Alison Deneen, Engineering Manager with Construction

The opportunity to join Intel first came to me 19 years ago while I was living abroad in America. I was flown up to Boston by Intel for an interview and was so impressed by how well I was treated! At first, I was offered a contract position. I accepted the job and moved back to Ireland to start work. After just six months, Intel offered me a permanent position in Operations.

By this point in my career, I had worked all over the world building various types of manufacturing plants. I quickly realised that Intel was different from anywhere else I had worked. For one thing, they treat their people really well. Yes, the campus is impressive—the canteens, the facilities—but also, they prioritise safety and even ergonomics in the workplace. Employees at Intel aren’t just another body working to make a margin. Here, you’re valued for who you are. This attitude made an impression on me and I was absolutely delighted to come on board.

Today, I’m an Engineering Manager with Construction. An average day for me starts around 5:00am, when I wake up and head to the gym on campus. I don’t always feel motivated going in, but I always feel great once I’m done! I’m showered and at my desk by about 7:45am. First, I check in with my team to see how things are going. After that, anything can happen! I might be needed for engineering support or future-proofing. My days are interesting and varied—the challenges keep me motivated. You really never know how the day might play out. I could be flying to America for a meeting or problem solving with my team. It’s always exciting.

Intel has been an ideal place for me to build my career. I came in as a mid-level engineer, working as a Group Lead in Operations. After that, I was given a three-year relocation option in China. That experience tested me, but I came back to Ireland ready for anything, more confident than ever. I’ve completed a Master’s degree and was able to learn how to be a manager on my own terms. I’ve grown in my discipline. Today, I’m a Senior Engineering Manager. I get to mentor a team, which is very rewarding. It’s my job to push these engineers to think outside the box and watch them come up with amazing solutions. I love making an impact by supporting my team.

If you’re thinking about joining Intel, absolutely go for it. It’s a great place to work—I mean, I wouldn’t have stayed for 19 years if it wasn’t! The opportunities Intel gives you to grow in your discipline, travel, and to continue learning are unlike anywhere else in the industry. Here, you get to work with people who love what they do and excel at it. Intel is constantly evolving. Change brings opportunity—and this company is always changing.