Muhammet has 8 years’ of experience as a Financial Planning Analyst in Turkey before undertaking the MSc Accounting & Finance with National College of Ireland. After graduating he secured a role as a Global Fincial Planning and Control Analyst with Grifols.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am a results-driven finance professional with over 5 years of experience in Financial Planning & Analysis. I specialise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling, with a strong focus on process improvement and digital transformation. I hold an MSc in Accounting from NCI and am currently a part-qualified ACCA.
What made you choose Ireland as a place you wanted to work?
Ireland offers a strong international business environment, especially in finance and pharmaceuticals, with excellent career growth opportunities. Its global exposure and supportive work culture made it an ideal place to advance my career. Studying at NCI also strengthened my connection to Ireland.
What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI?
My most memorable experience was collaborating with classmates from diverse backgrounds on practical projects. It gave me valuable global perspectives and strengthened my teamwork and communication skills. The supportive learning environment at NCI made the experience even more rewarding.
How did you hear about your role?
I came across my current role through online job platforms and professional networking. I actively used LinkedIn and company career pages to identify opportunities aligned with my FP&A experience.
What did the recruitment and selection process involve and how did you prepare for it?
The process involved multiple interview stages, including technical and competency-based assessments. I prepared by reviewing financial concepts, practicing case studies, and aligning my experience with the company’s business model and role requirements.
Can you describe the visa process you underwent?
Initially, I started on a Stamp 2 visa during my studies in Ireland. After building my experience, I moved to a Stamp 1 visa, and after completing 3 years in Ireland, I progressed to a Stamp 4 visa, which allows me to work without restrictions.
What is a typical day like in your current role?
A typical day involves analysing financial performance, preparing reports, and supporting budgeting and forecasting processes. I also collaborate with cross-functional teams and build financial models to support strategic decision-making.
What do you like most about working in your current role or profession?
I enjoy turning data into meaningful insights that support business decisions. The dynamic nature of FP&A, combined with opportunities to influence strategy and drive efficiency, makes the role highly rewarding.
What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?
Adapting to a new country and competitive job market was initially challenging. However, persistence, continuous learning, and leveraging my experience helped me successfully transition into the Irish workforce.
What are your Top 3 tips for current students and graduates entering the job market in Ireland?
1. Build strong technical and analytical skills relevant to your field, especially practical tools like Excel, Power BI, or SAP.
2. Actively network through LinkedIn, alumni events, and career fairs to discover opportunities.
3. Be persistent and adaptable tailor your CV to each role and keep improving through feedback and learning