NCI Blog

Navigating a career crossroads can be tricky for several reasons. You might ask yourself “how can I progress further in my current role? What industry do I want to work in? Do I have the right skills to switch roles? Can I afford to return to education if required?”. If you have asked yourself any of these questions, then a Springboard+ programme may be a suitable solution for you!

Having worked in hospitality for a number of years and having recently moved into a new role training and support role for an international hotel group, Stephen McCusker decided to return to education to gain a relevant qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, CIPD. Stephen shares insights into studying the (CIPD) Diploma in Professional Learning and Organisational Development at National College of Ireland, including how he has applied what he has learned in his current role and his advice for anyone considering this programme, in the Q&A interview below.

Marius Petraitis set himself a goal of becoming a tech startup founder, but always wanted to expand his knowledge and skills before doing so. His first step was to join an undergraduate degree that included both business and technology subjects. After gaining a postgraduate qualification in the e-commerce space, the Springboard+ initiative gave him the opportunity to build on his existing skills in specialised areas such as Data Analytics and Cybersecurity.

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.

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.

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.

An MBA is an internationally recognised qualification that will enable you to position yourself to take advantage of career opportunities at the highest level of business. The MBA at NCI emphasises the development of business and management skills to solve problems through structured analysis, effective decision-making and strong communication and leadership skills.

Returning to study whilst working a full-time job can seem like a daunting task for any individual. Juggling the added workload, finding the time to study, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may seem impossible, however with the correct approach you can overcome these challenges and excel in both your work and studies.