In the latest of our Northern Roots series, where we speak to people originally from Northern Ireland but currently living elsewhere – or vice versa – our interviewee is Joanne Williamson in London.

 

1. Tell us about yourself. When did you leave Northern Ireland, and where did you go? What do you do now?

I left Northern Ireland when I was 18 to study English and History at Durham University. From there I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do other than travel, so I figured out ways to do that while earning. I worked as an au-pair in Paris, as a costume designer at a camp in New York, pulled pints, waitressed, worked in project management in London and for the BBC in Belfast, volunteered with the Department for International Development in Nigeria, got onto the US-NI Mentorship program working in marketing for KPMG in Chicago. Finally, I got my current job in the Facebook Media Partnerships team in London where I work with news publishers in the Middle East and Africa on their Facebook and Instagram strategies.

 

2. What do you think when you see the Northern Ireland of today, in the news and on social media?

It’s disappointing that a lot of the media coverage of home is negative. I love seeing positive coverage of the strides we’ve taken in growing the tourism industry and the exciting tech stuff that’s going on at Catalyst Inc. and elsewhere in Belfast. We’re known as a friendly nation regardless of the news, wherever I go in the world people who have been to N.I always tell me they enjoyed their visit because the people were so lovely.

3. Are you hopeful for Northern Ireland’s future? Will Brexit make a difference?

Yes, I am hopeful! There are a lot of potential scenarios that COULD be worrying, but I try not to focus too much on things that are outside of my control. I don’t know what difference Brexit will yet- we are a resilient bunch so regardless of the outcome we will be fine. Life will go on and if things don’t work out the way we like we can address that when it happens, with a cup of tea.

 

4. Do you think you will return to Northern Ireland? What could convince you to come back?

I hope so. I do keep up to date with what companies are there and if the right opportunity came along I would definitely consider coming home, but for now my main priorities are building my career and travelling in my spare time and London makes both those things very possible. There’s not really an equivalent role for me in Belfast at the moment and I might have to work for myself to be able to come home.

5. What can Northern Ireland learn from the place you live now?

Open-mindedness. Northern Ireland isn’t very diverse compared to London and the occasional sectarian/racist/sexist/homophobic comments I hear when I come home are symptomatic of that but people also need to consciously work at being kinder and more inclusive to people from different backgrounds to their own.

 

6. If Northern Ireland had a president with sweeping powers, and it was you, what would you do?

I would love to see more private companies providing jobs for grads so that we don’t all have to move away to build our career. I would improve our flight routes so people could travel more and get a bit of perspective on how the rest of the world looks, and to make business travel easier- for a lot of international flights you still have to go to Dublin airport. I’d probably make all schools integrated too- the first time I made Catholic friends was at Saturday morning orchestra when I was already in high school. A lot of my friends from school didn’t even have that opportunity.

7. What would you like to see more of on Northern Slant?

Articles! Videos! Photos! You need to post more content on Facebook and get an Instagram account 😉

 

8. If you could ask three Northern Ireland politicians (past or present) to dinner, who would they be? And why?

Dornan, Hunniford, Neeson.

 

9. Do you have a favourite quote, or mantra?

Try, try and try again. The first time this became useful in my life was when it took me FIVE TIMES to pass my driving test. It’s always been applicable though- determination has got me a long way in life. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough.

 

10. What’s your message for people back home?

This is really for young people but here goes: You have so much opportunity at your disposal- grab it. You are smart and educated and that means you can do anything- think about what makes you happy and what your strengths are and pursue a job that allows you to do both! And don’t be afraid to leave home for a while and see the world, you can always come back. Ps. If you move away, having a regional accent is also a HUGE bonus, people automatically think you’re friendly (because we are) so don’t lose that either! Even if you get mocked every single day! (I do.)

Also published on Medium.