Ramanathan is an AI Engineer with a background in Data and Business Intelligence and completed a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence at NCI. After graduating, he secured his current role and now works as an AI software developer in Ultan Technologies.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am an AI Engineer with a background in Data and Business Intelligence. I completed my Master's in Artificial Intelligence at NCI in 2023. I am basically an Electronics and Communication Engineering graduate who always had an interest in computers and technology. During my previous work, I discovered my passion for AI and data, which motivated me to come to Ireland and pursue my master's degree.
What made you choose Ireland as a place you wanted to work?
The place and the people here are amazing. I have been to various places, and Ireland is one of the best countries to live and work in. Even though the cost of living is high, the work culture is great, and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to build my career here.
What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI?
I would say the professors and the support system at NCI. I had some really good professors who went out of their way to help me, made me understand what was possible, and introduced me to opportunities through programmes with companies like Citi and others. The career counsellors also took the time to help me with my resume and job applications. Even after moving to another role, one of them still sent me job opportunities on LinkedIn, which meant a lot.
How did you hear about your role?
I found the role on Indeed. I applied, connected with the recruiter, and then went through the interview process.
What did the recruitment and selection process involve and how did you prepare for it?
It was quite hectic and definitely not easy. The entire process took around two months and involved four rounds. The first was a general HR round, the second was with the Project Manager, the third was with the CTO, and the final round covered salary discussions and company policies. I prepared by revising my technical fundamentals, understanding the company and its projects, and practising how to explain my previous work and projects clearly.
What is a typical day like in your current role?
My day usually starts with data analysis and understanding business requirements. Then we discuss possible solutions, design the process, and move towards implementation. Depending on the project, I work with Azure or AWS AI services. SQL and AWS Bedrock are also a big part of my day-to-day work.
What do you like most about working in your current role or profession?
I am happy that I ended up doing what I studied for. I get to work with AI every day, whether it is using AI services or building AI solutions from scratch. Seeing ideas turn into real solutions that help businesses is something I really enjoy.
What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?
The most challenging part was landing the right job and having the patience to keep going. Maintaining a balance between part-time work, studies, and continuously applying for jobs was not easy, but it taught me resilience and consistency.
What are your Top 3 tips for current students and graduates who are looking to enter the job market in Ireland?
1. Don't lose hope. The process can take time, and rejections are part of the journey.
2. Upskill in one area and focus on becoming really good at it rather than trying to learn everything.
3. Be consistent with your applications. Tailor your resume for every role and write it based on your own experiences. Use AI to polish your resume, but don't let it write your entire story.