Tierna McConnell is the Enablement & Revenue Operations Analyst at Agio, now part of Netrio.
Here, Tierna sits down with Sync NI to take part in the Tech Trailblazer challenge, discussing her pathway into a career in tech, what a day in her life looks like, and why Agio, now part of Netrio is a great company to foster growth and develop talent.
Have you always had an interest in technology and was there a specific person or source of inspiration that led you into your current career path?
I studied History and Politics at university, so tech wasn’t something I initially set my sights on. However, IT had always interested me from a young age. Through Agio, now part of Netrio, I discovered there are roles in tech that don’t require a technical background and working in the Go-To-Market team highlighted that technology companies need a variety of roles—beyond just technical ones—to be successful.
What would you consider to be the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your job?
I get to support our Sales teams by streamlining the way they access tools and resources about our services during the sales cycle. Knowing that the materials or processes I create help someone close a deal or better serve a client is incredibly rewarding. It’s also a collaborative space—there’s a real team-first mentality, and I love that I can bring ideas forward, take initiative, and see the impact fairly quickly.
In terms of career development, how important is it to build a professional network and attend industry events?
At Agio, now part of Netrio, we emphasize curiosity and the ability to evolve. Building a network—both internally and externally—is a huge part of that. Whether it’s attending events or just having informal chats with people in similar roles, those connections have helped me grow faster than I could have on my own.
How much impact can a mentor have on your personal development?
I wouldn’t have been able to progress so much in my role without people who took the time to guide me, challenge me, and support my growth. Agio, now part of Netrio, focuses on cultivating talent and developing people. It’s not always a formal mentor program, sometimes it’s just someone who gives you honest feedback or believes in you enough to push you out of your comfort zone.
What guidance would you offer to any young person on why they should consider a career in technology?
Tech is full of opportunity and there’s space for people from all kinds of backgrounds—not just those with STEM degrees. I didn’t come from a tech background and what I’ve learned is that tech companies don’t just need engineers—they need Marketing, Sales, Finance and Operational roles too, so you can absolutely find your place.
What advice would you give to women considering a career change or who are returning to work who might be daunted at the prospect of working in what can be perceived as a male dominated industry?
It can be intimidating to be one of the only women, or the only woman, in the room. But at Agio, now part of Netrio, your skills and perspective are valued first and foremost. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other women. If you're thinking of joining a company, LinkedIn is a great place to ask others about their overall experience.
For those who may not come from a STEM background, what other career opportunities exist within the tech sector beyond software engineering?
Coming from a non-STEM background myself, I can confidently say there are many paths into tech. I work in Revenue Operations within the Go-To-Market department at Agio, now part of Netrio, and collaborate closely with non-technical teams like Sales, Customer Success, and Marketing.
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