Choosing to study abroad and pursuing a Master's degree is a major career move that requires planning and a balance between academic quality and budget. We spoke with alumnus Darshan Vetal of the MSc in Data Analytics programme about his successful move from selecting NCI to becoming a Data Engineer in Ireland. Find out how NCI's practical curriculum and career support helped Darshan land his dream job!
1. Why did you choose National College of Ireland for your Master's in Data Analytics?
Cost was one of the most significant considerations in my decision. As an international student applying for the January intake, I researched colleges that offered a strong programme but were still budget-friendly. I ended up applying to just three: NCI, DBS, and ATU Donegal. They were the most affordable options at the time.
Among those, NCI stood out for its course content. The MSc in Data Analytics at NCI had a strong Machine Learning orientation and a more structured, modern curriculum compared to the others.
Coming from a full-stack development background (Python, Angular), I was looking for a programme that didn’t just focus on theory but also offered opportunities to build on my technical skills. The course at NCI ticked all the right boxes.
2. What was it really like studying the MSc in Data Analytics at NCI? What did you find most challenging and most rewarding?
It was a demanding but incredibly rewarding experience. The course was fast-paced, especially for someone balancing assignments, group work, and part-time work, but it offered a lot of technical depth. Given my background, I naturally enjoyed the more hands-on and programming-heavy modules. My favourite topics were:
- Database Architecture and Programming (DAP)
- Business Intelligence (BI)
- ETL pipelining
Machine Learning - Data architecture and optimisation
These areas helped me apply my existing skills in new ways and prepared me for roles beyond just analytics, particularly in data engineering, which I eventually transitioned into. The most challenging part was juggling everything at once, especially in the final semester. But the most rewarding moments were when everything clicked together in group projects or assignments where I could build pipelines or automate tasks that closely resembled real-world work.
3. What was your experience like finding your first job in Ireland after graduating? Any tips for international students?
My first job in Ireland came through NCI itself. From September 2024 to February 2025, I worked as a Power BI Developer and Data Analyst on a contract basis within the Careers team, reporting to the Career Development and Employability Manager. That role gave me practical experience in:
- Dashboard creation using Power BI
- Analysing student engagement and employability data
- Working with Excel and institutional systems to produce insights for internal use
It was the ideal stepping stone. Shortly after, I joined Kepak Group as a Data Engineer, where I now work full-time.
Tips for international students:
- Don’t underestimate job opportunities listed on Symplicity, the college portal; it's a good source for job search.
- Start applying early, even during your final semester.
- Keep your LinkedIn active and tailor your CV for the Irish market.
- Use your projects as proof of your skills. Showcase them on GitHub or during interviews.
4. What kind of support or resources did you use at NCI that helped you land your role at Kepak?
The NCI Careers team offered a lot of support, and I made sure to use as much of it as possible. I participated in:
- Workshops on job searching and interview prep
- CV clinics, where I received personalised feedback
- Alumni networking events and panel discussions
These events were all organised by the Careers team, and they helped me understand the expectations of Irish employers and how to position myself better. Of course, the most impactful support came through my contract role within the Careers team itself. It allowed me to work closely with internal data, present reports to senior staff, and understand how organisations use data in real decision-making. That practical experience added a lot of value to my CV and gave me examples to talk about during interviews.
5. How important was networking and building connections for your success in Ireland?
Extremely important. Networking was something I didn’t fully appreciate until I was deep into my job search. Attending career events, LinkedIn webinars, alumni meetups, and tech conferences introduced me to people who gave honest insights into the hiring process in Ireland. At NCI, I met many alumni who were already working in data roles. Their advice helped me prepare for interviews, understand company expectations, and even led to referrals. Networking doesn’t always lead directly to a job, but it definitely gives you the information and confidence to succeed.
6. Do you have any advice for an international student who is considering studying Data Analytics at NCI?
If you're coming from a technical background like I did, especially in development or engineering, NCI’s Data Analytics programme can be a great way to transition into the data space.
My advice is:
- Focus on the programming-heavy modules like DAP and BI; they prepare you well for technical roles
- Build a project portfolio, especially during your capstone. Recruiters often ask about it
- Start attending Careers events from day one; don’t wait until the final semester.
- Look for contract or on-campus roles like the one I had. They're great stepping stones
- Keep learning outside the curriculum. Certifications or extra tools like cloud services, Git, and Docker can really set you apart
7. What’s next for you and your career?
I’m currently focused on my role as a Data Engineer at Kepak, where I manage data pipelines, ETL processes, automated workflows, and the infrastructure that supports analytics and reporting across departments. It’s a great role that builds on both my development background and what I learned at NCI. Moving forward, I want to grow into a Senior Data Engineer role.
Ready to become the next NCI success story in Ireland? Visit the International Hub on our website to learn more about studying abroad at National College of Ireland.
