Edel - Boston

Hi there!
My name is Edel Hartrey, and I am a 2004 Computer Science graduate from UCC, and a GIFT graduate of 2005. After a wonderful year in the Graduate Program I began work with Fidelity Investments eBusiness in Boston. The graduate program has a really great reputation in Fidelity Investments, which is a great way to start a career here. I received a warm and enthusiastic welcome and was settled here in no time.

The technology and professional development training that I received during the program enabled me to make a meaningful contribution from the moment I began working with my team here in Boston.

I currently work on theresearch pages on Fidelity.com. My team is made up of diverse, talented people, from whom I aim to absorb as much experience and knowledge as possible! So far I have been working with Java based technologies (StrutsPlus, WebSphere). I am also part of an on-call rotation to support the quoting engine, which means I must carry a BlackBerry (referred to affectionately by my friends as "the NerdBerry"!) for one week in every five. This is both interesting and challenging as when on-call, I can be contacted with real customer problems from the website, which I must investigate and try to solve.

The adjustment to the way of life in the US has been, and continues to be fun! I've also learned not to underestimate the value of good snow boots, or of air conditioning!

I would urge any college graduate who is seeking a rewarding transition from college life to the professional working world to apply to the GIFT program. It has given me a solid foundation on which to build a career in a new and exciting place, and of course, many life-long friends both here in Boston and at home in Ireland.