Amanda Colreavy
Director, Enterprise Cybersecurity
Stephen Conneely
Director, Engineering
Stephanie Pearson
Director, Technology Management
From data analysis and coding to cybersecurity and product design, technology careers offer a wide mix of roles and pathways, opening more possibilities than students might realise.
Stephen Conneely has seen his career grow from studying Business Information Systems Management to leading engineering teams as Director of Engineering at Fidelity Investments Ireland. He is keen to challenge the misconception that a career in technology is solitary.
Coding misconceptions
“There’s often a perception that technology is about sitting alone in a dark room behind a computer screen, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” he explains. “Technology is a very social profession, and collaboration within a team is one of the most important aspects.”
While coding provides one important career path into technology, teams also need people who understand customer needs, design intuitive experiences, manage products, protect systems, analyse data and deliver complex change. That creates space for analytical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, communicators, organisers and technical specialists alike.
“Every day involves interacting with different people, solving problems together and adapting to new challenges. Things are constantly changing, which makes the work both exciting and rewarding.”
Teams with a greater diversity of perspectives often produce stronger problem-solving outcomes and more innovative solutions
Real roles in tech
In a technology-driven financial services environment such as Fidelity Investments Ireland, Amanda Colreavy, Director of Enterprise Cybersecurity, explains that a single product typically brings together expertise from software engineers, UX designers, cloud specialists, cybersecurity analysts, data scientists, product managers, systems analysts and subject matter experts, collaborating to create solutions that are secure, effective and user-friendly. “Having worked in a variety of STEM roles, what has kept me engaged is its dynamic nature. It’s a space where the opportunities are as diverse as they are limitless,” she explains.
“There are many ways to build a career in technology beyond engineering alone. Curiosity and critical thinking are just as important as technical knowledge,” she continues. “At its heart, cybersecurity is about digital safety. Young people are already facing cybersecurity challenges every day online, whether they realise it or not. They are a vital part of the future, so now is a great time to start building the skills to help shape it.”
Diverse technology pathways
“Access starts early,” explains Stephanie Pearson, Director of Technology Management, who began her career in software engineering and now leads technology teams. “Students are more likely to consider STEM roles when they meet relatable role models, try hands-on activities and understand what jobs look like in real life.”
The company also plays a role in broadening access to STEM careers through initiatives including CodePlus, CoderDojo, Root2STEM, and collaboration with Junior Achievement Ireland.
“We also support a range of alternative STEM pathways, including internships, graduate programmes, tech apprenticeships and returner programmes,” says Pearson. “People who transfer from other industries bring a valuable perspective. It’s so important to have a full spectrum of backgrounds and experiences to deliver great products.”
“Teams with a greater diversity of perspectives often produce stronger problem-solving outcomes and more innovative solutions,” adds Conneely.
Transferable skills
With AI enabling technological development rapidly, Conneely believes it is helping teams work more efficiently by reinforcing best practices and accelerating problem-solving, stressing that it is an enabler of human creativity, rather than a replacement. With a growing portfolio of educational initiatives, such as CSLINC cybersecurity modules, laptop donation programmes and scholarships, Fidelity continues to help equip the next generation with the tools needed to work in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
“The skills that give people the freedom to thrive in STEM are increasingly employability skills, including critical thinking, curiosity, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, data literacy and adaptability,” continues Conneely. “Technical skills can grow with time; it is soft skills that I look for when interviewing for new roles.”
For students, parents, and career changers, the message is simple: stay curious, try new projects, ask questions, seek mentors and do not self-select out because of stereotypes. Technology careers are full of opportunities, they are not always linear, and there is more than one way in.
