My name is Elza Robert, and I come from the small island nation of Seychelles. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Project Management at Dublin Business School (DBS). I have a professional background in compliance and risk management. With over 7 years of experience, I bring expertise in areas such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Enterprise Risk Management, and regulatory compliance.

Before applying to the Ireland Fellows Programme, I worked as a Compliance and Risk Manager at an insurance and life assurance company in the Seychelles. In this role, I was responsible for overseeing regulatory compliance, managing enterprise risks, and ensuring the organisation adhered to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards. My work gave me valuable insights into balancing organisational objectives with regulatory requirements, a challenge I found both rewarding and intellectually stimulating. This experience has significantly shaped my professional outlook and has been a key driver in my decision to further my education in business and project management.

I have always wanted to pursue an MBA, but I kept postponing it over the years due to various reasons. As I accumulated experience throughout my career, I became progressively engaged in complex projects and tasks that necessitate coordination among various teams. I recognised that this is a domain where I can enhance my skills. I am particularly passionate about workflow management, optimising processes, and minimising wastage, which I believe are crucial to driving efficiency and success in any organisation. Studying project management will provide me with the foundational knowledge and tools to master these areas and make a meaningful impact in my career.

My fellowship journey on the Ireland Fellows Programme has truly been a wonderful experience both in my studies and in my personal growth. This opportunity has really allowed me to experience living abroad for the first time! It has been a wonderful journey that has helping me become more adaptable and resilient as I embrace life in my new country.

Before starting my MBA, I managed projects mostly from my practical experience as I had no prior knowledge in project management. In the short time I have been on the course, I have learned a lot about the subject that I can use to improve my previous practices. The group work and various case studies have been incredibly valuable, providing real-world examples that enhance my understanding.

I am happy to say that I have adjusted well to life in Ireland. The transition was smoother than I expected, thanks in large part to the warmth and friendliness of the Irish people. I had two weeks to settle in before college, and I truly found this time to be very helpful. It gave me a chance to familiarise myself with the area and sort out important things like opening a bank account. I also took the time to visit museums, parks, the zoo, and other famous landmarks. Looking back, I am glad I seized this opportunity, especially now that I find myself busy with college life.

One of the biggest differences I have noticed between the Seychelles and Ireland is the food. In the Seychelles, the cuisine incorporates a lot of seafood, especially fresh fish, rice and spices. This has not affected me, as I also enjoy Irish dishes. To note that there is a diverse range of restaurants and grocery stores in Ireland, providing many choices when it comes to food. Coming from a tropical climate with year-round warmth and sunshine, adjusting to Ireland’s cooler weather has been surprisingly quite nice if I am being honest. I enjoy the cooler, less humid climate and enjoy a break from the heat and sweat. Although, the shorter days, especially in winter, can be depressing. My favourite part of the fellowship has been the experience of independence and living abroad. While I was not worried about adapting to a new country, I always wanted to have this experience. I enjoy exploring and travelling, and I am using this opportunity to make the most of it! So far, I have kayaked on the Liffey River, hiked a few times, swam in the Irish Sea, and volunteered my time. At the end of this journey, I want to look back and see not only an academic achievement but also a lifetime of good memories and friendships. Ultimately, I want to use this experience to contribute meaningfully to both my organisation and my community.

I highly recommend the Ireland Fellows Programme to anyone from my country considering further studies abroad. It is a fully funded scholarship allowing you to focus entirely on your academic and professional growth. Additionally, there are many activities organised during your stay, which not only enrich your experience, but also help you build lasting connections. It is a fantastic opportunity, and I believe it is a chance you would not want to miss, so take the leap and apply to the programme!