Eoin Fitzsimons- Intern Executive Support
Background
I’m currently an intern in Executive Support, joining the team from the National College of Ireland a few months ago. Since starting, I’ve gained hands-on experience in managing IT support and onboarding processes for new staff within the Technology & Transformation team.
A Typical Workday
My day begins with a short commute to Dr. Steevens’ Hospital. Mornings are structured around two key meetings. The first is a tech team meeting, which includes our on-site team as well as a colleague from Limerick. This is followed by a joint session with both the new staff and tech teams to review the day’s agenda.
Supporting the tech team means adapting to tasks as they arise, while working with new staff requires a more structured approach. Each onboarding case is carefully planned—assigning responsibilities for setting up employee information, IT access, and equipment. This usually leads to a third meeting where we delegate those tasks.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we hold an additional afternoon meeting to discuss staff accommodations, whether it’s temporary office setups or remote work equipment. Our priority is ensuring that devices like laptops and tablets are ready before they are needed. If an urgent IT issue arises—especially within the CEO’s office or among executive staff—our goal is to resolve it swiftly. However, the guiding principle in our work is always ‘patients first.’ If a technical issue impacts patient care in any way, it takes priority above all else.
The Role in Patient Care
While my work doesn’t involve direct patient interaction, it plays a crucial role in the wider healthcare system. Digital devices are essential at every level of the HSE, from appointment scheduling to accessing medical records. If executives experience delays in getting functional devices, that disruption can ripple across communication channels, ultimately affecting frontline staff and patient care.
Challenges and Problem-Solving
One of the biggest challenges in IT support is troubleshooting issues that aren’t straightforward. There are times when the usual fixes don’t work, and patience is key. It’s important to take a step back, reassess, and find an alternative solution. Learning to think critically and adapt is a big part of the role.
Managing Timelines
Much of our work follows a first-in, first-out system unless something urgent arises. When it comes to new hires, we work in advance—preparing for staff joining the Technology & Transformation team at least two weeks ahead. This approach allows flexibility if unexpected hires come through, ensuring they have everything they need from day one. Our goal is to make any behind-the-scenes issues invisible to new staff so they experience a seamless transition.
Motivation and Learning
I find motivation in seeing the impact of my work—whether it’s positive feedback from colleagues or the satisfaction of knowing a job was done well. I hold myself to a high standard, so I aim to learn from mistakes rather than dwell on them. Every challenge is an opportunity to improve, and that keeps me engaged.
Most Rewarding Aspects of the Job
One of the best parts of the job is the people. I enjoy working with my colleagues and interacting with staff from other departments. There’s a misconception that IT professionals are reserved, but I genuinely enjoy conversations and learning about different roles within the HSE. It’s reassuring to see that others have taken similar paths in their careers—you’re never navigating it alone. And as a bonus, the canteen food is great!
Projects I’m Proud Of
As an intern, every new task is an opportunity to grow, but one of the most rewarding moments so far was being sent to assist a staff member on my own for the first time. Later, they emailed the office to say how polite and helpful we had been—that recognition really stood out to me.
Another project I took on recently involved building a supply of replacement laptops. It was a complex process, requiring a deep understanding of HSE cybersecurity protocols. Unlike standard IT setups, we follow strict procedures to maintain network security, particularly in response to past cyberattacks. Even a small misstep in configuration means starting the process over again, so attention to detail is critical.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, I spend time with my cat, Anna, who’s been with me for nearly 11 years. I got engaged last year, so I enjoy planning dates with my fiancée. I also like gaming—both solo and with friends—and recently discovered that some of my colleagues share the same interests, which has been a great way to connect. I’ve also signed up for HSE soccer, though I’ve yet to make my debut!