Undergraduate turned masters student praises community in WIT

Dean’s List Award recipient Emily, tells of her time in WIT, getting involved in Peer2Peer mentoring and how there is always a helping hand at WIT

Master of Business in Economics & Finance student Emily Mordaunt, is a Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary past pupil and Bachelor of Business (Honours) graduate.

About me:

I completed my undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Business (Hons) (Common Entry) where I specialised in accounting. I was also a recipient of the Dean's List Award for three consecutive years for my academic performance in 2016, 2017 and 2018. I was also involved in the pilot year of the Senior Mentor Programme on the BBs course, where I had the responsibility of mentoring incoming first years in their transition to third-level education. I went on to become a Senior Mentor and I was awarded the Special Purpose Award, which allowed me to obtain ten extra credits towards my degree. I was also class rep during my time in the BBS. 

I am currently undertaking my post-graduate degree in the Master of Business, specialising in economics and finance. I was also awarded the postgraduate scholarship award to undertake my masters in WIT.

What attracted you to study at Waterford Institute of Technology? 

The close-knit community drew me to WIT. Having a small class size was important for me so I could build a relationship with my peers and my lecturers which looking back on now was tremendous for my studies and my enjoyment of college. WIT's School of Business is also one of the best in the country, so I knew undertaking a business degree here was going to stand out to future employers.

Progression is really encouraged within WIT, and I think that is what was fundamental to my desire to continue on and complete my masters here. The social life of WIT and the lengths the Student's Union go to provide a great atmosphere and experience is next to none. When I walked into WIT on the open day, it felt like home and I knew then it was where I wanted to be. 

What have you done in life prior to studying here? 

I worked as a supervisor in retail for a year prior to WIT to take time to decide on my chosen course. 

What words of advice do you have for new students? 

Make the most of your time. I think the height of my enjoyment was because I got involved in the social side of college and made life-long friends. My undergrad went so quickly and I'm sad to be in my final year of study. Get to know all the resources that are available and never be afraid to ask for help. WIT is so welcoming and there is always someone to reach out and save you if you need it. Push yourself as hard as you can in terms of academia too, I promise it'll pay off!

What have been the highlights of your college experience?

I have made friends for life from WIT and the quality of learning I received is next to none. The Peer2Peer mentoring programme was definitely a great experience; I was able to give back to the college and help out in one of the most important aspects of college life. To be honest, I can't really choose one highlight. WIT was genuinely the best years of my life. 

What did you like about Waterford as a city to live in/to study in? 

Waterford is small and compact. You'll never get lost and you have everything you need while still calling it a city.  It's a safe place to live and it has a great social scene for college students.  Being close to many beaches and amusements is also great for some time away from study with your friends.

How did Peer2Peer and work placement add to your college experience? 

Work placement was extremely beneficial for me. I would always recommend the BBS programme for its placement semester. I completed my placement in Ernst and Young in Waterford City and it has been great for me to find work with this on my CV. The work placement office go to great lengths and have fantastic placements for students across all streams.

Peer2Peer mentoring was great as it allowed me to enhance my leadership skills and I felt I could give back to the college. I was able to meet great people and build relationships with both students and academic staff. WIT has been the best four years of my life. I'd give anything to be going back to year one and starting it all over again. I can't recommend WIT enough. 

Related Courses

• Master of Business in  (Economics and Finance Stream)
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in  Business (Common Entry)
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in  Business (Accounting)
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in  Business (Economics & Finance)
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in  Business (Human Resource Management)
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in  Business (Management)
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in  Business (Marketing)