Agnideep is a class of 2023 MSc Data Analytics graduate. Agnideep had experience working as an android developer in India with SnapBizz, Capgemini and Novapay and since graduating from NCI is working with Mobile Application Development with Tapadoo.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:
My name is Agnideep Pal. I’m originally from the north-eastern part of India. I enjoy watching and documentaries, taking long walks, and going trekking. Lately, I've also developed a growing interest in and . I came to Ireland to do my Master’s in Data at NCI. Before moving here, I had nearly 8 years of experience developing Android in startups and MNCs in India. During my studies here, I also worked part-time as a customer in a store, where I improved and gathered more experience in people .
What made you choose Ireland as a place to study and work?
I chose Ireland mainly because of three reasons. First, the Master’s course at NCI matched exactly what I was looking for in Data Science. Second, the cost of education was affordable compared to other options. And third, I had heard that Ireland had strong job opportunities in IT, which gave me confidence. I also considered Canada and Singapore, but Ireland stood out with its post-study work visa and affordable higher studies.
How did you hear about your role ?
I found my current role as a Mobile Application Developer at Tapadoo through a job posting on LinkedIn. I came across the opportunity while actively searching for roles that matched my experience and skills. I applied directly and went through the regular recruitment process.
What did the recruitment process involve and how did you prepare for it ?
It was fairly straightforward: an initial screening, an interview with the National Sales Manager, and a final round with the Director. I treat interviews as opportunities to see where I stand and what the market looks like.
What do enjoy most about your current role ?
What I enjoy most about my role is the mix of problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and continuous learning. Each project brings new challenges, and I find the problem-solving aspect especially rewarding. It keeps the work exciting and helps me grow professionally with every task I take on.
Can you describe the visa process you underwent ?
After completing my studies, I moved to a Stamp 1G visa and began looking for jobs. Once I got my current role and have worked for a year, my company sponsored me for the Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP). The process was smooth and straightforward. It took around one to two months for the work permit to be approved. I’m now on a Stamp 1 based on that permit
What is a typical day like in your current role ?
As a Mobile Application Developer, my day usually starts with a morning standup meeting. My daily responsibilities then include communicating with clients to understand their requirements, creating and refining tickets, writing and testing code, documenting changes, fixing bugs, maintaining the app, and deploying the final product. Also, my job require me to work with Android development libraries, Firebase, and tools like Android Studio, JetBrains YouTrack, TeamCity, Jira, and Git. The job is always team-based and fully in-office.
What’s your most memorable experience at NCI?
My most memorable experiences at NCI were the college excursions, especially the trips to Kilkenny Castle and Dalkey Hill. I’ve always enjoyed visiting historical places and going on casual treks, so these outings were very special. Kilkenny Castle was the first castle I visited in Ireland, which made it quite unforgettable. The trip to Dalkey Hill was also amazing because of the beautiful scenery and great company. These moments made my time at NCI personally very enjoyable and meaningful.
What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey ?
After taking a break from full-time work to focus on my studies, getting back into the industry and adapting to a new work culture in a different country was a bit challenging at first. I learned about different cultures my colleagues came from and adjusted to a professional environment where there’s a strong focus on quality, attention to detail, and client satisfaction
Top 3 tips for students and graduates entering the Irish job market:
- First, focus on learning new skills, practicing them, and building a strong portfolio of projects to show employers. Also, keep showcasing your skills regularly on LinkedIn.
- Second, be honest about your skills when applying for jobs, and always be respectful during interviews.
- Lastly, stay open to learning new things throughout your career. This mindset will help you grow and succeed.