From deciding to come to Ireland to quickly adjusting and thriving on our little island – Student Ambassador Prashant Singh from India loves his life in Ireland and is excited for what else it has in store for him…
Hailing from a country like India where the economy strongly depends on the availability of goods in a timely manner, the supply chain has become the backbone of the success of companies. As a professional who has been closely involved in the supply chain process, I realised that it is necessary to expand my horizon by gaining exposure in this field and exploring how the supply chain functions in other countries.
A peaceful scene (photo: Prashant)
My yearning for enhancing my knowledge drove me to research countries that give prime importance to the supply chain. It was through this research that I discovered that Ireland has a robust supply chain mechanism in place and I was fascinated by the concept of the sustainable energy supply chain that is picking up pace in Ireland which in my opinion should receive recognition as we have to be responsible for making the world a better place to live in for all of us.
I started looking for courses in supply chain management that would help me enhance my knowledge. It led me to UCD Smurfit which is a prestigious university that ranks among the top business schools in the world. My dream fathomed into reality when I got accepted into the MSc supply chain course at UCD. Pursuing your dream course in your dream country is too big a blessing!
When I arrived in Ireland, I was mesmerised by the scenic beauty of Ireland’s lush green patches and picturesque meadows. Ireland is a beautiful country and the people are so friendly that I have never felt out of place. Dublin has become my home away from home and I made friends from diverse cultures who have now become like family to me.
The Wicklow Mountains (photo: Prashant)
Since I love exploring places, I made a lot of trips around Ireland with my new friends. One of the best experiences was the long-desired trip to the Wicklow mountains which is a memory that I’ll cherish for a lifetime. Making our way through the mountains overviewing the panoramic landscape of the seashore while enjoying the pleasant weather…it couldn’t get any better!
Another place that I would recommend visiting is the Grand Canal Dock. The waterfront is one of my favourite places where you can leave all the chaos behind and just drink a beer with your friends and enjoy the view.
Sitting at the dock (photo: Prashant)
I also visited the lighthouse at Poolbeg. It is the perfect place if you want to escape from the hustle of city life. The serenity of the place is captivating.
A sunny day at the Poolbeg Lighthouse (photo: Prashant)
Even in the City Centre, there is a lot to explore. Situated in the heart of the city is St Stephen’s Green Park where you can rendezvous with nature.
Apart from Dublin, there are many more attractions that are worth seeing. If you want to go on a road trip, Galway is the perfect destination. The Dogs Bay beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is a horse-shoe shaped white sand beach which is a treat for the eyes.
Beautiful Galway (photo: Prashant)
Just an hour away from Galway city is a town named Clifden that is an amazing place for shopping and filled with restaurants and pubs. While you’re there, you cannot miss is the Clifden Castle. It is a Gothic castle which is now a historical ruin.
Clifden Castle (photo: Prashant)
The next destination on my bucket list is the Guinness factory that I have heard so much about and I cannot wait to strike it off! Apart from discovering so many new things I also retained a part of myself by joining the football club at UCD. It has always been my biggest stress buster and I’m more than glad to be able to play with a culturally diverse team that enriches the experience even further.
I have spent a while at UCD now and I feel I have learnt so much in such a short span of time for which all credit goes to the excellent faculty and I am looking forward to what else is in store as the year unfolds. Coming to Ireland and choosing UCD Smurfit is definitely a decision I will never regret!
Prashant is doing an MSc in Supply Chain Management at University College Dublin.