including communications and PR, copy-writing, advertising, campaign design, branding, business development and event management.

I’ve learnt that by working above and beyond your job description and importantly, networking and building relationships as well as always learning from everyone around you, is invaluable and will open doors in the future.

Why did you decide to work in the Isle of Man?

The Isle of Man has provided me with the best platform to become entrepreneurial, all while allowing me to still prioritise time with family, friends and my favourite hobbies. You get the best of both worlds as I still see all my friends from school and university in the UK on weekends with most of them just a short flight or boat journey away.

 

Panellist: Jess Kelly

Jess Kelly is Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at the Department for Enterprise, a Government department which is responsible for driving economic development and local entrepreneurship. Jessica will be taking part in our panel session, ‘Work Smarter’, which looks at the growing trend for flexible working and entrepreneurship in our young professionals.

 

Tell us about yourself!

I am currently Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at the Department for Enterprise following a career in financial services and public sector marketing.

I am a qualified marketing professional and associate of CIM, with a master’s degree in Theatre and Global Development. I’m passionate about the Isle of Man and promoting the many opportunities available for people who live, work, visit and invest here. I also sit on the committee for Love Tech, a not for profit initiative aimed at inspiring and empowering girls and young women to explore opportunities in STEM.

Why did you decide to work in the Isle of Man?

Following 5 years away in the UK at university I moved back to the Isle of Man to complete my dissertation and fell back in love with everything the Island has to offer. As someone starting out my career there were so many opportunities to network, meet with inspirational people, gain professional qualifications, and experience different roles with a diverse range of companies. I definitely found it easier to figure out my career path and make quick progress in the Isle of Man.

Panellist: Elissa Morris

Elissa Morris is the Lab Manager for Barclays Eagle Labs, a start up and co-working space. Elissa will be taking part in our ‘Work Smarter’ panel, which takes a look at the growing trend for flexible working and entrepreneurship.

Tell us about yourself!

I run the Isle of Man Eagle, which I have managed for almost 2 years. We are a start-up ourselves in partnership with IOM Chamber and DFE.
The Lab is space to help start-ups and SME’s collaborate and grow. We host many informal and formal events from pitch it events, to speed networking to work shops, to help our members learn and flourish.
We support Love Tech and Code Club are here to support the entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow.
Outside of work I am an exercise endorphin fiend. I hate sitting still. I like to run and jump for miles. You’ll find me on the fells – running, or mountain biking. Show-jumping and hunting on my pony.
And I occasionally surf in the Manx seas.
I compete nationally in athletics repping the Isle of man. Anything physically challenging – I’m game.

Why did you decide to work in the Isle of Man?

Because I love all the Island has to offer in terms landscape with my love of extreme sports with the perfect work-life balance. You have the opportunity to shape and progress your career and still have the ability to travel internationally effortlessly (when Storm Ciara doesn’t rock up).

Lauren Doherty

Lauren Doherty is HR Partner for Appleby, a global law firm based in Douglas Isle of Man. Lauren will join our ‘CV Surgery’ panel, which will share tips and insight from some of the Isle of Man’s leading HR professionals and recruiters about how you can make your application truly stand out from the crowd.

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Lauren, I work in the Human Resources department for a global law firm, Appleby. I was born and raised on the Isle of Man and moved to Birmingham to study a degree in English Language & Sociology. I relocated to London to begin my career in HR, working for Virgin Active and itsu. After several years long commutes into the city and extortionate rentals, my partner and I returned to the Isle of Man in 2017.

Why did you decide to work in the Isle of Man?

I chose to return to the island for better job opportunities, work-life balance and to enjoy the island’s beautiful coastal walks.