Sustainable Energy Engineering graduate of WIT, Tony McDonnell explains his reasons for choosing the engineering course and not looking back since
BEng (Hons) in Sustainable Energy Engineering graduate Tony McDonnell has established himself as a professional in his area since leaving Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in 2016.
Work placement to a career
Tony is currently working as Energy Engineer/Analyst with Geraghty Energy Consultants in Dublin as well as having completed a six month work placement with EDC in Cork.
Having studied the relatively new course, Tony believes his “brilliant lecturers at WIT in the areas of maths, built environment, energy conservation and design” helped him get to the position he has found himself in today.
The Sustainable Energy Engineering course allows students to complete the BREEAM Accredited Graduate certification, which Tony believes gave him an edge during interviews.
Growing demand
Before Tony had qualified, he was receiving job offers from different companies in the engineering sector. According to Tony, this proves the growing demand for students in that area.
Find your interests
When discussing his CAO choices, Tony admits to looking to his future when deciding on what course he should study, “I chose BEng (Hons) in Sustainable Energy Engineering as I had great interest in the area and believed there would be a high demand for energy engineers in the future through energy production, conservation and low energy design.”
Use the services
From his own experience, Tony suggests students make use of the college Careers Centre, where he developed confidence for interviews. “The Careers Centre showed me how to express the knowledge I had gained throughout my time at WIT. Also, with developing a professional CV, cover letter and even my LinkedIn account.”
Is it for me?
Tony’s advice for those interested in studying the Sustainable Energy Engineering course is, “GO FOR IT!”
“I did and haven't looked back since. The course has a 100% graduate employment rate and the salaries are very competitive. Since starting full time employment as an Energy Engineer / Analyst no two days were the same as there was always new exciting challenges to overcome. Through this course you could also travel and work in any county across the world.”
Travel > graduation
Since finishing his course, Tony has gone on to travel South East Asia, which meant he missed his graduation, “I missed my graduation as I went travelling and my mother (although she never said) wasn't happy that she didn't get to see me graduate. I'd like to thank her for all she and my father done to help me through my time at WIT.”
_380_250_c1.jpg)
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
