Michael Tiefu Li

Unlike many international students Michael, a native of Inner Mongolia in China, had experience of Ireland before he arrived in September 2006 to begin the MSc in Applied Science - Intelligent Systems for Business and Manufacturing in UCC. Back in 2005 he had spent three months working here for a company that organises specialised English language courses for Chinese nurses arriving to work in Ireland, and using that time to visit all Ireland’s universities while researching postgraduate opportunities.

He decided upon UCC as the campus left ‘a very deep impression’ on him and the AI (artificial intelligence) aspects of the programme captivated his interest. The one-year taught course focused on utilising computer science to optimise the operations and scheduling of a factory, thereby reducing a facility’s costs and increasing its profits.

Ireland’s surging demand for skilled IT graduates ensured Michael received three excellent job offers during the six-month extension to his visa provided by the Graduate Scheme. He took up his first job, with IT consultants and telecommunications contractor Ammeon, just a month after finishing his exams. Michael’s considerable talents were at the service of UK and Ireland mobile service provider O2 for four months before his career development continued on its spectacular trajectory with a position at world leading supplier in telecommunications: Ericsson.

Michael made the admirable decision to take up a position in Ericsson’s Athlone research centre in the heart of Ireland, rather than with the Dublin office, which tends to send employees around the world. ‘As a young graduate I though I should do some research first – it will be vital for my future career,’ he says. And what a research opportunity it is, working with ‘the most recent telecommunications technology’ for a global industry leader.

Michael was delighted to secure his long-term residency in Ireland when he received his Green Card in January 2008. Wherever he eventually ends up: China, Ireland, or elsewhere – it doesn’t take a computer genius to work out this young man’s great prospects!