Victoria Ekefre - NCI Graduate Story

Victoria Ekefre is a class of 2022 MSc Cloud Computing graduate from NCI. She previously worked as a Cloud Support Engineer and now works as a Global Technical Support Engineer in Ireland, gaining international experience while building towards her long-term goal of becoming a DevOps Engineer.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background:

My name is Victoria Ekefre. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master’s degree in Cloud Computing from NCI, Dublin. Originally from Nigeria, I worked in the tech industry there, most recently as a Cloud Support Engineer, before relocating to Ireland in 2022 to pursue my master’s. I chose Cloud Computing to facilitate a smooth transition into a Cloud Engineering role, with the long-term goal of becoming a DevOps Engineer. The curriculum at NCI aligned perfectly with this ambition.

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

I chose Ireland because it is recognized as the tech hub of Europe and is home to many multinational and global tech companies. I believed this environment would provide strong opportunities to secure my first international role as a Cloud Engineer after completing my studies.

What's your most memorable experience at NCI?

My most memorable experience at NCI wasn’t academic—it was a trip to Wicklow organized by the school. It was my first time leaving Dublin, and I thoroughly enjoyed the scenic views and the umbrella walk. The trip provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow students from different departments and experience life beyond academics. I truly appreciated NCI’s efforts to support a balanced student experience, especially for international students.

How I found my job:

I was contacted by a recruiter about the role, although I don’t recall applying for it. I decided to proceed with the opportunity, and it led to my current position.

Recruitment Process & Preparation:

The recruitment process was straightforward and consisted of three stages:

1. An initial screening with technical questions from the recruiter.
2. A technical interview.
3. A final interview with the hiring manager, focusing on cultural fit and job expectations.

Preparation involved reviewing common interview questions and technical topics outlined in the job description. Extensive preparation wasn’t required for this role, as I had already gained experience through previous interviews.

Visa Process:

My role qualifies as a Critical Skills position, so I received sponsorship. The company’s agency managed the visa process, and I have been on a Critical Skills Employment Permit (Stamp 1) since then.

A Day in My Role:

I start by checking emails and reviewing case statuses, planning my workload for the day by prioritizing cases and updating customer records. I then log into our support system to handle incoming calls. At 10:00 AM, we have a team stand-up to share updates and tips. I typically work on three to four cases daily, depending on queue volume, and ensure all updates are communicated to customers before wrapping up.

What I Enjoy the Most:

As a Global Technical Support Engineer, I interact with clients worldwide, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and challenges. Each case presents a learning opportunity—I often start with limited knowledge of the issue and finish with a deep understanding of the application and its functionality. It is a dynamic and rewarding role.

Most Challenging Part of my Graduate Journey:

The toughest part was going through multiple interview stages—sometimes four or five—only to be rejected at the final round. This process was emotionally draining and made it challenging to move past each rejection.

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