Vaibhav Mattoo - NCI Graduate Story

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:

I'm originally from India—born in Noida and raised in Bangalore. I hold a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and moved to Ireland to pursue a Masters in Management at the National College of Ireland. After completing my studies, I joined Field Management Ireland (FMI) as a Retail Regional Sales Manager, a role I have held for the past two years. My combined technical and managerial background has equipped me to thrive in dynamic and cross-functional environments.

What made you choose Ireland as a place to study and work?

Ireland appealed to me for its supportive environment for international students and its strong graduate employment prospects. The availability of the Post-Study Work Visa (Stamp 1G) made it a practical choice. I was also drawn to the multicultural workforce, high quality of life, and presence of global companies that create abundant professional opportunities. 

How did you hear about your role ?

Having previously worked with Field Management Ireland, I was already familiar with the team and their standards. When I began looking for new opportunities, I reached out to the Account Manager directly. Given our positive past experience, they were happy to welcome me back into the team.

What did the recruitment process involve and how did you prepare for it ?

Since I had previously worked with Field Management Ireland, the hiring process was more streamlined. After expressing my interest to the Account Manager, I was invited for a Teams interview. The conversation focused on how I had grown professionally since my last tenure, my understanding of the retail landscape, and how I would contribute in a more senior role. To prepare, I reflected on my previous experience with the company, updated myself on current industry trends, and prepared examples to demonstrate how I’d bring added value based on both my academic and practical experience.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

I really enjoy the dynamic and hands-on nature of my job. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. I appreciate the autonomy I have in my role, and I find it fulfilling to see how my efforts directly influence team performance and sales outcomes. It’s a rewarding and engaging environment to be part of. 

Can you describe the visa process you underwent ?

After completing my Master’s at NCI, I secured the Stamp 1G Graduate Visa, which allows international graduates to remain in Ireland for up to two years to seek employment. When I was rehired by FMI, they were very supportive—they assisted me in applying for a General Employment Permit and even covered the associated costs. Their guidance made the process much smoother and less stressful, especially as a non-EU graduate navigating the Irish work visa system

What is a typical day like in your current role ?

My day usually starts by reviewing performance data and setting daily objectives. I manage multiple retail locations, so a big part of my role involves site visits, coaching field teams, and ensuring operational efficiency. I also work closely with clients to ensure brand standards are upheld and promotional strategies are executed effectively. It’s a fast-paced role that blends leadership, problem-solving, and strategic execution.

What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey ?

Breaking into the Irish job market initially was the biggest hurdle. It took time to understand the local hiring processes, tailor my applications effectively, and build a professional network. There were setbacks and rejections, but staying persistent and continuously improving my approach made all the difference.

What’s your most memorable experience at NCI?

One of my most memorable experiences at NCI was working on our final capstone project. It allowed us to bring together everything we’d learned and apply it to a real-world business challenge. Collaborating with classmates from various backgrounds taught me invaluable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and cross-cultural communication. It was intense but incredibly rewarding.

Top 3 tips for students and graduates entering the Irish job market:

• Be proactive: Start networking early. Attend career events, connect with alumni, and seek internship or part-time roles during your studies.
• Tailor every application: Customise your CV and cover letter for each role. Employers appreciate candidates who’ve taken the time to understand their company and role.
• Use all available resources: Make full use of NCI’s career services, LinkedIn, and professional networks. Don’t hesitate to seek advice, most people are willing to help.