Quantcast
Channel: Smart Futures » smartfuturesie
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 74

Career Stories: Colm Coughlan, Astrophysicist

0
0

colm_coughlan

Colm Coughlan talks to Smart Futures about his job as an Astrophysicist.

What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far?

Deciding to study physics in college, publishing my first papers and getting a PhD are my main ‘career decision’ milestones to date.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

Honestly, the people who wrote the books and documentaries about science that I enjoyed as a kid (and still enjoy today!)

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Yes! Working as a researcher allows you to set your own hours sometimes, however there is always a danger of bringing your work home with you too much.

How did you go about getting your current job?

I finished my PhD in radio astronomy and spotted an interesting position on an astronomy jobs website.

Describe a typical day?

I use a lot of maths and computer programming and spend most of my day working on a computer or figuring things out on an A4 pad or whiteboard.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

I have to use cutting edge radio telescopes to view extremely faint objects in the sky. I then use programming and maths to make images of the objects which I then analyse.

What are the main challenges?

Researching is always challenging as no one else has thought of the solutions you need yet, or attempted what you’re attempting. Every day has a new maths or computing problem that must be understood and overcome.

What’s cool?

I enjoy the maths, coding and science involved with my job as this where my main interests lie. My job also gives me the opportunity to travel!

What’s not so cool?

The long hours which are sometimes needed for my job is the main disadvantage.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

I’m particularly good at computing, coding and radio astronomy. Other researchers specialise in other types of astronomy or simulations.

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

For my Leaving Certificate I studied physics, applied maths, chemistry, maths, German, Irish and English. Studying maths and the physics was very helpful for my degree.

What is your education to date?

I have a joint degree in applied maths and physics, and a PhD in astrophysics from UCC.

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

The mathematical and computational skills that I developed over my degree and PhD are essential in my day-to-day research.

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

I regularly attend data schools where new techniques and ideas are taught.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Publishing papers and getting my PhD have been some of the main highlights to date. Also, getting my first proper job as a post-doctoral researcher has been a very rewarding experience.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

I am an optimistic and hard-working person. I also show great persistence when faced with a problem and don’t give up easily!

What is your dream job?

What I’m doing right now! Though honestly I think I’d enjoy lots of different jobs.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

You need to really enjoy maths as a subject and an interest in computer programming helps too if you’re considering this job.

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

The three most important personal characteristics needed for this job is the ability to motivate yourself, to work hard and to not give up when faced with a problem.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

It depends on what you know already. If you are still in secondary school then work experience in a scientific or software company would be useful experience.

What is your pet hate at work?

When someone hasn’t taken their turn to get milk for tea!


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 74

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images