Develop your career with a computing degree from WIT

Science

When Laura Fitzgerald lost her job with the closure of TalkTalk in Waterford in 2011, she thought long and hard about the path she would take.

As a native of Waterford, not only was Waterford Institute of Technology on Laura’s doorstep, she also took the time to research the best course for her, as a mature student.

According to Laura, the advice from friends and former colleagues proved invaluable. “I talked to a number of people before choosing which course to take. I always had an interest in software development, so I spoke to people who had completed courses in Systems Software Development and other computing courses at the institute.”

“I was also lucky that I had friends working in the industry and they gave me a great insight into what a career in software development would be like. Having realised the career opportunities that were available, I chose the Bachelor of Science Software Systems Development course.”

Currently on work experience with a Dublin- based software development company, Laura speaks highly of her lecturers. “My course lecturers were very active in engaging with prospective employers in order to give students the best opportunity to start their careers. By attending a career day on campus, organised by WIT staff, I was able to secure my current position.”

In her three years at WIT Laura cites her Erasmus experience as the highlight of her studies so far. “I spent four months working in a Research & Development Department in the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. I received great support from the international office and indeed my lecturers in order to put this in place. Being able to spend one semester outside of Ireland meeting new people and seeing how another university works in a different country was a great learning experience. I would highly recommend this to any student who is on the fence about completing an Erasmus semester.”

Laura will return to WIT in September, for her final year, to commence Level 8 in Software Systems Development.

Academically, the last three years have been hugely interesting and worthwhile to Laura, but she also stresses the importance of getting involved in extra-curricular activities.

“I wanted to get the most from my college experience so I joined the WIT Karate Club and competed in two intervarsity competitions. I was voted Class Representative for the last three years and I volunteer as mentor with Waterford Coderdojo…all of which add up to a very well-rounded college experience!”

The BSc in Software Systems Development is a modular degree. Students can complete it as a three year ordinary degree course with six modules per semester. The focus of the course is to equip the student with a broad range of software development skills that can be applied across a large number of sectors. The course will also equip students with the skills to work as part of a development team and work with the system user through all stages of system development.

Graduates may progress to the BSc (Hons) in Software Systems Development or the BSc (Hons) in IT or may find employment in the following positions; Software Business Analyst Database, Administrator IT, Consultant Software Engineer/Developer, Software Trainer or Web Developer.

To find out more about the BSc Software Systems Development visit www.wit.ie/wd151 or email blyng@wit.ie.

WIT offers seven computing courses on the CAO. Apply at www.cao.ie by 1 July.