From Uncertainty to Leadership: Sinead Finn’s Journey 

Sinead’s career in engineering wasn’t meticulously planned—it evolved. With a passion for science but no clear career path in mind, she cast a wide net after university, applying to industries ranging from aviation to cosmetics. It wasn’t until she landed a graduate role in medical devices that she found her calling. 

“I didn’t know exactly what I was getting into, but I quickly realised I was in the right place,” Sinead shares. 

Now a Staff Process Engineer at Dexcom, Sinead is helping build something extraordinary—the company’s new state-of-the-art facility in Athenry. She shared what it’s like stepping into leadership, the moments of self-doubt, and how the right mentors pushed her to take chances she might have second-guessed. 

“A manager once asked me why I hadn’t applied for a role. I had convinced myself it wasn’t the right time, but that one question made me rethink everything. Sometimes, you just need someone to give you that push.” 

Her biggest lesson in leadership? You don’t need to have all the answers. It’s about building the right team, learning from those around you, and staying open to growth. 

Antoinette Curtin: Redefining Quality in STEM 

Antoinette’s path was also anything but linear. She started out studying computer science before realising, two months in, that it wasn’t for her. It was a tough decision to walk away, but it ultimately led her to a degree in biological and chemical sciences—a choice that shaped the rest of her career. 

After years in quality roles within medical devices, Dexcom presented a unique challenge—helping to establish a new manufacturing site from the ground up. 

“No two days are the same. There’s a real energy in building something new, in figuring things out as a team. It’s demanding, but incredibly rewarding.” 

As a leader, she emphasises the importance of authenticity and self-awareness. 

“The worst advice I ever got was ‘fake it till you make it.’ That’s not leadership. Being real—owning what you don’t know and surrounding yourself with people who challenge and support you—that’s how you grow.” 

Creating Opportunities, Not Just Checking Boxes 

For both Sinead and Antoinette, Dexcom’s success isn’t about meeting diversity targets—it’s about creating an environment where expertise speaks louder than assumptions. 

“When I joined, I was the first engineer hired. Not the first female engineer—the first engineer, full stop. That’s the kind of culture you want to be part of,” Sinead notes. 

The reality is, there’s still work to be done in making STEM careers more accessible. Many all-girls schools in Ireland still don’t offer the same STEM subject choices as boys’ schools, limiting early exposure to these fields.