International marketing professional in Ireland seeking guidance on breaking through visa barriers

I’m hoping to get some career guidance and perspective from people who’ve navigated the Irish job market.

I’m an Indian national currently based in Cork, with 5 years of experience in marketing across fintech, tech, and growth marketing. My work has involved US, APAC, and Japanese clients, managing budgets, building go-to-market campaigns, and delivering measurable growth across digital channels.

I recently completed my second Master’s degree in Ireland (2:1) and am currently on a Stamp 1G, legally authorised to work full-time until December 2027. I am not seeking sponsorship at this stage and am open to permanent, contract, or entry-level roles where I can demonstrate value.

My career goal is straightforward: gain 2–3 years of hands-on experience in Ireland or Europe, contribute meaningfully to a team, and then return to India with stronger global exposure. I’m flexible on location and open to relocating anywhere in Ireland.

What I’m finding challenging is that many applications are filtered out early due to visa assumptions, even when sponsorship isn’t required. I’m keen to understand: What strategies actually work for candidates in my position? Whether certain types of companies or roles are more open? How best to position myself to get that first opportunity?

If you’ve been through something similar, or if you’re a hiring manager or marketer who has advice on navigating this, I’d genuinely appreciate your insights. I’m confident in my skills — I’m just looking for the right entry point.

Thank you for reading.