60 Seconds with Katie Quinn

Tell us about your role and your organisation.
My name is  Katie Quinn and I am a  Product Technical Consultant at Kainos.

Kainos is a Belfast-based software company specializing in digital transformation and IT consulting services. As a Workday Partner, Kainos implement the Workday system for customers whilst also offering a suite of products that test, audit, mask data and manage documents within Workday.
My role as Product Technical Consultant is specializing in our cloud-based automated testing and auditing applications and utilising my experience of our software and Workday to develop, deliver and improve training both internally across the team, to new joiners and also externally to our global customer base.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far.
I joined Kainos through the Graduate programme over 5 years ago and since then it has exceeded my expectations. The career opportunities are amazing as I have promoted throughout my years at Kainos, my most recent one being last year to Consultant level. What really strikes me is not only the opportunities but also the innovation – I have seen throughout my 5 years at Kainos new products, jobs and whole teams being created that did not exist when I first started which is really amazing to see.

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Enthusiastic, Ambitious, Courageous

What is one skill that helps you most in your role?
Communication - this is one of my greatest strengths as it not only helps when working as part of a team, but it has also meant that I am able to share the technical knowledge that I have developed and train anyone new to the team.

What advice do you have for women in your sector/industry/type of role? 
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Believe in yourself, feel the fear and do it anyway because growth and comfort do not coexist.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us? 
Next year is the 10th anniversary of the Smart Test software which will have a lot of exciting things coming with it!

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?
It's actually three women; Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. These remarkable women made significant contributions to the success of NASA's Mercury and Apollo missions. If you haven't seen the film 'Hidden Figures' I would highly recommend. It highlights the challenges they faced due to racial segregation and discrimination during that era but also portrays their determination, resilience, and incredible talents. Like these brilliant women, may we all rise above adversity and reach for the stars, breaking barriers and blazing trails along the way.

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?
Unstoppable - Sia

What's your favourite break-time snack?
Chocolate (of any kind)

How can you fellow WIB members keep up to date with you and your organisation?
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn