Conor Rothwell
My course in Maynooth constantly challenged me to engage critically with the class material. This taught me how to evaluate content rather than passively accepting it. I also learned how to conduct research and combine my thoughts and research evidence into a coherent argument.
More than anything I learned the importance of being friendly and approachable. I met so many fantastically talented and intelligent people throughout my time in Maynooth but I never came away from a conversation feeling patronised or condescended to. This is a lesson I have brought with me through life.
The most interesting element of my job has been the variation in the industries and technologies I have worked with. I have worked in utilities, financial services, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and have used Python, SQL, Tableau, and Qlikview all in the past year. Every change in industry or technology brings a steep learning curve that must be overcome but it also offers the opportunity to grow and learn. It has been so interesting seeing how different industries challenge similar problem.