Together We are Limitless
Paul Kelleher Site Lead and VP of Engineering, Qualcomm Cork
Qualcomm Ireland endeavours to increase both the talent diversity and size of the STEM workforce pipeline. A diverse pipeline of STEM professionals is vital for our continued leadership in breakthrough technologies.
To achieve this Qualcomm Ireland has built long standing relationships and a far-spread reach when it comes to universities. Strong relationships with Irish and European universities contribute significantly in building pipelines and attracting talent. We have seen our approach replicated elsewhere in the microelectronics ecosystem which has an even bigger impact on expanding the pipeline.
Through our dedication to Qualcomm’s University Relations programme, we are proud of our strong relationships with faculty on campuses throughout Europe, and involvement with all levels of students help us to build and maintain these relationships. This is where we upskill future talent. Liaising with Universities means we are preparing the engineers of tomorrow in the latest technologies and processes. Time spent on campus allows for flow of information and collaboration with faculty and students.
From our interactions with universities, we have been fortunate to welcome students to join our Cork office Internship Programme. These Internships span from six to nine months, allowing students to gain practical skills and experience professional life. Each Intern is assigned a manager and mentor to support them. They learn to manage their time, hone their craft, and are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone to lead the Intern Committee, present externally, and volunteer for STEM events.
These STEM outreach opportunities allow Interns a fantastic experience and it’s appreciated by them. Feedback from Interns on their time in Qualcomm is that it is a busy, fulfilling period. We are fortunate that many of our Interns begin their careers with us as they return, after graduating, as full-time employees.
We are strong believers in “if you can see it, you can be it”. During our STEM outreach activities, we ensure we have male and female, young and experienced representation involved. Our aim is to convey that STEM careers and roles are for everyone. If you have an interest in and pursue these subjects through an educational career, we would like to see you at Qualcomm Ireland.
Events such as Transition Year Experience Week, CoderDoJo Workshops, I Wish and STEM South-West are hugely important for Qualcomm Ireland and the industry. The more upcoming engineers we can encourage, support and educate, the more successful companies like Qualcomm Ireland can be in the growing Technology Hub in Cork and further afield.
Excitingly, a new initiative spearheaded by Qualcomm globally, will see Qualcomm Ireland drive Platform Enablement for Europe. Next year, six Interns will be dedicated to this programme, to be rolled out to universities in Ireland and Europe. Engineering Operations, Technical Leads and Platform Enablement Interns will liaise with the University Relations team in San Diego to utilise the Platforms to their full capacity and in turn work with universities to bring these Platforms to
these campuses.
We are fortunate that many of our Interns begin their careers with us as they return, after graduating, as full-time employees.
