Darshika is a Class of 2024 MSc Cloud Computing graduate. She completed a Bachelor of Computer Engineering before relocating to Ireland. She now works as Cloud Support Engineer at Amazon Web Services.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am Darshika Pongallu, currently working as a Cloud Support Engineer at Amazon. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and a Master’s degree in Cloud Computing. My expertise includes cloud computing and full-stack web development.
I am passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and have actively participated in hackathons, which strengthened my technical and problem-solving skills. I am driven by continuous learning and enjoy exploring emerging technologies to build impactful solutions.
What made you choose Ireland as a place you wanted to work?
I chose Ireland because it is widely regarded as the “Silicon Valley of Europe,” with many of the world’s leading technology companies having their European headquarters there. This creates excellent opportunities to learn, grow, and build a career in the tech industry.
The strong reputation of Irish universities, along with their global recognition and high academic standards, also influenced my decision to study and build my career here.
What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI?
One of my most memorable experiences at NCI was serving as a Team Lead for the Discover University Summer Program 2024 and working as a Lab Assistant. These roles helped me develop leadership, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills while contributing to the student community. I also found the career development sessions highly useful and insightful.
How did you hear about your role? (Was it a jobsite, a contact, a recruitment agency, some you met at a careers event etc?)
I learned about the role during the NCI Cloud Computing Festival while attending career events at NCI. Speaking with alumni in the industry gave me valuable insights into the role and its requirements.
After realizing it aligned with my background in cloud computing, I applied through the company’s official job portal. I also built my network through LinkedIn and career events, which helped me gain further guidance and clarity on opportunities.
What did the recruitment and selection process involve and how did you prepare for it?
Recruitment and selection process involved the following:
- Initial Application: Submitted my CV through the official job portal.
- Phone Screening: A short discussion covering my background, projects, technical skills, and familiarity with Amazon Leadership Principles.
- Technical Screening: Included a mix of technical questions, situational/behavioral scenarios, and further evaluation based on Amazon Leadership Principles.
- Preparation: I focused on strengthening my technical concepts and practicing behavioral questions using the STAR method aligned with Amazon Leadership Principles.
What is a typical day like in your current role?
As a Cloud Support Engineer, I primary work on resolving customer cases received through various support channels. I use advanced troubleshooting techniques to diagnose issues and provide tailored solutions, working closely with customers to identify and address the root cause of problems.
What do you like most about working in your current role or profession?
What I enjoy most is the combination of problem-solving and continuous learning. At Amazon, every day feels like “Day 1,” which keeps the work dynamic and challenging.
I especially value working closely with customers, taking a diving deep approach to issues, and applying a customer-obsessed mindset to deliver effective solutions while continuously learning new cloud technologies.
What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?
The most challenging part of my graduate journey was balancing academics, part-time work, and adapting to the fast-paced nature of the tech industry while keeping up with rapid technological advancements.
Managing job applications, interviews, visa timelines, and academic commitments simultaneously required strong time management, resilience, and consistency. However, these challenges also strengthened my discipline, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
What are your Top 3 tips for current students and graduates who are looking to enter the job market in Ireland.
Below are the top 3 tips for students and graduates who are looking to enter job market:
- Upskilling: Build in-demand skills through certifications, hands-on projects, and practical experience to stay competitive.
- Tailor your CV: Customize your CV for each role by highlighting relevant skills, projects and experience that match the job description.
- Build your network actively: Attend career events, connect with alumni, and engage on LinkedIn to discover opportunities and gain referrals.