Peter Boyle from NWLLA came up with the excellent idea of inviting industry types to Limavady to speak to the current intake of IT folk. I have to admit to start off with I was little skeptical because I’ve done this sort of thing before with mixed response.

What I thought was going to be 30 minutes ended up being just under 2 1/2 hours. We covered the harsh reality that it’s pretty crap out there as Northern Ireland goes, especially the North West. On a positive note we went through the emerging technologies to keep an eye on over the next few years. Moving aside from actually getting a job we then talked about starting up on your own, that’s where it got real interesting. Ideas were flowing I went around the room and asked everyone to share what they really wanted to do, plus we showed the power of the network (in reference to Open Coffee Coleraine/Derry/Limavady/Mid Ulster). With most of the ideas I could put them in touch with two or three people who might be able to help in one way or another.

Plus it was good practise for me as it’s been a while since I spoke in front of anybody, so it was a good trial run before I speak at Barcamp Derry.