Coding a Future: How DkIT student Mila Murphy turned curiosity into a career

Growing up in Cootehill, Mila Murphy briefly considered returning to Thailand, where her family has roots, to study, but opted to stay in Ireland because of its strong reputation for technology education.
 
“The computing and technology-related courses are particularly good,” according to Mila. “I chose DkIT because it has a well-regarded software development programme with a strong practical focus, which I felt would best prepare me for a career in the tech industry.”
 
Her interest in technology began when she was young. “I was fascinated by how software could solve problems and make everyday life easier. As I learned more, I became curious about how applications and websites were built and that developed into a passion for software development.”
 
Mila didn’t always anticipate a career in technology. She was fascinated by biology, genetics, and how scientific research could improve people’s lives. Genetic engineering was a path she initially wanted to pursue, before she realised that software development offered a different but equally powerful way to solve complex real-world problems. Studying Computer Science during her Leaving Certificate, and receiving the award for Best Computer Science Project, confirmed that this was the right path for her. 
 
Theory and practice were well balanced in the DkIT Software Development course, with the concepts explored in lectures and then applied through coding exercises, assignments, and group projects. Beyond programming, Mila also developed strong problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and project management skills, learning how to work effectively in collaborative environments, use industry-standard tools, and adapt to new technologies quickly. 
 
“Specialising in Artificial Intelligence, Smart Technologies, Machine Learning, and iOS Mobile Development allowed me to explore emerging technologies in more depth and develop practical skills in both intelligent systems and mobile application development,” she explained. 
 
An 8-month placement in Yahoo as a software engineer intern was a course highlight for her. “It was an excellent opportunity to experience a professional software development environment and apply what I had learned in college. I worked on real projects in Yahoo DSP in the AdTech sector, collaborated with experienced professionals, and gained a much better understanding of how technology teams operate in industry.”
 
Mila is joining Mastercard as a graduate software engineer this month, where she will be working on software solutions, collaborating with experienced development teams, and contributing to projects that support Mastercard’s global technology platforms. 
 
The long-term goal for her is to become a highly skilled software engineer and potentially move into a leadership or specialist role such as an AI engineer. “My dream career would involve working on innovative technologies that help solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives,” she said.
 
 “Stay curious and consistent,” is her advice to anyone considering studying software development. “Programming can be challenging at times, but persistence is key. Start building projects as early as possible, take advantage of opportunities such as hackathons and tech events, and focus on learning how to solve problems rather than simply memorising code.”

 There are additional places available on DkIT’s Software Development course for 2026. Apply now through the CAO Available Places feature: Central Applications Office