Danny decided to return to college and study Sustainable Energy Engineering as a mature student having worked as a plumber after leaving school
What made you decide to apply to WIT as a mature student
I wanted to further myself and improve my career prospects. After leaving secondary school I completed a plumbing apprenticeship and subsequently worked as a plumber.
Can you recall your feeling when finding out you were offered a place in WIT?
I was excited but also nervous and unsure if I was making the right decision.
Had you any feelings of doubt about attending college? Tell us how you overcame them.
Yes there was plenty of feelings of doubt and uncertainty but I had put a lot of thought into returning to college and deciding upon a course I was interested in and would enjoy working in, so I knew I was doing the right thing.
Are you happy with your decision to come back to college?
Yes very much so. I made friends that I know I will continue to keep in contact with in the coming years. By completing the Sustainable Energy Engineering course, I am equipped to enter the working world with confidence. The course has also opened many doors for me that would not be possible if I had not returned to college.
What advice would you give to students considering your course?
When going to college you want to come out with a degree in something that you will enjoy working in. Research the course and its modules. Look at what the career prospects are when the course is completed and if you can see yourself working in that industry and enjoying it.
After Graduation
When and where was your first job after graduating?
My first job was in Tipperary Energy Agency where I am still currently based as a Graduate Building Services Engineer.
What do you hope to hope to achieve in the future?
I hope to progress to becoming a Chartered Engineer.
How has your studies at WIT helped you to get where you are today?
The hands on, practical approach to projects enabled me to utilise the knowledge gained in class based modules and apply them to real life scenarios, specifically in final year projects. This practical experience has eased the integration from college life to the working world and has given myself and my class mates the edge over graduates from other colleges when completing jobs or when attending interviews for jobs.
Did your work placement / internship or contact with the Careers Centre help get you to where you are now?
Yes, TEA (Tipperary Energy Agency) contacted the college through the careers office, to give a presentation on the company and the position of graduate engineer they were advertising for. It was from this presentation I applied for the position. My work placement from third year also helped as the consultancy firm I worked for in Dublin are well known in the Building Services industry and the experience I gained there was key to my success in getting the job.
Why did you choose your course/ to study at WIT/ study in Waterford?
Coming from a plumbing background, an energy related course was the only course I was interested in pursuing. After much research into energy courses provided by various colleges, I decided Sustainable Energy Engineering in WIT was the best course suited to how the industry and society as a whole is changing. I knew this course would equip its students with the relevant knowledge and experience going forward into a more sustainable future.
What advice would you give to students considering your course?
When going to college you want to come out with a degree in something that you will enjoy working in. Research the course and its modules. Look at what the career prospects are when the course is completed and if you can see yourself working in that industry and enjoying it.
What advice would you give to those unsure of college or of what course to pick
Pick a course that when you graduate you will enjoy working in. Do not go to college because some of your friend will be going to the same college, as there is a strong possibility you will end up in a job you dislike.
Did your course include work placement/internship/study abroad?
I did complete placement in an Engineering Consultancy in Dublin. It was a great experience, I was treated like a full time member of staff from day one and was working on projects like a fully qualified engineer. They placed responsibility on me from the very first day and this stood to me in both completing projects in final year and attending job interviews.
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