Ana Sofia Lara - NCI Graduate Story

Ana Sofia Lara is a class of 2023 MSc AI from NCI. She previously studied International Business in Germany and now works in a hybrid AI-driven business role in Ireland, gaining international experience while applying strategy and technical expertise in a multicultural environment.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:

I am Colombian, having a bachelors in International Business with an emphasis on marketing and intercultural negotiations. I finished my bachelors in Germany.

Furthermore, I did specialise in Digital Marketing and Communitcation and well after that I did my MSc in AI for business.

What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI?

My most memorable experience would be the professors if I’m being honest. Studying a masters is really like autonomous, meaning you have to come prepare to class but some professors like made the difference and teached me a lot. It made learning AI which was something entirely new to be fun and understandable.

How did you hear about your role? 

I hear about my role in LinkedIn. Like since before graduating I was being approached by different recruiters and even had some interviews but the visa was a limitation and well I was still doing my thesis. So a few months later I really opened myself to see the opportunities and one of those is my current job. e.

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

I did different interviews and got into the next step with a few of them. In particular with my current job, the process was very specific. There were three steps in total( interviews) the first with the HR person, then the HR person plus a manager of your department and the third it was a practical exercise with the manager and the head of the department. 

I did prepare myself. At first I was very chilled about it since I just wanted to browse opportunities but once I really liked the offer, I reached out to friends, family and even entered a private mentoring group and the counselors there helped me to prepare.

If you were an international student please describe the visa process you underwent.

I am an international student so the visa is actually a very important thing. Some companies really freak out in a way when they hear sponsorship or they prefer to look first for the easiest option that would be Irish or Europeans. But it’s still worth the try, and it’s better to be upfront about it. I told them that I needed a visa but that I had my 1G for two years, they have a probation period between 6-12 months so I’m still with my 1G. 

What is a typical day like in your current role?

A typical day in my current role is quite interesting. I start at 9, and I’m working hybrid so I can go or not go into the office. The role has a lot of tech savvy processes such as CRM handling and AI driven platforms set up each day.
I really spent the whole time in my laptop although I have a lot of meetings both face to face and online as well as training exercises.

What do you like most about working in your current role or profession?

What I like the most about my role is the strategy that needs to be applied to it, as well as the people. I’m usually on the introvert side of the scale but this role has really widened my perspective and has teached me so much already. I love the multi cultural environment and get to work with Irish people as well as speak different languages every day. 

What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?

The most difficult part in a way is being an outsider. Like it’s not something the people make you feel but you sometimes feel yourself. They have a culture, an understanding between them that at first is difficult to adapt to and well, in my case is more like they don’t struggle with the visa, or I don’t know the long term as much as foreigners 

What are your Top 3 tips for current students and graduates who are looking to enter the job market in Ireland.

First be very adaptable. Is good to know what you want and don’t settle at the end is your life but is also important to understand that is a new country, with different ways to do things so be opened to that.

Also, network. Get as many friends as you can, say hi to as many people possible. You never know who can guide you or give you a hand.

And finally, be true to yourself and don’t sell yourself short.