Oluwafunsho is a 2024 MSc Cybersecurity graduate. He relocated from Nigeria and is now a Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Engineer currently working with ABP Ireland.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:
I am a Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Engineer currently working with ABP Ireland, supporting cloud platforms, production systems, and enterprise infrastructure. My background spans AWS, Azure, Kubernetes, networking, cybersecurity, and incident management, complemented by an MSc in Cybersecurity from National College of Ireland.
What made you choose Ireland as a place you wanted to work?
Ireland’s strong technology sector, growing cloud and cybersecurity industry, and welcoming environment for international professionals made it an attractive destination for me. I also saw it as a great place to gain global experience while advancing my career in technology.
What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI ?
One of my most memorable experiences was collaborating with classmates from diverse backgrounds on practical cybersecurity projects. Working on my dissertation focused on deep learning-based phishing detection also helped strengthen my research and technical problem-solving skills.
How did you hear about your role?
I discovered the opportunity through online job platforms. I actively leveraged LinkedIn, recruitment websites, and connections within the industry to identify roles that aligned with my cloud and infrastructure experience.
What did the recruitment process involve and how did you prepare for it ?
The process involved multiple interview stages and discussions focused on cloud technologies, troubleshooting, and real-world scenarios. I prepared by reviewing core infrastructure concepts, practicing incident management examples, and researching the company and its technology stack.
Can you describe the visa process you underwent ?
The process involved multiple interview stages and discussions focused on cloud technologies, troubleshooting, and real-world scenarios. I prepared by reviewing core infrastructure concepts, practicing incident management examples, and researching the company and its technology stack.
What is a typical day like in your current role?
A typical day involves monitoring cloud and on-prem infrastructure, investigating incidents, troubleshooting production issues, and collaborating with engineering and operations teams. I also work on automation, system reliability improvements, and ensuring services meet performance and availability targets.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I enjoy solving complex technical challenges and seeing the direct impact of my work on system reliability and business operations. The continuous learning opportunities in cloud engineering and cybersecurity also keep the role exciting and rewarding.
What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey ?
One of the biggest challenges was balancing academic commitments with adapting to a new country and job market. However, the experience helped me become more resilient, adaptable, and confident in pursuing career opportunities.
Top 3 tips for students and graduates entering the Irish job market ?
- Build practical skills through projects, certifications, internships, or hands-on labs that demonstrate your capabilities.
- Network actively through LinkedIn, career events, and professional communities, as many opportunities come through connections.
- Stay persistent and adaptable, rejections are part of the process but continuous learning and improvement will eventually create opportunities.