Completing the BSc (Hons) in Construction Management & Engineering course allowed plasterer by trade Shay Davies to progress into a management role
When and where was your first job after graduating? I worked for a construction company as a site Project Manager in Dublin, specialising in fit-out projects.
Where are you currently working? What position do you currently hold? I work for a Construction Consultancy, Scollard Doyle in Dublin. I am employed as a Project Manager across a number of high profile, multi-million euro projects in Dublin.
What do you hope to hope to achieve in the future? I would like to further my studies again some day. Possibly to Masters level.
How has your studies at WIT helped you to get where you are today? WIT has been invaluable to my career progression. Without the knowledge installed on me throughout my time at WIT, I would never have been able to achieve what I have to date.
What made you decide to apply to WIT as a mature student? I had previously started my degree in 2000, so had past experience of WIT, and the course.
Details of work/studies prior to studying at WIT I was a plasterer by trade and wanted to progress further within the construction industry. By undertaking the Honours Degree in Construction Management, it enabled me to progress in a management role.
Can you recall your feeling when finding out you were offered a place in WIT Yes. I was delighted to be accepted.
Had you any feelings of doubt about attending college? Tell us how you overcame them. Yes. Many feelings of doubt. I had not studied for a long time, and was unsure if I would be able to handle the transition from the workplace back into full-time education. I overcame this with the help of my classmates, many of whom were younger than I, they were brilliant!. With my own hard work, their help and continual support, together with the support and hands-on approach of the lecturing staff, I was able to fulfil my goal.
Are you happy with your decision to come back to college? Most definitely. My decision to go back to college has shaped my life for the past few years. I would never have been able to achieve what I have now, if I had not made the difficult decision to return to full time education.
What advice would you give to students considering your course? The Honours Degree is Construction Management and Engineering is a fantastic course. It offers a broad and structured foundation, for progression into a management position within the construction industry. The course prepares candidates both on and academic basis and practical basis, which is of huge benefit when going out into the workforce. I would highly recommend it. The course is interesting, the staff are very approachable and understanding and the course also moulds you as a professional.
Did your work placement / internship or contact with the Careers Centre help get you to where you are now? Yes. During my 3rd year in WIT we had to do a work placement for 9 months. I was very fortunate to do my placement in New York during that time. The wealth of experience I gained during that time helped me immensely. My professionals in my field still ask me about my experience in New York.
Why did you choose your course/ to study at WIT/ study in Waterford? I did a lot of research prior to applying to WIT. The reason I chose WIT, was because the course is the best in Ireland, based on employment statistics post graduation.
What advice would you give to those unsure of college or of what course to pick Take your time when choosing a course! Examine all the pros and cons. College life is a big commitment, but very fulfilling. It's invaluable in the current climate to have a solid degree behind you, it opens up so many doors for career progression.
_Davies_-_web_380_272.jpg)
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
