Derry man Donal Doherty, who spent years building a career behind the camera, has spoken about his leap into the tech sector as Kainos announces 32 new jobs in the city, a move he says has changed his life.

Donal, now a Workday Test Consultant at Kainos, began his career shooting weddings and a wide range of events, but said he always had an interest in technology. When Covid hit, he decided it was time to make a change.

He said: “I was doing photography for a long time but I also had an interest in technology. I was self‑employed for a long time, then Covid happened and the world shut down.

“During that time I wanted to make sure I was doing something useful, so I applied for a conversion master’s at Ulster University called Professional Software Development.

“That brought together people who had just finished their undergraduate degree, but also people who were in other careers and were either looking for something different or had an interest in technology. I joined that course and worked on it throughout Covid.

“The opportunity then came up to apply for Kainos. I did so, was successful, and I’ve been here ever since.”

Donal said the move to Kainos has been life‑changing.

“The great thing about coming to Kainos is that you’re working with global clients. You have the opportunity to be in a career where you can have a global impact. Kainos really invests in upskilling you, every day is a learning day. There is so much to learn, but the support is incredible.”

Work Test Consultant at Kainos, Donal Doherty.

Kainos said it is actively investing in Derry with the aim of creating long‑term career opportunities in the city. The company is now recruiting 32 new employees in Derry, marking a 30% increase in its team of 108 people.

Donal added that Kainos sees Derry as a long‑term commitment: “This isn’t just these jobs and that’s it, it’s a long‑term approach.”

The company emphasised that it takes a human‑first approach, aiming to invest in staff skills and career development while working alongside the evolving AI sector.

Globally, Kainos employs 3,500 people. Acknowledging that joining such a large organisation can be daunting, Donal said they offer familiarisation days for new employees, allowing them to visit the office and ask questions.

“In the Derry office, everybody is so welcoming. It has a really friendly feel. Kainos does a great job helping you settle in, because it is scary going into a new career,” he said.

Donal added that applicants don’t need to come from a tech background: “Kainos would urge everybody who is interested to apply. We have people in HR, obviously software people, and people from different aspects and facilities of the business.”

Previously welcoming the announcement of the new jobs, First Minister, Michelle O’Neill said: “Kainos is a real local success story, growing from its Belfast roots into a global tech leader powered by local talent. Over 340 new jobs, including 200 graduate and early career opportunities is a significant commitment and one that will make a real difference to young people building their futures here at home.

“I also welcome that these roles will be created in both Belfast and Derry, helping to support regional balance and ensuring the benefits of growth are felt more widely.”