Divya, a recent MSc in Marketing graduate from National College of Ireland, has successfully transitioned into her role as a Business Development Consultant at EV Charging Ireland. Her journey from arriving in Dublin to securing her current position has been both challenging and rewarding, providing valuable insights and experiences. Divya now shares her story and key strategies to support other international students at NCI as they pursue their own career goals in the Irish job market.
Why did you choose National College of Ireland for your master’s in marketing?
When I was researching colleges, NCI stood out to me for two massive reasons. First, it was a genuinely affordable option compared to other universities. Second, I wanted true international exposure. Many colleges tend to have a very high concentration of students from just one background, like India. NCI offered a beautifully diverse environment where I could interact with and learn from students representing cultures all over the globe.
Can you share some insights into what it was really like studying the MSc in Marketing at NCI? What did you find most challenging and most rewarding about the course?
Once classes started, I knew I had made the right choice.
“Instead of sitting in massive, intimidating lecture halls just listening to someone speak for hours, our class sizes were small and intimate. This made the lectures highly interactive and comfortable. The assignments weren’t just academic essays; they were highly practical projects.”
I have to give a special shout-out to David Hurley, who was hands-down the best lecturer I had. He has an amazing teaching style and created a comfortable, open environment where nobody felt shy about speaking up, asking questions, or making mistakes.
What was your experience like finding your first job in Ireland after graduating from NCI? What kind of support or resources did you use at NCI (e.g., Careers Service, workshops, lecturers) that helped you land your role?
I won’t sugarcoat it; the Irish job market is incredibly tough right now. Finding my first role after graduation felt like a rollercoaster with plenty of highs and lows. During the thick of the job hunt, I relied heavily on NCI’s support services. I worked closely with the Careers Service to optimise my CV and fine-tune my LinkedIn profile. They gave me brilliant tips on how to present my skills in a way that local employers look for, which gave me the confidence boost I desperately needed.
How important do you think networking and building connections were for your success here in Ireland?
If there is one thing I learned, it is that networking is absolutely crucial to your success here. While college career fairs are helpful, the real magic happens when you push yourself outside of your comfort zone. My biggest piece of advice is to go where the businesses and companies actually are. Don’t just attend standard "job-seeking" events. The most valuable connections I made were at industry networking events that had nothing to do with job hunting on the surface. Go to these events just to meet people, learn about their industries, and genuinely connect. When people get to know you as a person first, doors start to open.
Do you have any practical tips for international students entering the Irish job market?
If you just landed in Ireland today, here is my playbook for cracking the market:
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Start Networking on Day 1: Do not wait until graduation. Build your network from the moment you unpack your bags.
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Fix Your CV Immediately: Work on your CV and LinkedIn presence from your very first week. Keep updating it as you go.
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Gain Local Experience Early: Take up practical assignments, look for internships, or do freelance work to get "Irish experience" on your resume as soon as possible.
Finally, what’s next for you and your career?
If you are currently on the fence about choosing NCI for your Marketing degree, I can confidently tell you to go for it. The subjects are modern, the teachers are top-notch, and the overall course structure prepares you for the real world.
As for me? My background is originally as a makeup artist, so my ultimate future goal is to bridge my creative roots with my new corporate skills. I am working hard to transition into a marketing role specifically within a cosmetic or skincare brand. It’s a journey, but thanks to the foundation I built at NCI, I know I’m on the right track!
Want to learn more about studying at NCI? Check out our International Hub to discover our programmes and student support services.
