Courses
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course?
I have always found construction interesting. From a young age, I was obsessed with Lego and loved the ability to create buildings of different shapes and sizes. I was first introduced to building in secondary school, where I studied Design and Technology at GCSE and A-Level. No matter what deadlines were approaching or exams I had to study for, I always tried my best to spend as much time as possible in the workshop so I could use the tools and machinery. As I attended an all-girls secondary school in the heart of West Belfast, not many of my peers were interested in construction. However, with the continuous support of my technology teacher, Mrs Mackey, and the technician, Mr Connolly, I was encouraged to pursue a career in construction or engineering. Now that I have started on that path, I am incredibly grateful that they encouraged me to follow my interests.
What are your favourite modules on the course?
If I had to pick a favourite, it would definitely be any CAD module. Using CAD, you can see a building come to life before it is constructed. It helps you develop your technical skills and computer knowledge, both of which are essential in project management.
The CAD modules can be intense and fast-paced, especially if you have never used the software before. However, after a few weeks, you begin to feel much more confident and become quite proficient. Every assignment gives you the opportunity to improve and adapt your skills.
Is there anything else about your course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial? For example, work placements or practical projects.
Work placement takes place in third year, so I have yet to experience it. However, I am eager and excited to see what a typical working day looks like for a project manager.
Throughout each semester, we also spend a full day in the workshop once a week. We work on various projects individually while learning to use different tools and machinery. For those interested in surveying or engineering, there is also an entire module dedicated to surveying, which teaches you the basic skills and knowledge needed to survey an area of land before construction begins.
What is the best thing about your course that you think new applicants should know?
I never thought university would appeal to me because I expected there to be large numbers of students in each course. However, at ATU, the courses have relatively small class sizes, typically ranging from 30 to 40 students. This gives you the opportunity to meet everyone on your course and get to know your classmates, creating a much more welcoming and personal learning environment.
If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice would you give them?
Aim to succeed, not just to pass! First year can be challenging enough, especially when transitioning from secondary school or a gap year into college life. If you only aim for a pass, it can be difficult to push yourself to achieve more. Join clubs, societies and teams, invite your course mates on nights out and, if you are staying in student accommodation or digs, make time to spend with your flatmates. The friends you make along the way could become the people who support you most when you need it. Whether you have a background in construction or not, the higher you aim, the more doors will open for you! Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask for help. All the lecturers will do their best to support you.
If you are involved in sport, volunteering, working or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that?
During secondary school, I was a STEM ambassador and took part in numerous competitions and group projects with other schools across Belfast and the surrounding areas. I still keep up to date with current competitions taking place across Northern Ireland. I also took part in Queen’s University’s Pathway Programme, through which I achieved a grade reduction for the Planning and Built Environment course.
In addition, I am a trained fire marshal, health and safety officer, and first aider. Until I moved away for college, I also volunteered with my local autism support group, which supports children aged three to 18. During the summer break between first and second year, I began a summer placement with GRAHAM Construction, where I gained valuable experience in various roles within the construction industry.
What are your plans after ATU, and what long-term goals are you aiming for?
After graduating, I plan to either continue my studies at ATU and complete a master’s degree or spend a year abroad in New Zealand, gaining experience in the construction industry before returning home to Ireland and putting my degree to good use.
My long-term goal is to build my career in Ireland. If I do travel abroad, I would eventually like to return and settle here, start a small farm, build my own house and work my way up the construction industry ladder.