José Carvalho, a data analyst at Fidelity Investments, talks to Siliconrepublic.com about how diversity at the financial management company helped to make him feel at home in Ireland.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Living in Lisbon was never boring. The beach, countryside, mountains and areas of historical interest are only a few kilometres away from the city centre. Lisbon enjoys a pleasant climate all year round.
How long have you been in Ireland?
I moved to Ireland in 2005.
Why did you move here?
In 2000, while still at school, I had the opportunity to do an internship in London. I was 18 years old at the time and I was sure that I wanted to repeat the experience of living and working abroad. In 2005, I was given the opportunity by my previous employer to relocate to Ireland to work in a new team supporting the Portuguese market.
What work do you do?
I’m a data analyst at Fidelity Investments. My role as part of the team is to prepare, analyse and deliver technical solutions and reports to meet the needs of internal stakeholders and the local management team in the project management office. This data enables the organisation to successfully measure its performance against key performance indicators.
How would you describe your working environment?
I’m very happy here. It’s challenging, rewarding and pleasant. It’s a professional environment where positive attitude pervades. Employees are strongly encouraged and supported to avail of the training benefits available, including professional qualifications relevant to their roles.
What do you like most about your job?
It is the data analytics aspect of my role. When I was a child, I enjoyed the challenge of solving puzzles. Nowadays, every time I answer a question, it initiates a thousand more. There is a very strong emphasis on innovation in the culture of the organisation, which affords me the opportunity of introducing new ideas to the role. My experience at Fidelity is further enriched by the fact that I get paid to do what I love.
Was it difficult to adjust to living and working in Ireland?
Apart from being away from my family and friends initially, it wasn’t difficult at all. I do still struggle sometimes with changing the gears with my left hand and driving on the left side of the road.
What surprised you about moving to Ireland, if anything?
The Irish people’s friendliness, hospitality and good mood.
How does your working life help to make you feel at home here?
After nine years living in Ireland, it definitely feels like home to me. Working in a multicultural environment also makes things easier and interesting. The diverse academic and professional backgrounds of staff has helped me to develop friendships and feel right at home in Ireland. As a team, we like to spend time together both inside and outside of work, through our sports and social activities for example.
What do you like most about your adopted home?
My partner, who I met in Ireland, and my son, who was born in Dublin.
