Meet The Role Models is a technology community series which highlights the stories of The Ada Lovelace Initiative role models. The success of the Ada Lovelace Initiative is down to the continuous participation of technology professionals across Ireland and since September 2015, voluntary speakers have reached over 5000 secondary school students between them.

Our latest interview features Saibhe McCullough, Senior Software Performance Engineer at Planet Payment.

MEET SAIBHE MCCULLOUGH

Hey Saibhe! Tell us, how would you describe your current role?

I work for a payments company in a Performance Engineering role. This means I create and run tests to see how many payments can be processed by the system. This information can be used to find the limits of the system and be used to improve the system.

What attracted you to this type of career?

I was interested in a role that would challenge me and allow me opportunities to grow and develop within my career.

What did you study in college?

My primary degree is an Arts degree in Philosophy and Linguistics. I came to Computer Science a few years after that when I completed a Higher Diploma in Science in Computing, and now am now finishing a Masters of Computer Science in Artificial Intelligence

What were your favourite subjects when you were in school? 

I enjoyed everything but Biology and Home Economic the most.

What were your favourite hobbies when you were in school? 

I played the piano all through school.

What would you say is a common misconception about your role type?

There’s a common misconception that it’s mainly quiet guys and that’s not always the case. There can be a great mix of personalities and one of the things I enjoy the most is the multi-cultural workforce you can engage with in a tech role.

What would you say is the best part of your work?

I enjoy being given the space to come up with my own solutions that allow me to carry out my tasks and potentially find ways to improve the product. Also, the flexibility in hours and work location that a technology role can allow.

What motivated you to get involved with The Ada Lovelace Initiative?

I think it’s really important for girls to see other girls and women in technology roles. When I was young, I didn’t even know what a technology job looked like!

How important do you think it is for young girls to have the opportunity to meet female role models in the stem space?

I think it’s very important. I agree with the saying “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it”. When girls see women in technology roles, it makes it a possible path for them.

What advice would you give to any young girls considering a tech / stem future?

I would say that it’s a great career with lots of different opportunities.

Saibhe, thank you for joining us to share your story.

 If you too would like to get involved with The Ada Lovelace Initiative, please visit our A.L.I page.Keep up to date and never miss out on exciting A.L.I news by following Verify Recruitment on LinkedIn or @VerifyCommunity on Twitter. And why not check out our Women in STEM podcast to get a little more insight at https://otia.io/2021/06/24/women-in-stem-podcast/