NCI Blog

After a successful year completing his work placement with PwC UK in Edinburgh, Andrew Conlon is preparing to return to National College of Ireland to begin his final year of undergraduate business studies. During his work placement, Andrew was presented with the opportunity to begin his Chartered Accountant exams, which he passed with flying colours, as well as work from various offices across the UK, meet lots of new people and make lifelong memories but now, he is ready to apply the practical experience he has gained during his placement to his studies.

It’s easy to see why many students choose to study international business. Whether you have a business background or you’re transitioning from another discipline, a postgraduate degree in international business can accelerate your career by helping you step into a middle to top management position in a global organisation. You will gain a high level of knowledge across a range of relevant topics that will impress your current colleagues or future employers in a job interview.

If you have been considering a career change but feel uncertain about what the future holds, Cian's story of completing a Springboard+ course in data analytics at National College of Ireland may inspire you to take action. Before discovering his passion for data analytics, Cian had a diverse career path in the finance and entertainment industries. However, he always had a knack for logic and numbers, which ultimately led him to explore the field of data analytics.

Whether you are a recent graduate looking for your first permanent position, or a skilled worker seeking a new and exciting challenge, entering the jobs market can be a scary prospect. No matter your level of experience or area of expertise, you will be entering a fiercely competitive market full of skilled workers. Therefore, it is crucial that you stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression on the hiring managers.

In this blog post, Niamh Daly shares her journey studying the BSc (Honours) in Data Science at National College of Ireland. She recalls her interest in data analysis from a young age, how she learned NCI's course was a perfect fit for her as well as he experience completing her work placement with Dell Technologies. Finally, Niamh discusses her final year project which focuses on the impact of the weather on Formula One and won the overall prize at the Computing Project Showcase recently.

This is a guest blog post written by Dr Yvonne Emmett, Assistant Professor in Education, Centre of Education and Lifelong Learning at National College of Ireland. If you work in education and training or plan to, you know the importance of lifelong learning for personal and professional development. The Master of Arts in Educational Practice at National College of Ireland is an advanced qualification for those working or aspiring to work in a variety of adult learning contexts, including adult and community education, higher education, corporate learning and development functions and educational research. It can help increase your effectiveness as an educator or trainer and open the door to a wider range of employment opportunities.

As you’ve surely heard by now, Artificial Intelligence is a big deal. Whether it’s in healthcare, where AI is being used to diagnose cancer risks 30 times faster and with 99% more accuracy than a human doctor, or in business, where companies are providing 24/7 customer service through the use of intelligent chatbots on their website, artificial intelligence is disrupting all industries and changing how we see the world.

Coman O'Connell transitioned to a career in technology by completing a conversion course in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through Springboard+ at National College of Ireland. He shares his experience of the course, his career and educational background, why he chose to study a Springboard+ programme at NCI, and the outcome after completing the higher diploma. He also provides advice for anyone considering a Springboard+ course at NCI this coming September. If you're considering a career change or looking to upskill, this post will provide valuable insights into the benefits of pursuing a Springboard+ course.

This is a guest blog post from the Early Learning Initiative at NCI which works to address the problem of educational underachievement in marginalised communities. Sensory play can be a valuable tool for children's development, but the mess it can create often worries parents. Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy the benefits of sensory play without wrecking your home. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of sensory play and provide activities that won't take all day to clean up.

Whether you recently completed your undergraduate studies or are mid-career and possess several years of working experience, returning to education and starting a postgraduate degree can be an excellent way to enhance your career, refine your skillset and give you a competitive edge in a busy jobs market.