From wanting to be a teacher to discovering a passion for coding, Saoirse Murphy's journey into tech began with a simple conversation with her ICT teacher and a few lines of code that changed everything.
Now working as a Staff Senior Software Engineer at FinTrU, she combines her love of problem-solving with mentoring others, helping to shape the next generation of tech talent. Her message is clear: tech is far more diverse and welcoming than many people think.
She recently spoke with Sync NI about her unexpected path into technology, the importance of mentorship, and why the tech industry needs diverse perspectives.
Have you always had an interest in technology, and was there a specific person or particular event that led you into your current role?
Honestly? Not at all. I didn’t even know what coding was until I started looking at university courses. Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher. I even told my school careers advisor, who promptly advised me not to pursue it because “there were no jobs in teaching.” I was very sensible back then (arguably more than I am now), so I took her advice seriously. That’s when I had a chat with my ICT teacher, Mr. Lyons. He suggested I look into Computer Science and even set up a little intro-to-programming workshop for a few of us. That’s where I wrote my first few lines of code and loved it. Thanks to brilliant teachers at Fortwilliam Dominic College, I found a career I genuinely love.
What would you consider to be the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your job?
For me, it’s the perfect mix of puzzles and people. I’ve always loved solving problems and software development is basically that, just with more semicolons.But what I really love is the teaching and mentoring side of the job. I get to help others grow and share what I’ve learned.There’s always something new to learn, a new challenge to tackle, or a new tool to try.It’s fast-paced, ever-changing, and just the right amount of unpredictability.
In terms of career development, how important is it to build a professional network and attend industry events?
I think it’s important in any career, but especially in tech. The industry moves fast and attending events is one of the best ways to stay ahead of the curve. It’s where you hear the latest buzzwords and trends. More importantly, it’s about connecting with people who can relate and have faced the samechallenges—people who can offer adviceand support. Building a network helps you grow—not just professionally, but personally too.
How much impact can a mentor have on your personal development?
A good mentor is invaluable. They’re the ones who nudge you out of your comfort zone. It’s far too easy to stay where things feel safe and familiar.Having someone you trust as a sounding board—a person who’s been there, made the mistakes, and is willing to share their wisdom—is a game-changer. Of course, it only works if you’re open to feedback. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance, encouragement, and occasional reality checks from my mentors.
What guidance would you offer to any young person on why they should consider a career in technology?
Working in tech is fun and challenging. It is also worth noting that the skills you will learn are transferable. Whether it’s problem-solving, communication, or working with fast-moving teams, these are things you can take into almost any industry. So even if you decide to pivot later, you’ll be more than ready.
You can build an amazing career in tech with great career progression, often with good flexibility and pay, plus you’ll get to work with seriously smart people you can learn a lot from.
What advice would you give to women considering a career change or return to work but are daunted by the prospect of working in what can be perceived as a male-dominated industry?
I think a lot of people assume tech is a boys’ club because they only picture software developers—and yes, that space can still be male-dominated. But tech is so much broader than that. There are countless roles,and I work with so many talented women across all of them.If you’re considering a career change or returning to work, don’t let the stereotypes hold you back. Your skills are valid, your perspective is needed, and your presence matters.
For those who may not come from a STEM background, what other career opportunities exist within the tech sector beyond software engineering?
Tech is one of the most versatile career paths out there. There are countless roles—product managers, UX designers, analysts, tech writers, QA testers.There are a lot of creative jobs in tech, the industry thrives on a diverse skillset. If you’re curious, open to learning, and enjoy solving problems, I would say the tech industry is for you.
Sync NI's Summer 2025 magazine celebrates women in tech across Ireland as we continue to encourage more women to enter the thriving sector and address the current gender imbalance.
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