Name: Alexios Sofias
Role: Senior Data Analyst at EY Northern Ireland
What does your typical day look like?
Every day before starting work, I take some time to catch up on news from a variety of sources. I begin with business and financial news, followed by sports updates, with a focus on football and basketball. Additionally, I stay informed about current events in Greece.
By 9:00 am, I wrap up my reading and quickly establish my daily goals. Next, I join our morning stand-up meeting, where I discuss my progress and the day's priorities with my colleagues. It's worth noting that these priorities may change throughout the day if unforeseen urgent tasks come up.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a project for a utility client in Advanced Asset Management. I am calculating Asset Health Index which is a key input to Investment Decision Tools, Optimise Maintenance and Outage Management.
What inspired you to join this company in particular?
I am motivated by being part of successful teams, and EY has the largest Data Consulting team in Ireland. Joining EY provided me with the opportunity to work across diverse industries within Ireland and gain exposure to technologies and experiences that are not typically available in smaller organisations. At EY, our aim is to deliver genuine value to our clients while striving to create a better working world.
Did you always want to work in this industry?
Growing up with a diverse academic background, which includes an Electrical Engineering degree and a Master's in Finance and Data Analytics, I was unsure of which industry would be the best fit for me during the initial stages of my career. Instead of choosing just one, I decided to explore opportunities across multiple sectors. Joining EY has given me the chance to work with an array of clients, ranging from the utility sector to government agencies. This broad exposure has allowed me to apply my skills and knowledge in various industries, ultimately providing me with a fulfilling and dynamic career in the tech space.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
My favourite aspect of my work is undoubtedly the problem-solving element. Each day brings a new challenge that my colleagues and I need to tackle together. One of the most rewarding aspects of working at EY is being surrounded by supportive leaders and mentors who not only encourage personal and professional growth but also empower me to make a tangible impact on our clients' success. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and innovation, allowing us to find unique solutions to complex problems. It drives me to continuously develop my skills and expand my knowledge while contributing meaningfully to the diverse projects we undertake.
What would you say to other people considering a job in this industry?
For those considering a career in the tech industry, I would like to emphasise that nearly every problem has been solved by someone, somewhere. In my experience, working as part of a team with over 200 colleagues has shown me that there is always someone who can offer assistance or guidance in solving a problem. Furthermore, the vast array of online resources, including forums and search engines, provide a wealth of information to help you find solutions and expand your knowledge.
How do you see this technology impacting our lives?
Data Science and Data Analytics have become essential in our lives, impacting everything from personalised recommendations on social media to increased efficiency in the workplace. By analysing user behaviour, these technologies enable tailored content that caters to individual preferences, enhancing user experience and refining marketing efforts. In the workplace, automation of repetitive tasks allows employees to focus on strategic and creative aspects of their work, fostering innovation and collaboration.
Additionally, data-driven insights facilitate informed decision-making and resource optimisation. As these technologies continue to evolve, their influence will further reshape how we interact, consume information, and work, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation across various industries.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
In my opinion, one of the most significant tech innovations or developments in recent years is the rise of Chat-GPT and AI technologies in general. These advancements have the potential to revolutionise various aspects of our lives, particularly for graduates and those who are at the early stages of their careers.
AI has the power to improve skill sets and enhance the quality of work across various fields, by automating mundane tasks, providing valuable insights, and enabling more efficient decision-making. The fact that an AI bot can now engage in sophisticated conversations, generate comprehensive responses, and even participate in an interview like this one is truly remarkable.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
The tech gadget I simply cannot live without has to be my BOSE portable speaker. Those who know me well understand that I'm a firm believer in the idea that good music is best enjoyed at a high volume when I'm at home. I haven't received any noise complaints from my neighbours yet, so I like to think they're secretly grooving along to my impeccable music taste.
