Joshua is a class of 2024 MSc AI for Business graduate from NCI. Originally from Nigeria, he holds a BSc in Accounting and is a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. Before moving into AI, Joshua gained around nine years of experience working as an Internal Auditor. He now works with CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for Applied AI, as an EDIH AI Training Research Coordinator and AI literacy trainer.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:
I hold a BSc in Accounting with about 9 years’ experience as Internal Auditor back in Nigeria and also a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. I currently work with CeADAR Ireland’s Centre for Applied AI as an AI literacy trainer.
What made you choose Ireland as a place you wanted to work?
The diversity, hospitality, a tech hub and high rate of employability for international students. I choose NCI in particular because of its suitability for International students and the availability of its Head of student recruitment: Micheal Galvin.
What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI ?
The ability to have hands-on experience with the lecturers, the career department’s dedication in employing students secure jobs via workshops, career days. The gym and well equipped student union centre. The saying is true “Attend NCI, change your life”
How did you hear about your role?
I saw the role via LinkedIn and had done an internship with my organisation before, thanks to Laura Walshe of NCI’S Career Development & Employability.
What did the recruitment process involve and how did you prepare for it ?
I put in the application first via the application portal, afterwards I was contacted to do a video presentation speaking on a given AI topic to be uploaded to Youtube. Next was a live presentation during the interview, questions from three interviewers on the panel. The lessons were NCI’s career workshops were instrumental for me and I also contacted Laura Walshe to help review my CV.
Can you describe the visa process you underwent ?
I got in initially with my Stamp 1G, my contract was based on the duration of the 1G then but after a month, I was able to convince my Manager to give me a Stamp 1 Hosting Agreement which is meant for Researchers.
What is a typical day like in your current role?
A typical day is exploring new practical AI use cases for SMEs and Public Sector organisations in Ireland and designing a training path for them.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I love the fact that every day is not the same, listening to a new client’s pain points and exploring practical solutions and training for them.
Top 3 tips for students and graduates entering the Irish job market ?
- Keep networking.
- Stay abreast with new developments in your field, especially AI related.
- Hone your communication skills and be AI literate.