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Paul

Head of Information Technology Division at Met Éireann

In general terms, what does your job entail?

• Management of the Information Technology Division in Met Éireann and specifically
• Planning the business role of IT development and infrastructure throughout the organisation
• Evaluation IT systems, developing IT Strategy in accordance with overall business strategy
• Production of annual IT Plan, encompassing customer requirements and budget estimates
• Setting goals and objectives for IT staff
• Encouraging staff to avail of training opportunities to improve their skills and competencies

Describe the main events in a typical day

• Reporting to Senior Management Committee, Assistant Director, Director and parent Department
• Participation in Project Boards that oversee major inter-divisional IT-related projects
• Liasing with suppliers and training organisations
• Liasing with IT staff and planning and approving their work
• Liasing with customers and users relating to their IT requirements
• Managing IT budget and approving expenditure on new IT equipment and facilities
• Approving procurement of new equipment and systems and the clearance of invoices for payment
• Planning and prioritising project work including the in-house development of computer applications
• Motivating and leading IT staff and evaluating their training requirements

Do you feel that you are using your talents in your job?

Yes. My job requires a wide range of skills and competencies.

After leaving school what were the major milestones in your career development?

I joined Met Éireann in 1972 after my Leaving Cert and availed of opportunities to do a range of courses/evening classes in my spare time. The most significant milestone was in 1985 when I decided to do the B.Sc. degree course in Computer Applications at DCU (it was then known as NIHE). Graduated with an honours degree from DCU in 1990 and I went on to complete an M.Sc. degree course in Computer Applications in 1992. As a result of my updated qualifications my work became more interesting and I had the confidence, skills and competencies to successfully apply for promotion to senior management positions within the organisation.

What do you like about your work?

Challenging, rewarding and fulfilling working environment with is constantly being updated with new technology to keep pace with customer demands and international standards.

Is there any aspect of your work that you not like?

Having to make do with limited resources (staffing and financial) to bring about improvements in the IT infrastructure and IT facilities provided to users and customers.

Do you have any specific advice for someone wanting to enter IT?

IT skills are only one quality. Good communications skills, good time keeping, positive outlook on life, energetic and ability to take initiatives and have good judgement and decision-making skills are all very important.

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