Caitlín Magee is a full stack software engineer at Allstate Northern Ireland, working on a communications team that focuses on innovation through Generative AI. A First Class Honours graduate in Software Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, she joined Allstate through their graduate programme in 2022.
Caitlín shares with Sync NI her journey into technology, the impact of mentorship, and the value of confidence, community, and continuous learning.
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’ve always loved problem-solving, and growing up, my parents encouraged me to work hard at school and find something that I enjoyed. I’mactually the first university graduate in my family, so that was a big motivation for me to work hard.
For a while, I considered studying maths at university, but it was during A Levels after I chose Software Systems Development as one of my subjects that I realised software engineering was the path for me. I went to Our Lady’s Grammar in Newry, an all-girls school, and we had just eight students in our software class. I can honestly say the reason I’m where I am today is because of our teacher, Mr. McElhinney. He played a huge role in shaping my career and always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. His support gave me the confidence to pursue tech, and it’s made all the difference.
What would you consider to be the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your job?
I love seeing the impact of my work—especially when a product or feature makes someone’s life easier. Being part of a communications team using GenAI means we’re constantly innovating, and that challenge keeps things fresh and exciting.
But beyond the work itself, the people I work with are what make it so rewarding. At Allstate, I’m surrounded by a diverse group—different backgrounds, ages, and experiences—which creates such a strong sense of community and support. That collaboration makes every project feel more fulfilling and it’s always beneficial being able to have some craic when working!
In terms of career development, how important is it to build a professional network and attend industry events?
Building a professional network and attending industry events has become incredibly important to me. Through my career, I’ve seen how invaluable it is to connect with people from different backgrounds and experiences. In April, I spoke on a panel at BelTech, and that experience opened so many doors, both in terms of learning and building relationships. It helped me connect with others who are doing exciting things in tech and gave me a chance to share my own experiences. Networking also gives you fresh perspectives and valuable feedback that can help you grow in your career. It’s not just about what you know, but who you know, and the support and guidance you can get from a strong network are essential.
As important as it is to grow connections and learn, for me, one of the most important things is to develop my confidence. Every time I put myself in a position to network or attend an event, I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone and growing a bit more confident each time. I’m less than three years into my career, and I’m still finding my feet and figuring out who I am in this space. Each step, even the uncomfortable ones, helps me grow personally and professionally.
READ MORE: Tech Trailblazer: Victoria Johnston, Machine Learning IT Analyst, Allstate
How much impact can a mentor have on your personal development?
Through school and university, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing a range of different mentors, and each one has helped shape me and support my growth. But for me, in my career now, Adam Hale, a lead engineer at Allstate, has been a huge influence. I consider him a mentor to me - he’s encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, take on new opportunities, and provided valuable feedback that has helped me grow both in all aspects. Having someone to guide you and push you to take on new challenges makes a huge difference in your development, and I think it’s important everyone is given that opportunity to find someone who can support and encourage them.
What guidance would you offer to any young person on why they should consider a career in technology?
Technology is constantly evolving and offers endless opportunities for creativity and problem-solving. If you enjoy challenges and want to make a real impact, tech is an exciting field to be in. What I love about it is that it’s not just for a specific type of person—it’s a field where anyone, regardless of background, can find their niche. Whether you’re interested in coding, data, or user experience, there’s a place for you to grow and contribute to something that could change the world. The potential for innovation is huge, and it’s a career that’s always moving forward.
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?
My advice would be to trust in your abilities and not let the perception of a male-dominated industry hold you back. Women bring unique perspectives and skills that are invaluable in tech, but there’s so much to learn from men too. Men and women often think differently and approach problem-solving in diverse ways, and some of the best people to learn from in this industry are men.
Remember - you have the university degree, or you have the qualifications necessary, and you wouldn’t be offered the job if you weren’t capable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek support, and build your confidence through learning. Surround yourself with a community of like-minded people, whether that’s through mentoring, networking, or finding a supportive team. The industry is changing, and there is space for women to thrive in tech—just as much as anyone else. Embrace the challenge, and you’ll find your place.
For those who may not come from a STEM background, what other career opportunities exist within the tech sector beyond software engineering?
The tech sector offers so many career opportunities beyond software engineering. Roles like product management, UX/UI design, data analysis, and cybersecurity are all integral to the industry. Each of these areas requires different skill sets—whether you’re good at analysing data, creating user-friendly designs, or building relationships with clients. Tech is an industry that thrives on diverse talents, and there’s always a place for someone who is passionate and willing to learn. So, if software engineering isn’t your thing, there’s no shortage of paths to explore!
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