What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
Like most young people at the time of picking Leaving Certificate subjects I was completely undecided as to what I wanted to do so I kept my options open by choosing a Business subject - Business organisation, Science subject - Physics & Chemistry, language - German. After two years of science for Leaving Cert it was then I realised that I wanted to pursue a career in physical sciences.
The one disadvantage I had in starting college was that I hadn't studied Biology before (which was compulsory in first year college science) so straight away I needed to pay more attention to this subject in 1st year science. Had I known when picking leaving cert subjects that I wanted to pursue a career in physical sciences then Biology would have been a wise choice.
My PhD was in the area of physical chemistry (as opposed to organic/inorganic where most graduates end up in the pharmaceutical sector) and most of the chemistry associated with semiconductor processing is physical so it was a wise choice!
What is your education to date?
Completed my Secondary Education in St. Patrick's College Cavan.
On completion of my Leaving Certificate I studied a BSc. Hons degree in Chemistry at NUI, Galway.
After my degree I started a PhD in Chemistry also at NUI, Galway.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
The maths (maths/statistics) and science (physics/chemistry) subjects I studied in both school & college are particularly relevant to my current job. My PhD taught me some valuable skills and without it I wouldn't be working in the position I am in today.
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
Since joining the company I have completed many in-house training courses as we have an Intel College of Engineering with a vast array of courses on offer.
I am currently completing a Visual Basic programming course. I do plan on pursuing an accredited business management course later this year. Intel actively encourages further education & has close links with neighbouring NUI, Maynooth and also has an excellent online library providing access to all the major Science & Engineering books and e-journals.
