Débora Alexandre Santos - NCI Graduate Story

Débora is a class of 2021 MA HRM student with a degree in Psychology and experience in Talent Acquisition in Brazil before entering the Irish Job Market. She is working with Spectate as a HR & Talent Acquistion Partner in Dublin

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:

I’m Débora, originally from Brazil and based in Dublin since 2018. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a postgraduate qualification in Human Resources Management, both from Brazil. My professional journey has always revolved around Talent Acquisition. In 2018, I made the bold decision to move to Ireland as an English language student. Two years later, I began my master’s in Entrepreneurship at NCI, and since 2021, I’ve been working at the same company, currently as an HR & Talent Acquisition Partner.

What made you choose Ireland as a place to study and work?

I was determined to relocate permanently to Europe, and after evaluating various options, Ireland stood out, particularly because of its welcoming stance on work permit sponsorship. It offered the right balance of opportunity, accessibility, and quality of life.

How did you hear about your role ?

Right after completing my master’s, a recruiter reached out to me via LinkedIn about a Talent Acquisition Specialist position. It was a great match and marked the beginning of my current journey.

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

The process consisted of two interview rounds. Before that, the recruiter had a prep call with me, including a mock interview. She was very familiar with the company and gave me valuable insights.
• The first interview was with my prospective manager and felt more like a relaxed conversation than a formal assessment.
• The second round was even more informal, involving future peers, which helped me get a sense of the team dynamic.

What do enjoy most about your current role ?

I love the diversity of responsibilities. Being in a standalone HR role means I get to touch every aspect of the function, which keeps things dynamic and constantly engaging.

Once I received my final master’s results, I applied for the Stamp 1G visa. After a year with the company, they sponsored me for a General Work Permit. That process was more involved due to the Labour Market Needs Test, which added time. Other than that, it was a matter of gathering documents, completing the application, and paying the fee.

What is a typical day like in your current role ?

There’s no such thing as a “typical” day! My role spans the entire HR spectrum, from recruitment and interviews to payroll, benefits, employee relations, training, and strategic business partnering. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities..

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

Without a doubt, the dissertation. Thankfully, I had an incredible supervisor who helped me break down the process and stay ahead of schedule. Still, the sheer volume of reading and writing was intense. Doing all of this during a global pandemic added another layer of complexity and stress.

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

• Polish your CV and LinkedIn profile: Make sure they are tailored and compelling.
• Showcase your strengths honestly: Highlight key responsibilities and projects, but always stay truthful.
• Apply with intention: Research company culture and apply for roles that match your skills and values.