Mary Bridget O’Donnell

Bachelor of Science in Computing

Donegal – Letterkenny

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course? 

I decided to go back to education in 2021 after working in the service industry in Dublin for many years. I was delighted to move back home to Donegal and go back to college. 

What are your favourite modules on the course?  

I loved the programming and networking modules the most, they were really engaging and interactive. The lecturers in ATU are really helpful at every stage of the degree. 

Is there anything else about the course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial?  

The final year project gave me great material for graduate interviews. 

If you were speaking with a first year student about to start your course, what advice would you give them?  

Listen to your lectures, they give really good advice and guidance for the modules. Don’t take it for granted. Also, I would recommend at the end of 3rd year, picking something you are interested in for the final year project and good reasoning for it so you are ready to go in September for the beginning of 4th year 

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?  

I’m a keen sports fan, mainly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Gaelic Football. I play for our local Junior Team, Naomh Michéal and I train BJJ at Rilion Gracie Letterkenny as a blue belt. I also help coach underage athletes in both sports. I’ve competed at national level many times for Jiu Jitsu and I’ll be going to Barcelona in May for the Master Europeans. 

What are your plans after ATU and any long-term goals you are aiming for? 

I am very lucky to have secured a graduate position with FinTrU Letterkenny which I’m very excited to start in July, and hopefully take it for there! And hopefully bring back a gold medal from The Euros!