The senior tech analyst taking part in a graduate programme

Laura Kealy, a native of Donegal, pursued a degree that combined management science, information systems, and technology due to her fascination with maths and business in school. The global pandemic interrupted her secondary education in 2020, prompting her to enroll in a graduate programme at the management and tech consulting firm BearingPoint. Kealy was drawn to BearingPoint after a positive interaction with future team members at a college careers fair, impressed by their welcoming and genuine demeanour.

Her daily responsibilities at BearingPoint involve meeting with clients, collaborating with her team to solve technical challenges, and conducting hands-on work such as data analysis in Power BI, PowerShell scripting, and project documentation. Kealy appreciates the collaborative nature of her work, where she learns from her peers and clients alike. She has been encouraged to develop her skills through hands-on experience and client-facing work, often being entrusted with increasing levels of responsibility.

As her confidence grew, Kealy took on more leadership roles, managing key client deliverables. She has honed her technical expertise in AI, data analysis, and Microsoft technologies through project work, certifications, and training. Kealy has also improved her communication and consulting abilities, becoming adept at adapting her communication style for various audiences. She sees staying abreast of rapid technological advancements, particularly in AI, as a challenging yet rewarding aspect of her role.

Kealy recommends BearingPoint's graduate programme for its challenging work, learning opportunities, supportive culture, and extensive social events. She advises prospective graduates to seize unexpected opportunities, as they have helped her develop new skills, build confidence, and form strong connections across the organisation.