Prachi, a 2021 MSc Management graduate with sales experience, began on a Stamp 1A trainee visa and now works as an internal auditor with a stockbroking firm on a Critical Skills Permit.
Learn more about NCI's Graduates.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:
Hi there, I'm I am Prachi Kapoor and I completed my MSc in Management from the National College of Ireland in 2021. Currently, I’m working as an Internal Auditor at Goodbody Stockbrokers.
What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI ?
My most memorable experience at NCI was the day I found out I achieved a 1.1 in my course. It was a proud and emotional moment that made all the hard work worth it. Being an international peer mentor was also a standout experience; it gave me a chance to connect with others, support new students, and grow personally along the way.
How did you hear about your role?
I found the role through LinkedIn and applied directly. Instead of just sending a CV, I wrote a personalised email explaining what I was looking for in a role and how this opportunity aligned with my interests.
What did the recruitment process involve and how did you prepare for it ?
The process started with an application and cover letter, followed by two interviews, one technical and one focused on soft skills. I worked with NCI’s careers team to polish my CV and prep through mock interviews, which really boosted my confidence. I also researched the company and practiced common interview questions.
Can you describe the visa process you underwent ?
After graduating, I started on Stamp 1A as a trainee accountant, which let me work while completing my qualifications. Once I qualified and got a role on the Critical Skills list, I moved to a Critical Skills Employment Permit. That gave me more stability and a clear path to Stamp 4., which means I can now live and work in Ireland without needing a separate permit.
What is a typical day like in your current role?
Most of my day goes into planning audits, digging into financial transactions, and making sure internal controls are well-designed and functioning effectively. I spend a lot of time with stakeholders, asking questions, understanding processes, and documenting everything clearly. It’s a mix of compliance checks, risk reviews, and data analysis—all to help keep things running smoothly and within the rules.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
What I really enjoy about this role is the impact it has, you’re helping protect the firm by identifying risks and making sure everything stays compliant. You get great exposure to different parts of the business, from trading desks to client advisory, which keeps things interesting and helps build strong financial and operational knowledge. Plus, it opens up solid career paths in risk, compliance, or finance, with real opportunities to influence big decisions.
What is a typical day like in your current role ?
Most of my day goes into planning audits, digging into financial transactions, and making sure internal controls are well-designed and functioning effectively. I spend a lot of time with stakeholders, asking questions, understanding processes, and documenting everything clearly. It’s a mix of compliance checks, risk reviews, and data analysis—all to help keep things running smoothly and within the rules.
What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey ?
The toughest part of my graduate journey was bridging the gap between theory and practice. It’s one thing to learn concepts in class, but applying them in a fast-paced, real-world environment—especially in finance—was a whole different challenge. Figuring out complex systems, understanding regulations, and learning how to communicate with different teams took time, but it really helped me grow and build confidence.
Top 3 tips for students and graduates entering the Irish job market ?
- Network Early and Often - Even if you're not sure what you want to do yet, go to career fairs, LinkedIn events, and industry meetups. Talking to people helps you learn about different roles and can lead to unexpected opportunities.
- Tailor Your Applications - Avoid sending the same CV everywhere. Take the time to tailor it to each role and write a short cover letter that shows why you're genuinely interested—it really makes a difference.
- Stay Open and Curious - Your first job might not be exactly what you imagined, and that’s okay. Be open to learning, ask questions, and take on new challenges—it’s all part of building a strong foundation for your career.