My name is Beatrice Monica Chikusa, and I am an Ireland Fellows Programme alumnus. In 2022, I was awarded a fellowship to study for a MSc. in Information Technology Management at South East Technological University in Carlow.

Before my studies in Ireland, I studied a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems. I then went on to work as a Senior ICT Officer for the Anti–Corruption Bureau of Malawi. The primary role of a senior ICT Officer is to coordinate and deliver quality ICT services to ensure the availability of systems and information to support the fight against corruption. In essence, the role ensures the availability of digital technology that facilitates the reporting of corruption and the sharing of information with the public on the organisation’s activities. Additionally, it focuses on the use of technology to implement systems that record, manage and automate processes and tasks undertaken across departments at the Bureau from when an alleged corrupt act is reported to when it is prosecuted in court. My role is also to manage other office systems as well as supervise IT officers.

The Master of Science in Information Technology programme is a postgraduate programme that prepares a student in the management of an organisation’s information technology systems to ensure they operate efficiently and effectively, whilst aligning technology with business objectives to support operations and achieve goals. It encompasses management of aspects of IT including Data and information systems management, security management, project management and technology integration, Vendor services management, hardware, networks and management of human resources.

I felt compelled to study for an MSc in Information Technology Management because it came at an opportune time when the Bureau (my workplace) was striving to modernise its ICT Systems. The programme promised to provide a platform where the student comes out with a skill set to succeed in different roles in the field of IT management. With the transformation my workplace was to go through, I perceived this as a chance to acquire the right skills and knowledge to manage different aspects of Information technology and further gain knowledge in process management that will lead to the successful adoption and implementation of innovations.

Further to this, I had just been promoted to the position of Senior IT Officer. This position ushered me into a supervisory role. The MSc in Information Technology Management programme contained a module on contemporary leadership which I anticipated would improve my leadership abilities. Studying in Ireland has offered me rich learning and interesting discoveries. Being able to hear the varied experiences of not only professors but also other professionals in IT Management as well as Fellows have enabled me to open up to new ideas as well as enlarged my understanding of management issues. I am particularly keen on using my skills to translate business needs into IT solutions as my institution continues to forge ahead in digital transformation and further utilise the project management skills that I have acquired through the course. Besides the academic exposure, I have also gained social skills that have immensely assisted me improve my communication abilities.

I often reminisce about the Irish people’s rich cultural heritage. I have never witnessed people take so much pride in their cultural traditions and promote them from generation to generation until I came to Ireland. All this is projected so well in the country’s history which has shaped their identity; the customs that are celebrated like Halloween, Christmas, and St. Patrick’s day; song and dance, traditional foods, as well as use of their own native language, which was noticeably inscribed on signs and information boards, communications. It was all impressive.

The strangest thing I found about Ireland was that it never stopped raining. Not a day went by without experiencing something from light drizzle to heavy rain. I also noticed that for the better part of the day, the sky was all grey. In the early weeks since my arrival, I usually wondered if the sun ever came out which, eventually it did, and it was beautiful to see the clear blue sky, but I could not feel the warmth of the sun as we normally do at home.

On my return to Malawi, I resumed my job as a senior ICT Officer for the Anti-Corruption Bureau in head office where my new skills have enabled me to get involved in policy development, decision making and play advisory roles among departments as well as with strategic partners in terms of information technology. As a supervisor in IT, I have been able to improve the technical proficiency of colleagues within the department. Currently, I am sharing my knowledge on how to set up and implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This will enable the proper management of security vulnerabilities and risk management within our workplace to secure information resources.

The MSc in Information Technology Management programme has been truly beneficial for me. It has provided me with a better understanding of the management of Data and information systems as well as ensuring information held within these systems is secure. The course has opened my eyes to new concepts of ensuring that data and information are secure. I have also been able to appreciate how the adoption of emerging technologies like cloud computing can address potential security vulnerabilities. My master’s thesis focused on An Evaluation of Data and Information Protection Strategies: Case of ACB Malawi. I intend to apply the knowledge gained in my research to improve confidentiality, integrity and available data with the Bureau. I am passionate about issues in IT Governance and promoting continuous improvement within IT Governance through regular review and updating processes. This ensures that IT is always aligned with ever-changing organisation requirements whilst at the same time ensuring that data and information remain secure. However, while IT should be able to deliver business needs, I feel it is equally important to ensure our environment is secure. That said, I also want to focus on information security as I progress in my career.

While the Ireland Fellows Programme (IFP) has provided me the unique opportunity to progress professionally, it has also provided a platform for personal growth through specialised courses on conflict resolution, time management, women in leadership and advancing one’s leadership potential. All of these opportunities have helped to truly mold me into the confident professional I am today. I would therefore recommend the IFP a million times over. My advice to any new Fellow is to make the most of this opportunity. The programme shouldn’t be all about studies. Take time to get out, socialise, experience the beautiful nature and what it has to offer but mostly, learn the Irish life – language, music, food, customs, and social norms as they are lived by the Irish people. At the end of it all, return with a renewed sense of purpose and direction in life.