'At FDC, you get the opportunity and the support network to enable your career to progress, it really is a great place to work'

Mark O’Leary, financial consultant, Micheál O’Driscoll, managing director, and Brendan Crowley, financial consultant, of FDC Financial Services, a company which is committed to nurturing its team's career progress from the FDC Financial Service's graduate programme and into key roles within the company.

Staff working in FDC Financial Services with FDC Group say that they find their careers challenging, fulfilling, and rewarding.

Graduates who have joined the company in recent years have very positive things to say about their experiences, ranging from strategic planning to dealing one-to-one with clients. FDC Financial Services staff come from varied backgrounds.

“Before joining FDC Financial Services, I completed my degree in economics and my master's in financial economics from UCC. Outside of my education, I rode as an amateur jockey throughout college and went on to ride as a professional jockey in America for a year following my masters,” said Brendan Crowley, a financial consultant who has worked out of the Tipperary Town office for the past six years.

Reflecting upon why he chose to work in the financial services sector, Brendan said: “I was always interested in meeting people, seeing different ways of life, and understanding how people make and use their money. I find the planning side of it fascinating.” 

 FDC Group are celebrating 50 years in business in 2023, and as a whole employs more than 500 employees across 47 offices across Ireland. FDC Group is a homegrown Irish business and has been a trusted advisor for varied services in our local communities across Ireland for five decades, closely connected to the concerns, demands and future plans of its clients.

Boasting exponential growth since its inception in Dunmanway, West Cork, in 1973, FDC Group started out with no office or income, using a public phone in the village. From the outset, the business received full and total commitment from the farming community of West Cork. To this day, without their unwavering support, FDC Group would not be here.

FDC Group stands today as an organisation completely centred around helping its people succeed. Whether it’s a recent graduate or an experienced professional, FDC Group has opportunities for people of all backgrounds.

Within the FDC Group, FDC Financial Services takes centre stage, offering a financial planning service designed specifically for clients. Today, FDC Financial Services boasts one of the most highly qualified financial planning teams in Ireland, with all senior consultants certified financial planners. The company's client-focused approach ensures that clients are at the heart of every stage of the financial planning process.

New hires joining the Financial Services team at FDC Group are immediately working alongside team members with decades of service. Their career progress is nurtured from the very beginning.

Micheál O’Driscoll, managing director of FDC Financial Services, has been leading the company for the last 28 years, says that FDC Financial Services has become a leading provider of financial planning advice in the country with a key focus on managing clients needs over the long term.

Since taking on the role of Managing Director, Micheál has seen FDC Financial Services evolve and grow through significant national and global events and challenges.

Micheál said: “Market volatility, whether a business cycle related downturn or a financial market related shock, can cause real concerns for our clients. Our focus on regular contact with our clients means we can offer the necessary guidance and reassurance to ensure better decisions are taken over time. Being available to our clients is central to our business model.” 

 Mark O’Leary, a financial consultant with FDC Financial Services for over five years, joined the group after completing his accounting degree in MTU Cork, having been supported through FDC Financial Service's graduate programme.

“FDC Financial Services really is a great place to work, the environment and culture is consistent across the Group. FDC as an organisation, is a place where you will be given the opportunity to commence or enhance your career with the support network to enable you to progress,” Mark said when describing FDC Financial Services as the place he chose to not only begin but further his career.

Offering some advice to recent graduates beginning their roles in the financial services sector, Mark said: “Communication is key. We deal with people every day —  colleagues, clients, other professionals etc. Be yourself. We are all human at the end of the day.” 

 FDC Financial Services has earned its reputation as a pillar of trust and expertise in the financial services sector. With a commitment to excellence, a comprehensive suite of services, and a client-first philosophy, FDC Financial Services stands as a pillar for seeking to start or further their career prospects within the financial services industry.

If you are interested in learning more, visit https://www.fdc.ie/careers/ or email [e-mail]. FDC Financial Services Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.