Cian Mulligan

Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Accounting

Donegal – Letterkenny

Where are you from (town and school)? 
I’m from Ballybofey and I went to secondary school at St Columbas college Stranorlar. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course 
I’m 21 years old and currently studying Accountancy at ATU Donegal. I’ve always had a strong interest in numbers and business, and I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a career in finance. Accountancy stood out to me as a profession with clear progression routes and excellent job prospects. 

Tell us why you chose ATU 
I chose ATU because of its strong reputation in the field of accountancy. The course is really well-structured and offers a high number of exemptions for professional exams, which is a big advantage. I also liked the supportive learning environment and the sense of community on campus. 

What do you like about life in your campus location (people, food, accommodation, scenery etc.)? 
The ATU Donegal campus has a great atmosphere—everyone is really friendly and supportive. There’s a great balance between focused academic environment and fun social life Tthe local food spots are great too! 

What advice would you give to a student thinking about coming to ATU? 
Go for it! ATU offers great academic programmes, and the smaller class sizes mean you get a lot of support from lecturers. You’ll also meet people from all walks of life, and there’s a really welcoming student community. 

What do/did you enjoy most about your course? 
I really enjoyed how practical and career-focused the course is. The modules are directly relevant to the work I’ll be doing in the future, and the fact that we get exemptions from professional accounting exams is a huge bonus. The lecturers are also really approachable and helpful. 

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice/information would you give them? 
Stay on top of your assignments and try not to leave things to the last minute. The course moves quickly, so good time management is key. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—lecturers are there to support you. Also, try to get involved in campus life—it makes a big difference. 

If you are/were involved in sport, volunteering, working or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that (especially mention any teams, clubs or awards)? 
I play Gaelic football for ATU and I’m on a sports scholarship. Being part of the team has been a brilliant experience—it’s helped me stay active, make great friends, and balance my academic and athletic life. It’s also a great way to represent the college. 

What are your plans after graduating? 
After graduation, I’ll be starting an audit internship with Grant Thornton in Dublin. I’m really looking forward to getting hands-on experience in the field and working toward my professional accounting qualifications.