McDonald's People

Jovita Urbonaite

My name is Jovita and I am the Restaurant Manager in McDonald’s Kilkenny. I am originally from Lithuania and I came to work in Ireland on a work permit. My first months in Ireland were very hard and I found it quite difficult to settle here.

I started working in the lobby of the restaurant for two months and then I had the opportunity to change my duties and train in different areas. After five months, I went on a training course, which meant I could look after certain areas of the restaurant and could instruct crew on what duties needed to be carried out. It was sometimes very hard but I always had support, which meant that I could always ask for help.

I went on the manager’s course after 18 months of working in McDonald’s. This, along with my experience, taught me how to manage all aspects of the restaurant. I was made a manager just over a year ago now and I am very proud of myself.

McDonald’s has helped me to build on my existing skills and always encouraged me to develop. I am now studying physical education back in Lithuania. Even though this means I have to travel back home every three months for exams, McDonald’s gives me the flexibility to do this.