Dr Sarah Dane is a Programme Manager at EY NI, and recently took part in the Sync NI Tech Trailblazer challenge.
Read on to find out more about Dr Sarah Dane's career journey, what inspired her to join EY NI and why she thinks the explosion of generative AI has been the most important tech development in recent years.
What does your typical day look like?
Every day looks a bit different depending on the clients I’m working with, but typically it starts with a cup of tea while checking my emails and preparing for the day ahead. Today has included a team stand-up, final preparations for and running a client workshop.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently managing a team on a Public Sector Client reviewing their processes and the technology that supports these. The goal is to enable the Transformation Programme within the organisation to provide a streamlined and transparent system for clients and stakeholders.
What inspired you to join EY?
I was inspired to join EY after talking to a few people who worked within the technology consulting team and seeing how beyond the day job there is a commitment to the EY purpose to build a better working world. In my almost three years at EY I have seen this commitment put into practice, particularly with helping young people get interested in the tech industry. The programmes EY are involved in, like “Time to Code” with Business in the Community NI and the launch of the EY STEM app in NI schools are inspiring young people and girls to pursue a career in STEM subjects.
READ MORE: EY launches EY STEM app in schools across Northern Ireland
Did you always want to work in the tech industry?
I came into technology via a different route; after completing a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry I started my career as a research chemist working in R&D. As part of this role I was exposed to Industry 4.0 and the changes it was bringing to the manufacturing sector. I was really interested in the interplay between technology, processes and people and as a result I decided to move into technology consulting.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
The favourite part of my job is the variety it offers, working with different clients and on different technology projects. There is never the time to be bored and there is always something new happening.
What would you say to other people considering a job in the tech industry?
If you have an interest in technology and its impact on the world around us, go for it! Technology can seem intimidating, however, many people working in technology aren’t from a “techy” background. Technology is constantly changing and evolving so there are always new things to learn.
It’s an exciting time to join a tech lead career with AI changing the way we work. I use our own large language model platform “EYQ” all the time, by entering prompts it helps me come up with great ideas, helps me prioritise my day and gives me more efficient ways of doing things.
Who inspired you to work in your current role
There isn’t one person who I can point to that has inspired me. It has been a few people over the years who have been very supportive and always willing to have conversations about the way ahead.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
I think the explosion of generative AI has been the most important tech development in recent years and ChatGPT is now a word that is used in everyday life. It has completely changed the way people approach every day activities with many opportunities to automate tasks and process data.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
A bit of a cliché but my phone, although the rice cooker does come a close second!
Read the latest edition, Spring 2025, of Sync NI here completely free of charge.
Subscribe to the Sync NI newsletter for all the latest technology news, jobs and upcoming events in Northern Ireland.
Visit Sync NI online for the latest technology news in Northern Ireland.
