What does your typical day look like?
I like to get up early, I’m a morning person and getting an early start allows me to prepare for my day so that I feel organised and ready for the day ahead. Throughout the day, I navigate through meetings and tasks, referring to my prepared notes to help me stay focused and on track. Flexibility is key, as I am often required to manage unexpected challenges that arise. Once work is done, I hit the gym for a workout session, as it’s really important to me to ensure that I prioritise my physical well-being. I then take the opportunity to do meal prepping for the next day, helping me to make sure that I’m eating healthily.
What are you currently working on?
I am presently engaged in a public sector project focused on delivering a robust reporting solution. It’s tailored to meet the specific needs of our client, empowering them to effectively track and report on their comprehensive financial and purchase order data. Our goal is to provide a streamlined and transparent system that enhances efficiency and accountability within the organization's procurement processes.
What inspired you to join this company in particular?
I was inspired to join EY Northern Ireland due to its renowned reputation for excellence and innovation in the professional services industry. EY's commitment to delivering exceptional client service, its global reach, and its culture of continuous learning and development were all factors that appealed to me.
I was drawn to the opportunity to work with a diverse team of talented professionals on challenging projects that have a meaningful impact on clients' businesses. Overall, joining EY Northern Ireland represented an exciting opportunity for me to contribute to a dynamic and forward-thinking organization while furthering my own professional growth and development.
Did you always want to work in this industry (tech)?
Growing up, I had a profound fascination with technology. I vividly recall the excitement I felt when my dad brought home our first computer when I was just eight years old. That moment sparked a lifelong interest in technology for me. As I grew older, my affinity for computers only deepened, leading me to consciously pursue opportunities within the tech industry. Each step along the way, from education to career choices, has been driven by my passion for technology and the endless possibilities it offers for innovation and growth.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
My favourite aspect of my work, particularly within EY, is the dynamic nature of the tech landscape. Unlike being confined to one technology or role indefinitely, I appreciate the constant learning and adaptation required to meet the evolving needs of our clients. At EY Northern Ireland, we're encouraged to continuously develop new skills and expertise, allowing us to seamlessly transition between roles and technologies as projects demand. For instance, in one project, I may serve as a business analyst, while in another, I might take on the role of a developer. This diversity keeps the work engaging and ensures that no two days are ever the same. It's this ever-changing environment that I find most exhilarating and fulfilling in my career.
What would you say to other people considering job in this industry?
Be prepared to continuously learn and adapt, as the landscape is constantly evolving. Whether you're passionate about coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, or any other aspect of technology, there's a vast array of roles and specialisations to explore.
How do you see technology impacting our lives?
Technology profoundly impacts our lives, revolutionising communication, healthcare, and education. From instant global connectivity to personalized healthcare solutions and online learning platforms, technology enhances efficiency, innovation, and economic growth. Yet, it also poses challenges like privacy concerns, governance, and digital inequality. It's therefore crucial not to forget the importance of these challenges when embracing the benefits to ensure that we’re using technology ethically and responsibly.
Who inspired you to work in this field?
Witnessing a lack of female representation in the tech industry, both in professional settings and academia, sparked a curiosity within me. The noticeable absence of women in tech-related roles, coupled with the predominance of male professors during my university years, fuelled a desire to challenge the status quo. This was a key factor in deciding to pursue a career in this field.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as one of the most important tech innovations in recent years. Its impact spans across various sectors, from healthcare and finance to transportation and entertainment. AI has revolutionized how we process and analyse data, automate tasks, and make decisions, leading to unprecedented advancements in areas like machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Its potential to drive efficiency, enhance productivity, and solve complex problems makes it a transformative force shaping the future of technology and society as a whole.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
I couldn't live without my phone. It serves as my communication hub, productivity tool, entertainment centre, and much more!
