BT
Ronan O'Hart
What do you do at BT?
My title is Network Optimisation Analyst. You are more than likely wondering what this is? Well, in short, I enable our customers to get more out of the wide area networks (these are networks from one building to another that can be in different cities, countries etc). I work with some leading-edge technologies that let customers transfer more data, faster, between their offices.
What do you find challenging and rewarding about your job?
Since the technologies and ideas that I deal with are still relatively new, I have to spread the word of what they can do - both internally within BT and amongst our customers. So even though I am an engineer, I still have to act as a salesperson to some extent, which is something that does not come naturally to me.
What are the perks of the job?
What I really enjoy about my job in BT is that I am not hidden away in an office somewhere; I am out talking with customers and showing them how different equipment works’ all the time. This means that my job is different every day and I am faced with new challenges with every project I do for a customer.
Where did you go to university?
I studied Electronic Engineering in DCU
What did you study?
I decided to study electronic engineering because, like most students doing the Leaving Cert, I wasn’t 100% sure what career I wanted a few years down the line. I was interested in engineering and saw that a degree in electronic engineering was probably the most broad I could do, as electronics is involved in absolutely everything in life today.
What was your route into a career in ICT?
I have only been working in BT for two years now so my route has been quite short. I joined BT as part of the graduate recruitment and training scheme, as an ICT graduate.
Do your skills ever come in handy outside of work?
Yes definitely. I think the main skill I use outside of work, that I have honed in BT, is my ability to prioritise and manage my time. I am very active in sports over the weekends and evenings outside of work, both competing and coaching and I need to fit this all in.
What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you at work?
I think the weirdest thing I have got to do as part of working in BT was on a team-building weekend where I got to drive a tank.
