Suzanne Baxter, a senior business analyst at IFDS, speaks to Siliconrepublic.com about the Irish friendliness, and about our ‘temperate climate’.
Where are you from?
I lived in Toronto before moving to Dublin, but my family lives in Vancouver, so I tend to consider it my Canadian ‘home’. Vancouver is incredibly beautiful with the mountains and the ocean on your doorstep.
How long have you been in Ireland?
Seven years.
Why did you move here?
I worked in Dublin for a year in 2003 and was involved on several projects in Dublin after that. When the role came up, I decided to move permanently as I had spent so much time in Dublin that it felt more like home than Toronto.
What’s your role in the company?
I’m a senior business analyst.
How would you describe your working environment?
Ever changing – it is fast paced and I am always working on something different, which keeps things interesting. The business has really grown over the years that I have been here, which is exciting and requires us to constantly re-invent ourselves and look for better ways to do things.
What do you like most about your job?
It is challenging and I am always learning something new. I work in a great team, which makes the job enjoyable as people are always willing to share their knowledge and offer advice. I also have lots of interaction with colleagues from other IFDS offices, so I keep in touch with colleagues I previously worked with in Toronto and Luxembourg.
Was it difficult to adjust to living and working in Ireland?
Not really. I had lived here previously, so I had a good group of friends and colleagues. It made for a much easier transition to life in a different country.
What surprised you about moving to Ireland, if anything?
It didn’t rain nearly as much as I expected, although I have been assured it rains more in the west of the country. I had lived here before, so I knew what I was getting myself into before arriving.
How does your working life help to make you feel at home here?
I have made a lot of close friends through work in the seven years that I have been here, which has been an important part of making me feel at home in Ireland.
What do you like most about your adopted home?
The people. Everyone is really friendly and is very welcoming to newcomers. I also like the temperate climate – the Irish concept of ‘bitterly cold’ is very different from mine!
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