Firstly, I feel as though secondary school helped me to gain insights into different subjects which enabled me to get a sense of what areas I enjoyed the most and how I could use this to make more informed decisions for college choices which would inevitably shape my future. Secondly, before and during college I worked many labour intensive jobs which had long hours, not much human interaction and they weren’t great pay. This motivated me to succeed in my education and work hard to give me more choices for my future and enable me to seek jobs with ample opportunities and a pleasant work environment like Northern Trust.

Personally, I didn’t seek much guidance in my career choices. I always made sure to follow my interests when making choices for myself as opposed to leaving outside influences impact me. I always felt nobody knew myself better than me and once I worked hard, wasn’t afraid to try things and took each day as it comes id end up with a very fulfilling career.

I was approached through the University of Limerick by Northern Trust to do an interview for their co-op programme. I was successful in my interview and was offered a chance to do my co-op with them which I gladly accepted. I really enjoyed my co-op and was then offered a chance to come back to Northern Trust upon completion of my final year of college.

A typical day consists of a high paced professional environment. From the minute you log on until the minute you log off it's a high paced professional environment which is challenging and therefore extremely rewarding. Everyone pulls together working as a team helping each other out and learning from each other to achieve a shared goal.

I am an analyst on the Dealing Team within the Transfer Agency. I deal with clients and investors on a daily basis placing trades on their desired days for their desired amount. I would also handle any queries they might have an assist them in any way I can.

Dealing with some of the most successful and sophisticated clients in the world pushes me to ensure my work is to an extremely high standard. Knowing how costly my mistakes are encourages me to strive for perfection and achieve my full potential. Also, being part of a team means nobody gets left behind and everyone pulls together. Working hard to ensure I don’t let me team down keeps me alert and up to speed.

I love the fact I am working for a large successful organisation like Northern Trust. With the big name comes big opportunities which I find exciting.

Deadlines can be pressurising but it does ensure the work is kept up to date and to a high standard which benefits both my performance levels and that of Northern Trust.

Personally, I feel my two main skills are being able to work as part of a team and my productivity. Being able to adapt into my team and fulfil the role they needed me to was vitally important to both the success of the team and my own career. I enjoy working with others and am always willing to go the extra mile for the team. Secondly, my willingness to work hard enables me to produce high levels of productivity which is extremely important for a high paced environment like Northern Trust.

In school my 3 choice subjects were economics, business studies and construction. These were what I felt I had the most interest in so I went with these and by doing these I got to discover which I was best at, which I liked most and gain insights into what line of work I would most like to enter into after my education. I knew I liked and was good at working with my hands which is why I chose construction. I chose business and economics because I was interested in those areas and they were broad with ample career paths. These allowed me to see which areas I had the most interest in for a career so that I could select a college course that would enable these opportunities. After doing these subjects I discovered the thing that most appealed to me was working with others in a professional environment which is why I chose Business Studies in UL as there was plenty of careers I could pursue by doing this course, that I felt I would enjoy.

Secondary Schools = Castletroy College and Limerick Tutorial College College Course = Business Studies at University of Limerick

The main aspect of my degree that I felt was beneficial was working with new people on projects to meet a deadline. It developed many skills I have that benefit me when working with a team within my job to achieve high levels of results.

I also found my HR modules very handy in getting an understanding into what motivates others and learning about different ways I can get the best out of both my productivity as well as others.

Firstly, during my co-op I assumed the role of team leader for our co-op group project. I enjoyed the added pressure and responsibility and it was very rewarding to have guided the team to a successful completion of the project. Secondly, although its only a small achievement I found it extremely rewarding being given my first fund to look after as I feel it was my first accomplishment in my full time job after college and hopefully the first step in a long and successful career

The two qualities I feel most help me are my determination and my ability to get on well with others. Due to the serious nature of the work involved, mistakes can be costly. When getting started there is many new things to learn and it may be quite tedious at times. But being determined to keep motivated so that I can ensure I haven’t missed anything and I am doing the best I can at my role ensures I perform at a higher level. Secondly, my ability to get on with other ensures a pleasant work environment creating a platform for better results.

A job that I am happy in and makes me extremely comfortable financially is the dream.

Yes, I always loved having a routine mid-week. The job has ideal hours of 09:00am – 17:15pm Monday to Friday giving me plenty of free time in the evening for leisure activities such as the gym and sport and with weekends off it enable me plenty of time for socialising, relaxing and spending time with family. Furthermore, the opportunities available within Northern Trust to progress within the company and develop me as a professional keeps me motivated which I feel is very important to a successful career and feeling fulfilled and happy within myself.

If you have a good attitude, a willingness to work hard and can work with others then I believe you could achieve high results in this job.

Communication Skills Team Work Willingness to learn

If you forget your access badge the hassle of getting a temporary one for the day.

On the Northern Trust partner portal there are ample courses added to your own personal plan which I complete whenever I have free time enabling me to be the best at my job as I can be. It gives me a better understanding as to what my role entails as well as a better understanding of the role of Northern Trust and other partners.

I wouldn’t know what jobs are similar but if you think you’ve an interest go for it. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take and experience with Northern Trust will always benefit you and you career.