SHSS Alumnae Link - Katie McManus

Welcome to SHSS Alumnae Link!

This is where we catch up with past pupils and find out what they’re up to now.

This week we linked with Katie McManus who graduated in 2010.

Name and position:

Katie McManus, Analytics Lead at Johnson and Johnson.

Lives:

Bantry, Co Cork.

Best memory of Sacred Heart:

It's hard to pick a favourite one, but I have great memories of just spending time with friends at breaks or between classes. Also, listening to Gypsy Kings during art class. It was a really creative, happy feeling, just painting together and listening to music.

What were your favourite classes?

Art and Physics.

Tell us about your career progression to date:

I started studying Physics in UCC, but realised that it wasn't for me, so I changed to do an Arts International degree. I spent my third year studying in Italy on my Erasmus year which was an amazing experience that I would definitely recommend.  After graduating I went into sales for a while and then some contract work in data analysis.  By that stage I knew that I wanted to do something more technical and build a career in data. I decided to do a masters in Information Systems for Business Performance in UCC which gave me great experience and interest in different areas linking IT, data and business.  After that, I started working as a contractor with Johnson and Johnson as a data analyst. This year I began a permanent position there, starting as a senior analyst and am now an analytics lead on a team providing analytical tools for customer service, distribution and transport of medical devices in Europe, Middle East and Africa. My work is fully remote which is really important to me, as it allows me to spend more time with family than I would if I were in an office.

If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing?

I enjoy work where I can be creative with low-code platforms such as Quickbase or PowerAutomate, so maybe something in a similar area where I could create tools to help people with their work, or maybe something completely different like having my own business in something creative.

Advice you would give your teenage self:

Don't worry so much. Things can seem like a big deal at the time, but they're not, so relax and enjoy! Especially don't worry about what people think - be yourself and do what makes you happy.

Favourite quote or motto?

"Do something that you'll thank yourself for in 10 years time."

What is your hidden talent?

I can do a pretty decent handstand.

Huge thanks to Katie for taking the time to answer our questions.

See you soon for the next instalment of SHSS Alumnae Link.