Bridging Career Gaps and Unleashing Potential

In this interview, Sadaf Tariq discusses securing a job in the IT field with the help of Generation Ireland, while Ciara Ni Mhaolagain, Head of People at The Information Lab, explains the company’s innovative approach to talent recruitment and the benefits of partnering with Generation Ireland.

Sadaf Tariq: Overcoming Career Gaps with Generation Ireland’s Data Analyst Bootcamp

“After graduating in 2016 with a degree in Computer Information Systems Engineering from Karachi, Pakistan, I completed an internship and then moved to Ireland. At that point, rather than starting my career, I started my family. After 4 years, I decided to pursue my dream of working in the IT field. I wanted to start my career, but I faced a significant challenge: a long gap in my professional experience. My degree felt outdated, and I lacked both the relevant skills and the confidence needed for job hunting and interviews.”

Facing the Challenge of a Career Gap

“I knew that I was going to have problems getting jobs, so I started upskilling through short trainings and certifications in Python and Java. Despite my efforts, I struggled to find a job for two years. I got some interviews, but I was not successful. Then, I discovered Generation Ireland through a dedicated Facebook group called “Pakistani Women in Ireland,” where women share their challenges and experiences. Everything about Generation Ireland seemed perfect for me. That said, I actually started to apply two times and backed out, because I had a son and I was nervous about the three-month commitment. But then I couldn’t take my mind off it! I knew that there would be a lot of support not only during but after the programme but also after, and I was sure it would advance my career. So the third time I said ‘I’m going to do this’, and I did.”

Discovering Generation Ireland

“I researched Generation Ireland, read the success stories and saw the reputation it had. I chose the Data Analyst Bootcamp. I was impressed by the technologies they were teaching, the networking opportunities, and the support on offer. During the bootcamp, we learned both technical and soft skills. They provided support for every interview I attended. They would call us personally to check in, especially before an interview, and we had sessions to boost confidence and learn what to expect. I wouldn’t have been able to get my current job if I hadn’t developed those interview skills. There were 25 of us on the bootcamp, and we worked on many team projects where we presented to the group and improved our communication skills. I made friends that I’m still in contact with today, and I’m using all the soft skills and technical skills I learned at my current job.”

Current Role and Future Aspirations

“Today, I work as a Junior Data Consultant at The Information Lab, on a 2.5-year training programme. We’ve had the chance to work on client projects and have completed many certifications as well. We have done so much in such a short space of time. In the future, I’m really looking forward to developing expertise in what I’m learning right now. In the short term, I aim to master the technologies I am learning. Long-term, I aspire to mentor others, giving back the support I received.”

 Ciara Ni Mhaolagain: Embracing New Talent Pipelines with Generation Ireland

 “The Information Lab is a finance data strategy company focused on delivering fast, decision-quality data that helps our customers turn their data into a competitive advantage. As Head of People, I foster a culture in the business to recruit and retain the best talent in the industry.”

A Unique Recruitment Approach

“When I joined The Information Lab, there was already an existing relationship with Generation Ireland, although we had not yet hired through them in Ireland. The launch of our  Data Consultant programme, aimed at career starters and career changers, presented a perfect opportunity to engage with Generation Ireland. This programme functions similarly to a graduate programme; it’s two and a half years long, with a strong focus on learning and development. We don’t review CVs as part of the initial recruitment process. Instead, we focused on ability and potential rather than past experience. This approach aligns perfectly with Generation Ireland. I connected with the team and they informed their network about our opportunity. They put forward some candidates, and they went through the same recruitment process as everyone else. Sadaf Tariq ended up being one of the six chosen from over 200 applicants, completely independent of her association with Generation Ireland.

It was a very competitive process, and Sadaf is a testament to the talent that comes through the Generation Ireland programme. Integrating Sadaf into the team has been seamless. She has gone from strength to strength along with her colleagues on the programme. In just a few months, they have completed  four professional certifications, all while managing a traditional work week. Sadaf is an open communicator, a real problem solver, and is meticulous in her work. Not only that, but she is always broadening our horizons with her tasty baked goods and lunches she lets us sample.”

The Value of Generation Ireland’s Approach

“Generation Ireland leverages a talent pool that is often overlooked in contemporary recruitment practices. They foster an inclusive environment where these individuals can excel, effectively connecting an under-utilised workforce with business needs. Traditional recruitment tends to focus on academic backgrounds and specific degrees, but there’s a whole lot of talent out there that just needs the right environment and support to thrive.

I’ve attended numerous networking events and training sessions, and recruitment challenges are consistently a recurring theme. Businesses that fail to innovate in their recruitment practices will inevitably fall behind. When examining the recruitment challenges businesses face, it’s evident why they struggle to fill roles: they overlook a large, capable workforce that remains untapped. Generation Ireland is highly attuned to business needs, effectively engaging individuals who have faced significant barriers to re-entering the workforce and matching them with the right businesses.”

Solution Focused Approach

“What I really value about Generation Ireland is that they are solution-focused. They look at the world and see how they can solve business problems creatively and ethically, which is powerful to me. They consider the challenges from both employers’ and employees’ perspectives, bridging the gap between the two. This approach is unique and aligns perfectly with The Information Lab as a business. In the same way that Generation Ireland is a modern, purpose-driven organisation, The Information Lab is as well. We are committed to innovative practices that set people up for success. Sadaf embodies this mindset as well—she’s a problem-solver and solution-focused.”