My name is Connor McGrath and I am a Financial Analyst Graduate working in Dell Financial Services. I graduated from the University of Limerick last September, joining Dell a few days later. I enjoy connecting with others, whilst bringing energy and enthusiasm to everything I am involved in. New challenges excite me, giving me the opportunity to lead by example. I love all types of sport. In school I played rugby, football and was part of the local swimming club. I also love to travel, having spent two summers on a J1 visa in San Francisco and Ocean City.

Has your opinion of STEM changed since you were a teenager?

When I was a teenager in Secondary School I rarely ever heard of the term STEM. From my recollection, this term was something that wasn’t discussed in classes much. Since joining Dell and being part of the Digital Futures team I have learned the value of the STEM subjects. More importantly, as people working in the IT industry it is our duty to ensure that secondary school students understand the importance of STEM. The Digital Futures program has given me that opportunity.

In your opinion, what is the biggest myth about STEM careers?

I feel that there is not enough emphasis on engineering and technology within secondary schools. Science and maths are compulsory, but many schools do not speak of/teach the other two aspects of STEM subjects. I think this is something that needs to be looked at.

What do you love about your current role?

My current role gives me so many opportunities to develop both within my role and outside of it.  I am allowed the flexibility to take part in many of the Charity events that take place on site here which is great as it adds that extra satisfaction to my work day. This flexibility also allows me to network with other members of Dell which is always nice.  

What has been the most surprising element of your job?

When first joining, I had a fear of work being a tough environment where I’d be counting down the hours until I finished. However, here in Dell it is quite the opposite, everyone is so friendly and there is always someone on hand to help you out if needed. It’s a great environment to come in to work each day.

Do you ever get to travel abroad for work?

I have not yet gotten the opportunity to travel with work however, many of my team members have. Travel opportunities come around all the time which is another exciting aspect of work. For example, my team members travel to Austin, Texas and Sydney, Australia which is something I hope to get to do also.

Do you feel that you fit the stereotypical description of a person in your role?

One of the best things about Dell is the diversity within each team – there is no set way of how a person should look etc.

If a young person told you that they would like to get into your role, what advice would you give them?

My advice for them would be to first ask themselves why they want to work as a Financial Analyst? I’d tell them to look at the subjects they are good at and the subjects they enjoy and determine if they are in line with the role they are looking to work in. I’d then tell them to search for an opportunity to get some experience in that role. Finally, I’d tell them to speak to as many people as they can about the role.

Did you complete any sort of placement or internship during your studies? If so, did it prepare you for what you do now?

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to carry out 9 months of placement in the third year of my Degree. I can thank that experience for getting me the role I work in today. I got to do my placement in Dell EMC Limerick, where I worked as part of the Consumer Support Team. It was this experience that got me in contract with the right people here in Dublin and I put myself forward for a role in the Bank, which I was lucky enough to get it.

My advice to any student looking at college degrees is to look for what colleges offer placement opportunities and to seriously consider this fantastic opportunity before selecting their college courses.

Name one thing on your bucket list.

I want to travel to Asia and spend a few months back packing across the continent.

What television series are you currently watching?

Formula 1 documentary on Netflix – It is a MUST WATCH.

What living person do you most admire, and why?

Cristiano Ronaldo – I love his mentality of trying to stay at the top of his game for as long as possible and how he succeeds in this.