Deepashree is a Class of 2024 MSc Cybersecurity graduate. She completed a Bachelor of Computer Engineering before moving to Ireland to continue her studies. She currently works as an IT Graduate at ESB.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
About myself will be that I believe in hard-work over luck. I completed my Bachelor’s in Engineering (Computer Science) back in India and was working as an SAP Consultant at IBM India. I then joined the Master of Science in Cybersecurity at NCI in January 2023.
What made you choose Ireland as a place you wanted to work?
Back when I applied for my Master’s, I didn’t have much idea about work-life balance in Ireland, which I appreciate a lot now. I can say that the higher salary, faster growth and foreign exposure attracted me to study & work in Ireland.
What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI?
Being a student again in life itself was an exciting part. Meeting new friends, attending classes, working on assignments and group projects, attending networking events organised by NCI were the best parts.
How did you hear about your role? (Was it a job site, a contact, a recruitment agency, someone you met at a careers event, etc.?)
I applied to the ESB Graduate Programme when I was at the end of the second semester of my MSc. I am thankful for both the NCI newsletter, which included a Google Sheet listing graduate job links, and the GradIreland Careers Fair, which took place in September 2023. I applied to all graduate programmes immediately.
What did the recruitment and selection process involve, and how did you prepare for it?
There were three rounds in the selection process. During the careers fair, I spoke to a current employee who explained what to expect in the interview process.
Round 1: Aptitude test
Round 2: Pre-recorded one-way video interview
Round 3: Final interview based on the STAR method
Can you describe the visa process you underwent? (Did you get Stamp 1G or Critical Skills – has that changed since joining, etc.?)
They offered a Stamp 1 General Employment Permit from start. I went directly from Stamp 2 to Stamp 1.
What is a typical day like in your current role?
Initially it involved shadowing senior team members. Gradually I started taking up small tasks and asking more questions. Now I handle tasks independently mainly resolving SAP security incidents.
What do you like most about working in your current role or profession?
In the ESB Graduate Programme, we have rotations across teams. This allows me to gain experience in two to three different teams and learn more.
What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?
I was offered the job one month after the interview. However the graduate programme started in September, so I had to wait eight months after graduation before joining. But it was worth the wait.
What are your top 3 tips for current students and graduates looking to enter the job market in Ireland?
I believe my previous two years of experience increased my chances of landing a job.
- If you are a fresher or have less than three years of experience, pursue certifications, take up internships and build professional connections through events.
- Be serious about your college subjects and thesis.
- Start applying for jobs and internships from day 1 in Ireland and always prepare well in advance.