Meet Alan

Tell us a bit about your role?

I work as a Business Analyst in the area of software development, supporting and testing business scheme applications for the Agriculture Field Inspections and Testing System section within the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

As a Business Analyst, my duties involve eliciting and analysing project requirements, performing requirement modelling tasks and producing requirement documentation. Also, at times I may be asked to perform business level testing on applications and to facilitate in the training of business stakeholders. I am proud to be working in a particularly important area, which works to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.

What opportunities has this role provided you with?

My department offers further training and upskilling courses to employees. I have just completed a Level 8 Certificate in Business Analysis, there are also many advanced short courses such as, Business Applications, Leadership, Communications and Change Management. The new skills I have learned have helped to further enhance my skill set and made me a more competent Business Analyst.

What was your path to becoming an ICT Specialist in the civil service?

Before joining the Civil Service, I gained valuable experience working as a Software Developer in a small innovative company in the private sector. I applied for the role of ICT Specialist via the Software Development stream through a Publicjobs.ie recruitment campaign in 2019. At the end of the recruitment process, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine offered me the role of ICT Specialist at Executive Officer grade.

What were your reasons for applying for an ICT role in the public sector?

In my opinion, the public sector is a great opportunity for employees who value a balanced work and personal life combination. In my department, we are expected to work hard just like in the private sector, but with much better working conditions than most private sector roles.

As a Civil Servant, I benefit from an array of employment opportunities such as flexible and reasonable hour arrangements, remote working and career break options.