Ask me a question!
What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
How did you go about getting your current job?
Describe a typical day?
A typical day is hard to describe, given that there are many facets to my role. However, it usually included several call and video calls with clients and colleagues alike. I really enjoy the people and problem solving element to my day-to-day work life, which provides me with high levels of job satisfaction. There are inevitably some high pressured days in banking but I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the banking world!
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
What are the main challenges?
What do you like most?
Is there anything that isn't great?
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
Communication and interpersonal skills are key to any job in the current market especially when we're all on-screen all day! They are the cornerstones to success, if you have them, you have so many options.
In my particular industry, analytical skills are really useful to be able to take a high-level view and establish what areas to focus on. I'm a firm believer in that so many skills are transferable and we have far more skills that we might initially think. Give it a shot, what's the worst that can happen?
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
For my Leaving Cert, my eight subjects were English, Irish, Maths, German, French, Business, Physics and Applied Maths. Looking back now I think I had a really broad list of subjects and this theme resonates today. I can get quite impatient and bored quite quickly so I really enjoy the different aspects of subjects. This is linked to the ability to get involved in different things at work, which keep things interesting.
What is your education to date?
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
I have already mentioned building the income stream and product from the ground up, which has been really rewarding. The exposure I have been granted in my role as well as the opportunities to represent the Irish business across a number of European countries was truly exciting. Spending a few days in London and Paris helped!
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
I am a really organised personal outside of work and that plays a role at work too. It allows me to know what I need to do and when I need to do it. This is linked with my earlier point around prioritisation. I have always been very ambitious in all aspects of my life and that has aided my progression at Barclays to date. Hopefully this will continue into the future.
What is your dream job?
I was one of those people that regularly changed their aspirations when I was younger and was always supported by my parents no matter how fleeting these ideas were. A few of these were to be an architect, a TV presenter or work in fashion! I'm a huge tennis fan too so I'd love to work with one of the governing bodies of the sport one day.
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
What is your pet hate at work?
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
I qualified as a Chartered Accountant last year so I am looking forward to the next educational step in my career. I completed a couple of online course late last year in areas of personal interest including watches and art history. It's important to have a genuine desire to learn and spend the time to do so. Otherwise, it can be quite a slog.
- Career Development?
- Current Job?
- Education and Training?
- Personal Qualities?
- Advice for Others?