3rd September 2025

From Curiosity to Career, My Journey at Vodafone

Nicola Kiely
Online Merchandising Coordinator

When I finished college, I was eager to find a role that offered real hands-on learning. I’d heard great things about the Vodafone Graduate Programme, especially how it gives graduates real responsibility from day one. That was exactly what I was looking for. I was also familiar with the brand and intrigued by the telco industry, so applying felt like a natural next step.

A Culture That Welcomes and Inspires

From the moment I joined, I felt the warmth of Vodafone’s culture. It’s a genuinely welcoming environment where people are always willing to help, jump on a quick call, or share ideas. There’s a strong sense of creativity and curiosity in the office, everyone’s tuned into fresh thinking and staying ahead of the curve.

One standout moment for me was volunteering at the Hi Digital stand at Bloom using one of my charity days. Meeting customers face-to-face and hearing how our products help them stay connected, especially those who were initially hesitant about using smartphones, was incredibly moving. It reminded me of the real purpose behind what we do, enabling communication and connection.

Flexibility That Makes a Difference

Vodafone’s hybrid working policy has been a game-changer for me. Living in Dublin but originally from Limerick, I’ve been able to spend more time with my family by working from home when I visit. That flexibility has helped me maintain a better work-life balance and make the most of long weekends back home.

Growing into My Passion

In 2023, I went back to college to study Cyberpsychology, focusing on consumer psychology, a personal interest that’s now become my professional specialty. After finishing my exams, I was invited to present my learnings to the team, and I’m proud to say that some of the ideas I shared are now integrated into our website. The support I received from my team throughout that journey was incredible, and their enthusiasm for what I was learning really motivated me to keep going.

My manager, Fran Jordan, has played a huge role in my development. He’s brilliant at identifying people’s strengths and encouraging them to lean into those areas, while also pushing us to grow in areas we’re less confident in. Thanks to his support, I’ve expanded my role to include more of the work I truly enjoy, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance.

Looking Ahead

I joined the Digital team in 2020, a pivotal year that showed just how essential our website is, especially when retail footfall dropped during Covid. Over the past five years, we’ve rebuilt entire customer journeys based on user testing and best practices, and it’s been amazing to see the impact of that work. I’m excited to see how we continue to evolve and build a premium web experience in the years ahead.

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