Adam is a class of 2024 MA in Human Resources Graduate who is working with SK Pharmteco as a HR Advisor.


THE ORIGINAL (12)638983896172737616


Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:

I’m a 2023–2024 MA in Human Resource Management graduate from the National College of Ireland. I completed my undergraduate degree in teaching but quickly realised that it wasn’t the right long-term fit for me. I chose to build my career in HR because it offers the opportunity to work across a wide range of functions from recruitment and learning & development to employee relations and DEI.

I am currently an HR Advisor at SK Pharmteco, where I work in a generalist capacity and gain exposure to all areas of HR. I have been fortunate to progress quickly, starting as a summer intern, continuing part-time while completing my studies, then moving into an HR Administrator role, and advancing to HR Advisor in just over two years. 

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

I value the people-focused nature of HR and the opportunity to positively impact employees’ experiences across the entire employee lifecycle. It’s especially rewarding to see how HR initiatives contribute not only to individual growth but also to overall business success.

How did you hear about your role ?

I first heard about the HR internship at SK Pharmteco through the NCI Careers Service. The opportunity was the perfect starting point for my HR career, and I’ve since progressed from intern to HR Advisor within two years.

What's your most memorable experience at NCI?

Completing my dissertation was my proudest and most memorable moment. I genuinely enjoyed the research process and felt incredibly supported by my lecturers, especially my dissertation supervisor, Rachel Doherty. My dissertation, titled “Working Remotely and Employee Well-Being: A Qualitative Study of Irish Workers within the Pharmaceutical Industry,” explored a topic I was interested in and highly relevant to today’s world of work. I can now see many of the findings reflected in my current role, particularly in how organisations continue to support employee well-being and flexible working.

What did the recruitment process involve and how did you prepare for it ?

The process involved an on-site interview with two HR Business Partners. I prepared by researching the company, aligning my experience to the job description, reviewing key HR concepts from my course, and practicing interview questions to build confidence.

What is a typical day like in your current role?
Each day varies, which I love. My work involves supporting employees and managers across different HR functions including reporting, recruitment, employee relations, and engagement initiatives, as well as assisting with policy development and HR projects.

Top 3 tips for students and graduates entering the Irish job market:

  • Gain hands-on experience early through internships or part-time roles.
  • Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills, coursework, or projects. Take advantage of NCI courses on Microsoft applications such as Excel and Word, as employers often expect these competencies in student and graduate roles.
  •  Take advantage of NCI’s Careers Service, as I did, and actively connect with professionals in your field.