Browse through hundreds of WIT student and graduate stories on our student stories news section or under Stories on the relevant course page
I was a student from De La Salle College, and when I graduated decided to get into studying business. I was unsure of where to go, but after doing some research and looking into the WIT I thought it would be the perfect college for me. I wasn't definite about what business course I wanted to pick, so I thought that picking a 2 year course like Higher Certificate in Business Studies, that would give me some insight about general business and how everything works would be perfect, as it would then give me the chance to go ahead and study even further to earn a degree if I chose to do so, and if not, I could still come out with a Higher Certificate in Business Studies and get a job that way.
I was a class rep during my time studying in HCBS, and I found it to be a very beneficial role, as it allowed me to put myself in a somewhat "leader's position", where I found myself partially responsible in assisting some other students with issues they may have for example, or even attending meetings with the other student reps to discuss some important matters.
What attracted you to study at Waterford Institute of Technology?
I found myself particularly drawn to WIT as I had heard off of many people who had studied here that it was a very good college to attend, and in particular the business courses.
I had also heard from some people I know, who have very good jobs in some top companies, such as Apple and Google, that they had studied in the WIT and also started off studying HCBS for 2 years as they were unsure about what they wanted to do, but were sure they wanted to get into the world of business, then went onto study even further and came out with their degrees, so this further motivated me in beginning my studies at the college, as I had felt a similar way and I knew that if I wanted to continue on with my studies after I graduated I could do so.
Did you always know this was the course you wanted to do?
In school I had always really liked the subject, "Business", and in particularly marketing, and coming up to my Leaving Certificate, I found myself more and more interested in how things work in the business world, and what opportunities I would be able to take advantage of as it is a very flexible degree and opens a lot of doors. I wasn't definite about what I wanted to study, but towards the end of 6th year I had made the decision to study business and am definitely happy I did so.
The fact that the course covers a variety of modules, ranging from law, to human resources, to marketing, would let me gain a good view as to what it would be like to work in each of these sectors of business, and definitely contributed to me picking marketing as a stream choice in my third year.
What words of advice do you have for new students?
I would definitely advise going to lecturers with any help or assistance you require with your course and the subject material. They are very helpful and really give you the impression that they are there to help you earn your degree. There are also a large number of supports available for students at any time throughout the college, which students, including myself, find very beneficial and helpful during times where it felt quite stressful.
What have been the highlights of your college experience?
I really enjoyed the modules that I had been studying for the last 3 years, and am very excited to start my work placement for the second semester of college. The students that I had met were all very nice, and the work we did together was very memorable and helped get us ready to enter the workforce, such as presentations and coming together as a team to put together projects.
What did you like about Waterford as a city to live in/to study in?
I am from Waterford myself, so I really liked the fact that I did not have far to travel to attend college at all. The fact that I am from here as well meant that I would know a lot of people who attended college here, or were going to attend college too, so I felt like I had many people to speak to in relation to the college.
How did this add to your college experience?
I am still due to begin my work placement, which doesn't start until the second semester of college, but we had plenty of visits from people throughout the country and guest lecturers, who gave us talks which helped add to our education and give us a good insight and better understanding on the topics we would have been covering.
Anything you'd like to add
I am really enjoying my time studying at WIT and am looking forward to the next year and a half I have to go! I would definitely recommend anyone who is considering studying here to really look into it and speak to anyone else they know who would have attended college here, as everyone I had spoken to said they loved their time here and would advise anyone unsure of where to study to take it up at the WIT.