Alumni features

Conor Meehan - Summer 2007

Can you tell us a little bit about you? I am originally from Firhouse, near Tallaght in Dublin, but count myself now as being from Maynooth in Kildare. My degree is in Bioinformatics from NUI Maynooth which involves the use of computers to solve biological problems. My main area of research is in HIV and its entry into the cell which I am continuing on to do a PhD in. Outside of work my main interests are martial arts such as ju-jitsu and aikido and I enjoy most forms of cardio exercise. I enjoy a good movie now and then and a laugh with my friends.

Why did you apply for the internship?

I originally applied just to see what the assessment process was like, I never thought I would get in! As I started getting offered interviews I thought about why I would want to do it. I thought it would be a great way to strengthen my programming skills but mainly I wanted to use it to see if industry would suit me better than academia. It has made the decision very difficult!

How do you think your background and experience prepared you for the internship?

My background in Bioinformatics helped in understanding the medical problems we were building the system to help with. I understood the readings and could talk about what it all meant to anyone who was interested. I also could think of other medical applications of the system such as personal training use. I have a background in management too so I was able to understand the basics of the business side of the project.

What have you learned from your Extreme Blue experience?

I learned many web development skills but mainly working in a tight team is a skill I will take away. The amount of help available from people in the lab and in Extreme Blue was great. Learning who to ask and what to ask was a great experience.

Is there anything about the Extreme Blue program that surprised you?

The freedom to design certain things, as we wanted, was something I never would have associated with a large company. I liked that we had some freedom to do as we wished with the project.

Would you recommend the program to other students and why?

Definitely. I think it really improves your computer skills but also your social and business ones too. Overall I think Extreme Blue is a great way to not only get into a big company environment but also to learn what its like to work with people with vastly different skills from your own.

Is there something you wish you hand known ahead of time? What other advice can you offer future interviewees?

I think a knowledge of "what is to come" would be good. I would have liked to know what I was getting in to. Then again I am a control freak so I hate not knowing!