Angela Byrne is the Director of Engineering at ESO, having joined the tech-for-good company in December 2024.
After studying a degree in Computing Science at the University of Staffordshire, Angela has enjoyed a career working for leading companies in Northern Ireland across various sectors.
Angela sits down with Sync NI to explain the motivation behind joining the technology company dedicated to improving community health and safety through the power of data. Read on to find out what inspired Angela’s passion for technology, and why asking questions is one of her key pieces of advice for anyone embarking upon a career in the tech sector:
Have you always had an interest in technology and was there a specific person or a particular event that led you into your current career path?
My father passed away recently and my brother reminded me of the time our dad bought us a Commodore VIC-20 computer. He was the individual who froma very young age, introduced me to technology and programming. My dad always had the latest technology which truly sparked my interest and subsequent career journey – he taught me to always be curious.
Later on at schoolI loved computer studies and was always the one constantly in the labfixing the computers!
When I went to university to study Computing Science, during my first classI was blown away by my lecturer who was building a robot and predicting how in the future AI would change technology and impact all of our lives. This further sparked my lifelong curiosity about the impact technology has on humans.
Since then, I have never looked back! After university I progressed through various hands-on roles to a number of senior leadership positions across different industries, which really reflects my drive, determination and passion for success.
READ MORE: Tech Trailblazer: Jade Truffitt, Security Risk Manager at ESO Belfast
What would you consider to be the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your job?
One of the biggestreasonsI love technology and what I do, is because I love problem-solving. Every single day is different and everything revolves around challenges, and turning those challenges into an opportunity for innovation.
I also deeply enjoy continually learning and having to adapt to change. Staying on the cutting edge of technology means that every day is a school day!
Leading teams is also a key highlight in getting to watch teams and individuals collaborate, grow and achieve remarkable results.
Finally, seeing how my decisions and strategies positively influence the company’s trajectory and the lives of our customers and communities at ESO has been a key highlight.
In terms of career development, how important is it to build a professional network and attend industry events?
Building a professional network is crucial – it opens doors to collaborations, mentorships and opportunities you might not find otherwise. Industry events offer insights into emerging trends, the chance to share knowledge and the ability to connect with like-minded professionals who could inspire or guide your next big move.
Networking isn’t just about career advancements – it is also critical for creating a support system within the workplace and industry.
How much impact can a mentor have on your personal development?
A mentor can have a transformative impact on your personal development.
They can provide perspective, offering insights and advice born of experience as well as encourage growth, challenging us to step outside our comfort zones.
Mentors can also help open doors by helping to introduce you to new networks and opportunities.
Finally, having a mentor in place can help to build your confidence – helping you navigate challenges with greater assurance. In turn, your feedback as a mentee can be equally impactful for others, creating a cycle of growth and support.
What guidance would you offer to any young person on why they should consider a career in technology?
I would encourage young people to explore a career in technology as it is a field which is constantly evolving – it offers endless opportunities to innovate and learn. Just look at the pace of AI technology and its impact on our everyday lives.
Technology shapes the world and enables positive change across industries and organisations – so if you love problem solving and want to make a difference to peoples’ lives, a career in technology enables you to do so.
There are so many free resources, courses and communities that make entry into the field of technology so much more accessible than ever before. My best advice would be to avail of those resources at your fingertips and to seek them out.
READ MORE: Tech Trailblazer: Steph Maher, Technical Programme Manager at ESO
What advice would you give to women considering a career change or return to work but who are feeling daunted by the prospect of working in a male-dominated industry?
I would encourage women to take the leap. Confidence is key – it is vital that you recognise and understand the unique value your perspective brings and go for it. Take opportunities on and have a go – you might fail but learn from the experience and move on! This is a great way to build your resilience.
Do not be afraid to ask the ‘stupid’ questions – as there is no such thing as a stupid question! Ask for help and you will be amazed at how many people love to feel needed and want to help.
Find allies by building relationships with supportive colleagues and mentors. One way might be to join a women in technology network.
You should also recognise and draw on your strengths! We all have diverse experiences but recognising your experiences and strengths that come from them, such as caregiving for example which hones empathy, organisational skills and adaptability, are examples of skills which are critical in leadership.
Finally, seek inclusive workplaces – look for organisations, such as ESO, which value diversity and provide clear paths for growth. The technology sector is more open to diverse talent than ever before.
For those who may not come from a STEM background, what other career opportunities exist within the tech sector beyond software engineering?
There is a wide range of roles, from coding to product management to data science and cyber security – there’s something for everyone.
The tech sector offers roles that require skills beyond STEM, from project management (organising and overseeing tech projects); User Experience (UX) Design (crafting intuitive and user-friendly interfaces); technical writing (communicating complex ideas in accessible ways); sales, marketing and customer supports (bridging the gap between products and customers; data analysis (unlocking insights from data to drive strategies) plus HR and talent development (cultivating the teams behind the tech).
The possibilities are vast, allowing individuals from all backgrounds to thrive.
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