#GradStories Camelia Farcas, Software Engineer at Fidelity Investments

What are your main tasks in a typical week?

I am part of a Global Group where teams from Ireland, the US and India work together to deliver a new digital experience for Fidelity's customers. On a typical day we start with a check-in in meeting where we discuss what we worked on the previous day and what we on working on today. It also involves writing code to develop, test and maintain software applications, troubleshooting applications which are in production and other work-related meetings. My work involves a lot of communication and collaboration with my colleagues.

What skills do you need to be successful in this role?

I don't think there is a specific set of technologies or programming languages that the developer must know. It pretty much depends on the work that we do, and we learned as we go.

As for soft skills, I'd say having the curiosity to learn and being able to work well in a team are important.

How did you get into your job?

I completed a bachelor's degree in computing at the National College of Ireland. The course is industry focused and in my third year of college I had to complete a six-month work placement. I had an interview with Fidelity, and I was accepted. After I graduated, I came back to Fidelity, and I completed their technology graduate program. I was then offered a role within the advanced process solution team.

What skill should students develop if they are considering a career in this sector?

Start with being self-confident and believe in yourself and your ability to do the job. Keep on learning so you can become a better version of yourself.

How have you adjusted to working from home?

I found it challenging at first, but it helped me to become more self-organised, self-disciplined and focused. I've learned to communicate more clearly. We still work mostly from home, and it offers me a great work-life balance.

What do you love about your job?

I always enjoyed working with people but here at Fidelity the teamwork is on a different level and people really support and respect each other. We succeed as much as a team as individuals, and nobody gets left behind.