Stephen Farrelly
Length of Service
Since Jan 2001 (approx. 5 years)
Describe your career so far?
Left uni 1988. Employed as systems engineer with defence contractor in Milton Keynes, Ingurland. Worked in Radar System Studies, concerning the Tornado fighter jet's Foxhunter Radar. 1993, joined sister company in Dalgety Bay Fife as software engineer. Worked on AEW Sea King Radar Operator simulator. Formalised software experience/knowledge by completing part-time postgraduate course in Software Technology.
What made you attracted to a career in IT and anything specific that attracted you to JPM?
Career in IT developed by mixture of fate and opportunism. In my first job, my mentor left the company to work as a software engineer and returned. He instilled a good sense of formal software methods and techniques in our department.
I had intended leaving engineering/IT and moving to USA, but family reasons dictated my move to Fife. There I decided to develop my software skills before applying for the job at JPM. The main attractions were the Glasgow location, the chance to spend some time in Paris and also the opportunity to cross train in newer software technologies in the finance domain.
In a male dominated industry what career tips would you give to a female who's just starting up on her career?
The same advice I would give to a male - be assertive, show enthusiasm, hone your people skills and learn quickly about the dynamics and politics of the office environment. As a female you will already stand out by default so use this fact to your advantage.
What has been your biggest challenge so far in IT?
Combining my postgraduate studies with my job and my role as a parent, whilst commuting to my job in Fife.
Do you think there is enough balance between work and the home for people with families working at JPM?
Fortunately the nature of my role in JPM and the attitudes of my current and previous managers, have allowed me to balance my work-life with my home-life. As an estranged father this is often vital when arranging access to my children.
Are there any initiatives that you think JPM could do or could do better to attract females to the ETC?
Schemes such as the Diversity Forum, if progressed in the correct manner, and its participation in initiatives focusing on women in IT should increase awareness of JPM and the ETC among females currently working in or hoping to move into the industry.
Is there anything specific you would like the diversity initiative to focus on?
I would like the diversity initiative to promote the Flexible Working Arrangements available in the ETC, such that there might be universal appreciation and encouragement among the management for such arrangements where suitable. This can only lead to a more diverse office environment, in an industry which can sometimes feel discriminatory towards family oriented employees.