Clare Murdock, Business Analyst at NIE Networks

Wednesday 22 May 2024

Clare Murdock joined NIE Networks at the end of 2023 as a Business Analyst and is keen to promote careers in IT for females.

“I knew I always wanted to work in IT but ‘back then’ the only real option with IT was programming and I wasn’t interested in that so I became an IT/Computing Teacher instead – working in schools in NI and England. I spent a teaching career trying to get girls interested in IT and I would really recommend it to young females considering their career – it is still one of the most varied and challenging career paths out there and there are plenty of IT-related roles in Northern Ireland.”

After teaching for many years in London and moving back to Northern Ireland, Clare found it difficult to get back into teaching and needed a new career. Having worked in various temporary jobs it was a temporary position as a Business Analyst with the Education Authority where Clare discovered she loved the work she was doing and was delighted when the opportunity arose to move into a permanent role within NIE Networks.

A typical day for Clare usually involves meeting with stakeholders, drawing process maps, and/or listing functional and non-functional requirements for stakeholders to review. Working on a variety of projects across the business, no two days are the same and Clare enjoys getting to work with people from different directorates.

“I was a bit of a nerd growing up but I really enjoy the creativity that my role requires – thinking of different ways to communicate with non-technical and technical people to be part of a team that creates solutions to problems. Best piece of advice (for the young) is to consider an IT apprenticeship – there are some amazing ones out there…and for the young at heart – it’s never too late for a career change into IT!”

“The best thing about working in NIE Networks are the people, without a doubt. I’m here around 6 months now and I’ve been welcomed by everyone in the IT Department…and beyond. There are a lot of talented people here so I’m always learning and I’ve been impressed with NIE Networks as an employer; there is a definite commitment to staff and their wellbeing, but also as a woman in STEM, there has been a lot of support and camaraderie with other women in the industry that I’ve been able to access. The hybrid and flexible approach to the working week is greatly appreciated as it means I can bring my daughter to school and pick her up, when working from home.”

You can connect with Clare on LinkedIn here.

The next opportunity to catch up with other Women in Business members in the Tech sector will be on Tuesday 11th June at Version 1 | Belfast. Find out more about the Women in Tech Connect event here.

Wednesday 22 May 2024