After graduating, she landed a role in a production in Italy during the summer of 2003. This was followed by a stint in a Welsh production of Romeo and Juliet, where she played alongside other talented actors. She then joined the cast of a pantomime in Belfast, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Her next major project was a production of Girls & Dolls, written by Northern Irish playwright Lisa McGee. The play was a huge success, and McGrady's performance was well-received by critics and audiences alike.
Following the success of Girls & Dolls, McGrady landed a role in a production of Macbeth, starring the renowned actor Patrick Stewart. The play was a critical and commercial success, and it even transferred to Broadway in New York City in 2008.
After her time in New York, McGrady returned to London and made her television debut in the George Best biopic Best: His Mother's Son. Although her part was eventually cut from the final version of the film, she didn't let this setback discourage her. Instead, she joined the cast of the popular medical drama Holby City, playing the role of nurse Mary-Claire Carter.
Over the next few years, McGrady appeared in a number of short independent films, often in uncredited roles. However, she was soon cast in the crime drama television series The Fall, which was set in Northern Ireland and starred Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan.
After leaving The Fall, McGrady rejoined the cast of Holby City, this time as a regular cast member. She gave up her part-time waitressing and bar jobs to focus on her acting career. However, in early 2015, McGrady left Holby City, with her character's departure scenes airing in April of that year.
