At just 18, Cora McCartan joined EY as an apprentice and has since built an impressive career in data science. Now an Assistant Manager, she's recently completed her first machine learning retention model from scratch, a project that's taken her skills to new heights. We sat down with Cora to learn about her journey, what drives her passion for tech, and her advice for anyone considering a career in this field.
What does your typical day look like?
Most days I’m learning something new. I’m fairly new to the data science world at the moment – so it’s a lot of google deep dives, working on my scripts and connecting with the rest of my team.
What are you currently working on?
I’m just wrapping up a project where I created a machine learning retention model. It was my first time building a model from scratch, so I’ve learnt a massive amount these past few months. The model used data in a snowflake data warehouse which I connected to using an API, and ran my code in python.
READ MORE: Tech Trailblazer: Laura Heery, Senior Manager – AI & Data, EY
What inspired you to join EY?
I joined EY when I was 18 and completed my degree on the apprenticeship programme. I think it was the wealth of opportunity that attracted me. EY has provided me with a great foundation in both my technical skills and client-facing. I’m always encouraged to learn more and supported if I want to go for more exams. It’s this constant development that keeps my work interesting.
Did you always want to work in this industry (tech)?
I always wanted to work in something STEM related. I wasn’t exactly sure what that was when I left school and I got to try out a few different roles at EY, from business analyst to data analyst and I’ve happily settled now on data scientist.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
The variety – I’m constantly working on new things and getting to spin multiple plates at once. I love how we get to navigate our own careers and explore opportunities that interest us.
What would you say to other people considering a job in this industry (tech)?
Always set time aside to learn. I think we get incredibly busy in roles like these and think we have no time to learn, but there’s loads of great new technologies that can make our lives easier. Taking a few hours to update myself on new packages for python etc on a Friday can really make the following week easier for me.
READ MORE: Tech Trailblazer: Paul Hearty Manager in Technology Consulting at EY Northern Ireland
Who inspired you to work in your current role?
My dad. He used to be a tech specialist in the banking industry and always encouraged me to go into a career that I would be happy in and evolve in.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
I think our ability to process big data. What used to take weeks and teams of people we can all do in a few minutes at our desks with the right software.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
A phone –especially one with a camera. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just something to keep in touch with friends and family and look back on old memories.
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