I have settled in nicely to what has already proven to be an incredibly rewarding experience. I am currently working as part of the Finance and Business Development Planning team, which was my top choice and I couldn’t be more excited to dive into the challenges ahead.  This area deeply interests me because finance is more than just numbers; it’s about solving complex, real-world problems, often through collaboration and strategic thinking. At its core, finance involves the decision-making processes around how a business acquires, allocates, invests, and manages its resources. These decisions have long-term implications, and being part of that strategic process is something I find both intellectually stimulating and impactful.

Today our Haller team met with a representative from Gteic, an organization that operates a network of digital and innovation hubs across Ireland. These hubs provide quiet, well-equipped working spaces with reliable Wi-Fi, which could be ideal for individuals, remote teams, or entrepreneurs. Our focus was on their Carrigart location, a town whose foot traffic varies greatly with the seasons. We spoke with Majella Orr from Gteic to better understand how these seasonal shifts impact local business activity and usage of the hub. Prior to the meeting, my group convened to brainstorm and refine our questions. This collaborative preparation proved to be a highly effective strategy. It helped us approach the meeting with clarity and confidence, and I believe it allowed us to gather more focused insights that will benefit both our team and Gteic.

One of the most intriguing takeaways was learning about the seasonal influx of tourists in Carrigart. During the summer, the town sees a surge in visitors, many of whom arrive in caravans and head straight for the beach. This spike in foot traffic presents a valuable opportunity for the local economy. Our group’s goal is to design activities and tourism packages targeted at these visitors. We aim to either extend their stay in Carrigart or encourage them to return during off-peak seasons. This strategy could help smooth out the town’s seasonal business cycles and bring more stability and growth to local enterprises. I am feeling very optimistic about the path ahead. Our team has great energy, and I believe we are well-positioned to develop creative, data-driven solutions that support both Gteic’s mission and Carrigart’s economic potential. I’m looking forward to learning more, collaborating with my peers, and making a tangible impact through this project.