Opinion: How SistersIN Shaped My Path

Aoibhe O'Reilly relives her journey from Schoolgirl to Industry Apprentice

When I think back to being sixteen and sitting in my classroom in St Cecilia’s College in Derry, I could never have imagined how much the SistersIN programme would change the direction of my life. We were part of the very first cohort to take part back in 2023 – with ten girls chosen from our school - and at the time, I had no idea what an amazing opportunity I’d been given. Now, four years later, it’s incredible that I’m building a career in events, shaped by the confidence and skills I learned through the programme, and now I’m working behind the scenes on this year’s SistersIN celebration event at ICC Belfast, symbolising what feels like a real full circle moment.

Finding My Feet Through Leadership

Before SistersIN, I wasn’t very confident. I hadn’t done much public speaking, and the idea of standing on a stage was terrifying. Now I’m preparing to take to the ICC Belfast stage to speak to this year’s cohort of girls.

By taking part in the first programme, I was being trained in leadership and attending workshops. We heard from past pupils who’d gone on to amazing careers, we got the opportunity to visit workplaces we would never otherwise have seen, and we met women who showed us what true leadership could look like. I was grateful to be paired up with a fantastic mentor from Invest NI who really supported and guided me.

It broadened my world far beyond anything I could have imagined at that age, and really pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way. 

By the end of the programme, I found that I had developed the belief in my ability to lead, plan, and take responsibility.

Through this I was then given opportunities to help organise events within school and that sparked my interest in event management.

The new-found confidence I gained from SistersIN spurred me on and definitely helped me to land the opportunity with ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall, on their very competitive events apprenticeship programme.

Choosing My Own Path

One of the most important things I learned from SistersIN was not to compare myself to my peers. At school, it often felt like there was only one path: go to university, get a degree, follow the traditional route. Apprenticeships weren’t talked about, and I genuinely didn’t know they were an option after A levels. SistersIN helped me understand that there isn’t one single “right” route, and what matters most is choosing the path that suits you.

That mindset gave me the confidence to explore different options, even when people around me had strong opinions about what I should do. And ultimately, it was that shift in perspective that led me to the industry I’m in now.

From School Programme to Apprenticeship

The experiences I gained through SistersIN helped me secure a part time job in the Guildhall in Derry at just sixteen, where I discovered my love for events. That experience, combined with the confidence and communication skills I’d developed, inspired me towards my current role.

To be honest, I never thought I’d go down the apprenticeship route, but Workplus offered an opportunity at ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall that was too good to pass up. I’m getting my degree while getting paid, plus I’ll have four years of real-world experience by the time I qualify.

Today, as a Programming Apprentice, I work on real events, from the first enquiry right through to ticket sales and delivery. I’ve had the chance to help bring huge names to the Ulster Hall, from Snow Patrol to Dermot Kennedy to Imelda May. And now, working behind the scenes on SistersIN again, this time on the corporate events side, feels surreal and incredibly rewarding.

My Message to Girls Considering SistersIN

If you’re a schoolgirl thinking about applying to SistersIN, here’s what I want you to know:

You won’t regret it. I definitely don’t.

SistersIN will push you, grow you, and open your world. It will help you build confidence, independence, and connections you might never gain anywhere else. It will show you that there are countless routes to success, and that you don’t need to have everything figured out at sixteen.

The programme helped me find my voice, my ambition, and ultimately my career path. And if you let it, it can do exactly the same for you.