To mark our 75th Anniversary, we are shining a light on some NCI alumni to showcase the amazing talent the College has produced throughout the years.
Thomas Athikalam, Vice President at Bank of America
Alumni Spotlight: Thomas Athikalam
MSc in Management (2019)
Vice President, Bank of America
About Thomas
Thomas Athikalam chose National College of Ireland after hearing positive feedback from alumni about the quality of the College's programmes, lecturers and student support services. Moving to Ireland as an international student, he was looking for a postgraduate programme that would help him develop his skills while preparing for a successful professional career.
During his time at NCI, Thomas particularly valued the support provided by the International Office. Through a variety of social activities, events and opportunities to connect with fellow students, he was able to settle into life in Ireland and build friendships within the NCI community.
"The International Team helped us settle into Ireland and made us feel part of the community from day one."
Beyond the classroom, Thomas found the College's careers support invaluable. From assistance with CV preparation to employer engagement events and networking opportunities with alumni, he gained practical insights into the Irish employment market and developed the confidence to pursue new opportunities.
The chance to meet employers, hear from graduates working in industry and learn from the experiences of alumni played an important role in helping him navigate the transition from student life to professional life.
Building a Career in Financial Services
Following his graduation from the MSc in Management programme, Thomas built a successful career in financial services and today serves as a Vice President at Bank of America. Looking back on his experience, Thomas credits the support he received from lecturers, careers advisors and the wider NCI community with helping him achieve his goals. The combination of academic learning, practical careers guidance and a welcoming environment provided a strong foundation for his career journey.
"NCI really helped me get to where I am today."
As National College of Ireland celebrates its 75th anniversary, Thomas's story highlights the impact that education, dedicated student support and career development opportunities can have on students arriving from around the world. His journey from international student to senior professional demonstrates how the right support, combined with ambition and determination, can open doors to new opportunities and long-term career success.
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