Skeptical at first, Shane now in his final year, has had a great experience thus far even finding his own country atmosphere in the heart of the city
Shane Patrick Geraghty is a past pupil of Rice College Westport, Co. Mayo. He travelled down to one of WIT's Open Days and found talking to the lectures extremely helpful.
Time at WIT
2015-present
Why did you choose your course in WIT?
I chose to study at WIT, as from my research I felt that the course provided students with a practical aspect of agriculture along with fulfilling all other requirements.
I felt that this was one aspect which was overlooked by other colleges providing the same qualification.
What was your experience?
The 4 year course in Agricultural Science was daunting to begin with the first year being heavily science based however from second year on we have got the opportunity to put the wellies on with some practical elements of the course which were completed in Kildalton Agricultural College.
The industrial placement in third year was a memorable experience I completed my placement with Mayo Healthcare based in Westport Co. Mayo and was made feel very welcome there for 9 months from January through to September.
When 4th year came around again I was looking forward to getting back to the student life and the thesis which has to be completed has proved to be quite an interesting task with plenty to learn. From the brilliant lecturers to all the help and support received I would have to say it has been a great experience thus far.
Can you recall your feeling when finding out you were offered a place in WIT
When I first figured out I had been offered a place in Waterford I was thrilled. It took quite a while for the message to sink in that I had got the course.
The first thing done, was a phone call to a good friend of mine from Westport who was also looking at College in Waterford and after 4 years were still here.
What advice would you give to students considering your course?
To anyone considering the course I would encourage them to definitely apply for it, I was sceptical at first but having been through the 4 years I would not go anywhere else.
If someone had doubts about it or any questions on the course a visit to the open day would be a good option.
Michael Breen the course leader is always on hand at the open day and when I attended myself back in 2014 I found him extremely helpful.
What was work placement like and how has it been of benefit?
I completed my industrial placement with Mayo Healthcare based in Westport Co. Mayo.
The company work on Animal Nutrition and Healthcare. During my time here I spent time working in the sales department visiting farmers and attending numerous seminars.
I also spent time working in the manufacturing department with the company where I got an in depth knowledge about the science involved in the production of the products. While working in the sales department and visiting farmers I got a great insight into some of the problems facing Irish farmers at the moment.
Over the 9 months working for Mayo Healthcare I worked alongside almost all of the staff at some point I would like to think that I learned something valuable from each and every one of them that will stick with me for life from the morning I walked in the door in January till the last day in August when I left I was always made feel welcome.
On returning to college I decided to complete my thesis on one of the company’s products and the help I received while doing so was invaluable.
Tell us whatever you want that we haven't asked about
During my time in WIT I have served as the Agricultural Science class rep alongside Niall O'Connell.
Living arrangements
At the minute I am living with two lovely ladies and three gentlemen, during the three years I have lived with a range of different people although daunting at first I made great friends from the experience.
What is Waterford like as a city for college social life?
Originally I thought that the social life in Waterford was all about night clubs and late bars however nothing is further from the truth.
The nightlife is vibrant with two nightclubs numerous late bars all located in close proximity to each other covering all music genres.
For the students looking for a more traditional setting Kitty Kiernan’s just outside of the city has provided shelter for numerous Agricultural students who are looking for the traditional pub scene which provides a country atmosphere in the heart of the city.
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
