Valentina is a class of 2024 MSc Fintech graduate from NCI. Originally from Argentina, she is a certified accountant with several years of experience across accounting firms, consulting and brokerage, including working in Middle Office. Her interest in finance, capital markets and technology led her to pursue postgraduate study in Fintech. After graduating, Valentina progressed her career in the financial services industry and is now an Assistant Vice President.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:
I'm from Argentina, a certified accountant who discovered that finance and capital markets were actually my true passion — probably a result of growing up with Argentina's unpredictable market conditions: high inflation, devaluations, and instability that force you to constantly stay informed and look for tools to better understand what to do with your money, investments, and the broader economic landscape. That's what led me to pursue a postgraduate degree in finance. I worked for several years across accounting firms, consulting, and finally in brokerage, in Middle Office. I've always been drawn to technology and new approaches, and I've enjoyed being part of institutions and communities where I could make an impact — for example, working in an incubator helping entrepreneurs build their business plans.
What made you choose Ireland as a place you wanted to work?
I came to Ireland first drawn in by its Celtic culture, to learn English. After getting to know the island, I came back understanding the opportunities Ireland offered to learn and grow professionally as a tech hub. The culture and the Celtic energy teach you that life is meant to be lived today — if there's sun, you enjoy it, and if it rains, you don't stop living.
What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI ?
This was a challenging experience full of learning. It was the first time I studied in English — reading, studying, and putting things into practice in my second language for the first time. I had classmates from all over the world and experienced so many different events and moments. Without a doubt, graduation was the most special moment, because my mom was able to come and be there with me — it felt like the perfect close to so much effort.
How did you hear about your role?
I applied to many roles over several months. Finding a job in Ireland was a genuinely challenging process for me. After months of searching, I had decided that if I didn't find the right opportunity, I would go back home — I was almost about to book my flight when I received the offer after four rounds of interviews. This role turned out to be the perfect match: AVP in Middle Office Solutions, which required not just Middle Office experience (which I had), but also knowledge of complex financial instruments, plus a willingness to improve and develop projects using programming, Python, and technology — which aligned perfectly with my Master's in Fintech.
What did the recruitment process involve and how did you prepare for it ?
The process involved several stages — assessments, exams, interviews, and even AI interviews. Once I started working, I remained on my Stamp 1G visa after completing my Master's, and after a year in the role, I became eligible to apply for the Critical Skills visa. I'm actually in that process right now.
What is a typical day like in your current role?
It's quite dynamic! Part of my day is dedicated to daily trade operations — settlements, liquidity, and so on. The other half is focused on projects aimed at improving processes, adding AI, developing agents, or automating workflows. Working closely with both the development team and the business side gives me a strong understanding of the business while also bringing a technical perspective — which helps me think through solutions across the full trade lifecycle.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
What I love most is the dynamism of financial markets. Of course, it's nothing compared to how volatile and ever-changing the Argentine market is — regulations and changes in Europe tend to be more stable, without as much dramatic innovation — but being involved in different projects that create real impact on daily operations definitely has its own appeal.
What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey ?
I'd say first was building confidence in a new language, then studying a Master's degree in that language, and finally, breaking into the job market — where your experience matters, of course, but the markets are different, and having a visa is something many employers don't fully understand, which makes it harder to be considered. You often end up at the bottom of the list.
Top 3 tips for students and graduates entering the Irish job market ?
1. Never give up. Like Messi, who fights until the very last minute of the match as if it will never end — build yourself a thick shield against rejection. Most rejections aren't about anything you did wrong; they're due to external factors: too many applicants, your CV getting lost among thousands, not being an exact match, or sometimes the role not even getting filled at all.
2. Prepare your profile carefully. Understand your strengths and know where to aim. Don't send out CVs without focus — tailor a CV for each professional profile or role you're targeting, and have several versions ready.
3. Network, network, network. Go to events, meet people in your field, talk to those who've been through the same journey, get to know companies. Even if a particular event, group, or company doesn't lead anywhere directly, connect with as many people as you can — you never know where an opportunity will come from. Scholarships, internships, and jobs often come through people you know who are connected to others. Be active on LinkedIn, share what you're working on or interested in, and take part in hackathons and competitions where you can gain hands-on project experience.