60 Seconds with Nadine Savage

Tell us about your role and your organisation.
I’m the Talent & Attraction Manager for EY Northern Ireland, EY is a global professional services firm who provide Consulting, Assurance, Tax and Transaction Services that help our clients solve complex problems and create value.

My role every day varies, but I spend a lot of time working with the business to understand the skills that they need in their teams, and working with my team to talk to candidates about opportunities and why EY is a great place to work.





Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far.
I studied Management & Information Systems at Queens University Belfast. On leaving University I started a 10-year career as an Estate Agent before pivoting into recruitment in 2012. I joined a generalist recruitment firm before specialising in Senior Accountancy and Finance recruitment. I joined the Talent Team at EY Belfast in 2021 and have had an amazing journey here so far!

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Determined, Resilient, Thoughtful.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role?
Resilience.

What advice do you have for women in your sector/industry/type of role?
My advice would be the same for anyone, regardless of gender, be your true authentic self! Know what your own values are, be consistent, know your strengths and weaknesses (weaknesses are not a negative, they are just a strength you haven’t developed yet) don’t be afraid to ask for help, this shows confidence and courage – its ok to vulnerable!

Network, Ask Questions, Build your brand.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us?
Yes! EY Northern Ireland is on a very exciting journey! We are on growth trajectory. We’ll add 1,000 new roles to our business over the next five years across. We’ll have roles for students, experienced hires and we’re working with the Department for the Economy to offer Assured Skills Academies too. We’ll also be opening a new office in the North West!

Who has been your career inspiration and why?
In the early stages of my career, I probably would have named one or two individuals however, through my career there have been many people who have inspired me. Some I have worked with, some I work with now, and some I don’t know but I have read their books or have followed their journey.

What I would always say is it’s important to have a mentor. Someone you can learn from to support your growth, someone who is a specialist in the area you want to excel, and its ok to have more than one!

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?
This is one question I always deliberate on as I love music and I love all genres! If I had to pick an era It would probably be some 90’s dance music!

What’s your favourite break-time snack?
I don’t snack much during the working day but if I do it will be a banana or another coffee!

You can connect with Nadine on LinkedIn here.