Robotic Engineering graduate Conor Gallagher joined the AdvaNova consultancy team in July 2023. He tells us more about his career so far and what it means to be on the AdvaNova team.
Conor Gallagher’s love of electronic engineering dates back to his childhood, and it’s guided him to his role as Junior Electronics Engineer with AdvaNova Consultancy today.
“A blend of creative and analytical skills”
Conor says that the best part of being an electronics engineer is the blend of creative and analytical skills. At university, he chose to study Robotics and Electronic Engineering, citing how he could switch between the two disciplines. Here he honed his passion for robotics, building on previous project attempts to build robots at A-Level.
As a relatively recent graduate, Conor says he is still trying to find the thing that interests him most – and has been encouraged to pursue this at AdvaNova. He says: “I found that many electronic engineering jobs advertised at entry level but needed experience. This was my first foray into the profession out of university, so it was perfect for me as a graduate.”
Another part of the attraction for Conor is the variety. “As I’m working with the consultancy team, they have a lot of different projects. My aim is to find what I like best and do it for as long as I can.”
Embracing autonomy
As an independent developer, Conor was given autonomy from day one. So far, he has contributed to projects including wall scanners for libraries and employee tracking systems – helping with production, testing and finding new components.
“I was given a project when I first joined. I enjoy the autonomy – it allows me to set my own goals against AdvaNova’s wider assessment systems. But I know I can get help whenever I ask.”
Conor currently works to a hybrid model, spending four days a week in the office and one at home. He says this helps him to get on with his practical work and keep track of his projects.
Learning on the job
Much of Conor’s job involves learning, particularly as he often deals with upgrading existing technology. With this in mind, he takes a proactive approach and is encouraged to write everything down on AdvaNova’s company-wide citation software.
Looking to the future
While Conor is still a new recruit at AdvaNova, he looks forward to what the future will bring. He says: “Everyone I’ve met is so friendly – as a company, they’re so transparent about how we’re doing, and I’ve been to two quarterly meetings already. There’s also a great social side and it’s fun to meet everyone from all the different offices.”
With an office dog, pizza nights and casual dress, AdvaNova offers the perfect working environment for graduates like Conor. He looks forward to our plans for office expansion, wherein we will have one streamlined production line in one place.
“I’m on probation now but I have spoken to other engineers and know there is scope to move into a senior position. Everyone in the consultancy team has been so helpful and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.”
