Donna Moloney
Position: Data Technician
Time with the Company: 2 Years
What is ‘Data Technologies’?
Mercury’s TSS team are a leading IT network infrastructure solutions provider in Ireland. We provide active and passive IT network solutions, structured cabling and data centre engineering services to some of the world’s leading multinational companies. We design, supply, install and support leading edge networking solutions, incorporating passive and active networking, wireless technology and intelligent building systems, including, Cat6A copper cabling, Single Mode and Multi-Mode Fibre Cabling, Mechanical & Electrical Installation of customer server cabinets, racks and cable containment systems.
Tell us about yourself & the reasons for going into a Data Technician role?
I joined Mercury in December 2016 as a Data Technician on one of our life sciences project sites and then subsequently transferred to another large multinational client, this time in the tech sector. I always wanted to obtain a trade after I left school, but I didn’t know how to go about it! After school, I went on to study Sports Therapy in Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education for a year and then transferred to UCD. Unfortunately, an injury stopped me from continuing the course in Sports Therapy, so I decided to pursue getting a trade. I had seen that Mercury were recruiting apprentices on Facebook and as I always wanted to get a trade I jumped at the chance of applying for an electrical apprenticeship. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the required maths for the electrical apprenticeship, so Mercury suggested I went down the data technician route instead.
What subjects (if any) helped you in your career choice?
I went to a convent school. It was very academic based, so we didn’t have many practical subjects. I think more girls’ schools need to introduce subjects such as woodwork, technical graphics, engineering and construction and not just focus those subjects in boys’ schools.
What did you like most about working as an electrician?
I love working as a team and seeing how projects are constructed from the start to the finish. There is a great atmosphere out on site, everyone is always positive - even when things get a bit stressful!
What do you like most about working on site?
For me the most challenging part is my height! Sometimes I’m a few inches too short to reach the MEWP but there is always a ladder handy. The heavy lifting is also sometimes challenging but we get manual handling training and have a buddy system so someone is there to help you if you need it.
What’s your career goal for the future?
I hope to progress into a Senior Technician role and do a bit of traveling with Mercury too. I’d also love to go back to college and study a construction management course while working for Mercury. Mercury’s EDA – Educational Assistance Programme will help make this possible as I can upskill while still working on site.
What’s the most surprising part of being a woman in construction?
The general positive attitude - everyone is treated equally on site. The men are very encouraging and want to help any woman who wishes to pursue a trade.
What advice would you give someone going into a trade?
Keep pushing at it! It’s very possible and there is always someone around to help and answer questions.
