NCI Blog

Molly interviewing Tommy Tiernan about his chat show, image taken pre-covid. Photo credit: Bren murphy Rubbing shoulders with the stars isn't something you imagine doing as a data analyst. However, NCI data analytics graduate, Molly O'Dwyer, has found a way to combine her creative marketing side with her analytical strengths in her role as a Social Media and Data Lead at RTÉ where she works on shows such as The Late Late Toy Show and The Tommy Tiernan Show. While 1.5 million viewers tuned in to watch the record-breaking Late Late Toy Show in November, Molly was hard at work sharing special moments from the show with online audiences and uncovering insights from online engagements and behaviour.

The world of education changed this year. Where once, the idea of blended or fully-online teaching and learning was an option, or even an aspiration, this year has necessitated an adaptation for most of us, to technology enhanced learning.

While rugby is a demanding sport, Ireland Men’s Sevens player Ian Fitzpatrick set himself another challenge last year; to gain a qualification in cybersecurity from National College of Ireland.

Dr Anu Sahni from NCI's School of Computing recently hosted a webinar focusing on the area of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, giving participants a taste of what it would be like to study the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing specialising in AI/ML.

The Higher Diploma in Computing specialising in Blockchain offered through Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) starts in January 2021. This one-year course is offered free of charge to those who are unemployed and at a reduced rate of 10% of the course fee to those who are currently in employment (the student contribution fee for this course is €540).

Business Analysts play a key role in developing solutions and ideas to improve the performance of businesses. With COVID-19 currently reshaping businesses and livelihoods, becoming a Business Analyst will give you the opportunity to demonstrate the value of your analytical skills and the contribution you can bring to your employer.

At National College of Ireland, we have a number of courses available under both Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) which are free of charge for people who are currently unemployed or for 10% of the course fee for applicants who are in employment. These initiatives address skills shortages in the workforce and so are funded by the government to improve Ireland's ability to fill job vacancies.

Making the decision to return to education is an important one that will have a significant impact on your life. It’s a considerable commitment, particularly if you choose to study part-time in the evening while working during the day, but the sacrifices you make while studying will be rewarded in the long-term when you reach your career goals.

The Government recently announced 17,000 free and subsidised higher education places under both Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) which includes a number of specialised computing courses in data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software development, blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning at NCI.

The 30% Club is a campaign group with a single goal; to achieve better gender balance at all levels in business. One way the group strives to increase gender diversity in Irish businesses is by partnering with third-level institutions to offer scholarship programmes.