IWD2022 Celebrating the Women of Fingal: Maggie Lau

Maggie Lau portrait

In celebration of the achievements of the women of Fingal County Council this International Women's Day we're taking the time to bring you some of their stories and insights from recent months and years. We asked Communications Officer Maggie Lau about her work.

 

How did you come to work for Fingal County Council?

After completing my master’s degree, I was fortunate to secure a graduate position in the Local Authority Graduate Programme run by the LGMA. This three year graduate development programme gave me the opportunity to work in Fingal County Council and become part of the existing communication team, while enrolled in industry recognised training to further develop my competency.

 

As a new graduate embarking on your career what have you found helps you build your confidence in the work place?

Low confidence can be natural when starting a new job and lacking adequate experience. Fingal County Council has been nothing more than welcoming since I started my role as Communication Officer. As a graduate who is eager to learn and gain experience, my team has been more than happy to help me in any situation and no task has been too big for me to take up. My input has always been valued and although it can be pressuring to do well in a new role, I have always been encouraged to build my skills and learn from my mistakes while on the job.  

 

What work projects are you most excited for in the next 12 months?

One of the most exciting projects I will be working on this year is planning and coordinating Fingal County Council promotional stands at the Flavours of Fingal event at Newbridge House, Donabate on July 2-3, 2022. Flavours of Fingal is a two-day, jam packed event which welcomes more than 90,000 people throughout the weekend. I am really looking forward to being involved in one of the biggest events in the calendar and being able to showcase what Fingal has to offer.

Who are some women you look to as career role models?

There are plenty of inspirational women in the organisation, AnnMarie Farrelly will be one of many females in the Council I look up to as a career role model. As a graduate who is at the beginning of my professional career, AnnMaries local authority journey stands out to me, as she has started as a clerical officer and worked her way up and now being the first woman to fill the role of Chief Executive/County Manager of Fingal County Council.