Breaking News from Ireland’s education and graduate sector: Nisha Devanathan says professional qualifications are only one part of building a successful career. The EY trainee, who moved from Chennai to Dublin to study at University College Dublin, believes communication, confidence and a willingness to learn are equally important.
Devanathan’s experience offers practical advice for students and graduates navigating Ireland’s competitive early-career market. After completing a master’s degree in accounting and financial management at UCD, she joined EY and has now marked four years with the firm.
Why this graduate story matters in Ireland
Graduate recruitment is often presented as a route to professional exams and technical expertise. Devanathan’s account highlights a broader reality: employers also look for people who can build relationships, ask questions and contribute positively to a team.
Her career began after she encountered EY through the UCD Careers Network. Career fairs, company presentations and conversations with other students helped her understand the opportunities available and compare different graduate programmes.
EY stood out because of its combination of professional development, varied client work and support for students completing qualifications. Devanathan said meeting current graduates also helped reassure her that she would receive guidance while balancing study and workplace responsibilities.
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Technical skills and communication both count
One of Devanathan’s clearest messages is that candidates should not focus exclusively on technical knowledge during recruitment. Accounting expertise and exam preparation matter, but applicants must also show that they can communicate naturally and engage with other people.
Her advice to graduates is straightforward:
- Stay calm during the interview.
- Be authentic rather than trying to give scripted answers.
- Treat the interview as a genuine conversation.
- Show curiosity and a willingness to learn.
- Explain how you work with others, not only what you know.
These qualities are relevant across sectors, including accounting, technology, healthcare, engineering and public services. As workplaces adopt new digital tools and artificial intelligence, collaboration and judgement remain essential parts of professional life.
Balancing work, exams and professional development
For many graduates, the transition from college to employment involves managing a full-time role alongside demanding professional examinations. Devanathan said support from managers and colleagues helped her handle that pressure, and she completed all of her ACA exams on her first attempt while training at EY.
She also stressed that classroom learning becomes more meaningful when graduates can apply it to real situations. Practical work helps connect academic concepts with client needs, deadlines and the decisions professionals make every day.
That combination of formal study and workplace experience is a central feature of many graduate programmes in Ireland. It can help early-career workers develop both recognised qualifications and a clearer understanding of their strengths.
Community and confidence beyond the job
Devanathan’s experience was not limited to client work or examinations. She became involved in EY networks, volunteering projects, sports and social activities, meeting colleagues from across the organisation.
Those activities helped her build connections outside her immediate team and develop a wider view of the business. They also contributed to her sense of belonging, which she described as one of the most important parts of the programme.
In 2025, Devanathan was nominated for Graduate of the Year and presented her achievements to EY partners. Although she did not win, the nomination gave her confidence and served as recognition of her professional growth.
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How technology is changing professional careers
Technology and artificial intelligence are becoming a larger part of professional services, including accounting. Devanathan said she has welcomed the opportunity to develop new skills as the profession changes.
For graduates, this means career preparation cannot stop with a university degree or an initial qualification. Continuous learning is likely to remain important as employers introduce new systems, automate routine tasks and expect staff to interpret information more effectively.
At the same time, the rise of technology makes interpersonal skills more valuable, not less. Professionals still need to explain findings clearly, listen to clients and colleagues, handle uncertainty and work constructively across teams.
What students can take from her experience
Devanathan plans to continue her career with EY and hopes eventually to mentor future graduates. Her experience suggests that students should assess graduate programmes on more than salary or qualification pathways.
Before applying, candidates may want to consider:
- What training and exam support does the employer provide?
- Will graduates gain experience across different types of work?
- Are mentoring and networking opportunities available?
- Does the organisation support volunteering and community involvement?
- How does the employer approach technology and future skills?
These questions can help applicants identify programmes that fit their ambitions and working style. They may also help candidates prepare stronger interview answers by showing that they understand the wider purpose of a graduate role.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Nisha Devanathan?
Nisha Devanathan is an EY professional originally from Chennai, India. She moved to Dublin to study accounting and financial management at UCD and joined EY after completing her master’s degree.
What advice does she give graduates?
She advises applicants to stay calm, be themselves, communicate clearly and demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to learn. She also recommends treating interviews as genuine conversations.
Why are communication skills important?
Communication helps professionals work with colleagues, understand clients’ needs and explain complex information. Devanathan believes these abilities complement technical knowledge.
What recognition has she received?
Devanathan was nominated for Graduate of the Year in 2025 and presented her achievements to EY partners. She said the recognition strengthened her confidence.
The key takeaway for Ireland’s graduates
This latest Ireland News education story reinforces a practical lesson for anyone starting a career: qualifications can open the door, but communication, teamwork and adaptability help people progress once they are inside.
Devanathan’s journey from UCD student to experienced EY professional shows how study, workplace learning and wider involvement can work together. For graduates preparing applications today, the strongest approach is to develop technical expertise while also showing that they can listen, connect with others and keep learning.
