Pooja is a class of 2024 MA HRM Graduate. With an undergraduate in English Language and Literature Pooja completed the CIPD accredited MA HRM and transitioned to a HR Team Leader role with Musgrave post graduation.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:
My name is Pooja Khairnar, and I come from India. I moved to Ireland with new dreams and high hopes of building a wonderful life and career. To pursue my passion for working with people, I decided to complete a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management. Coming from a background in English Literature, I was eager to transition into a field that focuses on people engagement, development, and connection.
What made you choose Ireland as a place to study and work?
I chose Ireland for my future because, firstly, it’s a country where communication in English is easy and natural. Moreover, Ireland offers plenty of opportunities, along with friendly people and a beautiful environment that continuously inspires and motivates me in many ways.
What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI?
The most memorable experience I had at NCI was the warm welcome I received on campus and the wonderful ambience of the college building. Throughout my time there, I created many great memories from meeting people of different nationalities to interacting with supportive professors and helpful staff members who made my learning journey truly enjoyable.
How did you hear about your role? (Was it a jobsite, a contact, a recruitment agency, some you met at a careers event etc?)
So for my current role, my friend referred me. And recruitment agency was also helping me in this process.
Can you describe the visa process you underwent if you needed one? (Did you get Stamp 1G or Critical Skills – has that changed since joining etc)
When I got my first job, I was on a Stamp 1G visa. So far, visa status is still a concern for me, as my current role is not yet counted under the Critical Skills category. However, this experience has still helped me immensely, allowing me to gain practical exposure, develop new skills, and grow professionally in Ireland.
What is a typical day like in your current role?
My day begins with handling various HR functions such as labour analysis, daily attendance tracking, absence management, recruitment, training new colleagues, probation reviews, and roster management. My role has also given me valuable exposure to the retail business environment, enhancing my retail knowledge, customer service skills, and deepening my overall understanding of HR practices.
What do you like most about working in your current role or profession?
In my current role, I truly enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds and at different levels within the organisation. I appreciate that every day brings new opportunities to learn and grow, helping me expand my knowledge and understanding. I also take pride in supporting my colleagues while ensuring that all actions align with company policies and standards.
What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?
I would say the most challenging part of my graduate journey was securing a job. Since I didn’t have any prior experience in the HR field, it was quite difficult in the beginning. However, this challenge taught me resilience, patience, and persistence, and eventually helped me grow both personally and professionally.
What are your Top 3 tips for current students and graduates who are looking to enter the job market in Ireland?
Build Practical Experience: Try to gain hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering. Even short-term roles can help you understand the Irish work culture and strengthen your CV.
Network Actively: Attend career fairs, workshops, and professional events. Connecting with alumni, professors, and industry professionals can open doors to valuable opportunities and referrals.
Stay Positive and Keep Learning: The job search can take time, but every interview and application is a learning experience. Keep upgrading your skills, especially in communication and technology, and stay confident and consistent in your efforts.