English
Gaeilge
- Can you tell us your name, your current job or role, and the course you are studying at ATU? I work as a Warehouse Associate for Nordson Medical. I am studying Certificate in Introductory Counselling Skills.
- Can you share your career path to date? Finished my Leaving Cert in 2007, enrolled in different courses Sports and Recreation, Tourism and Computer Applications eventually dropping out of college in 2011 as my circumstances to stay in college had changed.
- What does your current role involve? My current role involves, Material Handling, Shipping Operations, Goods Incoming and Inspection, Inventory Management.
- What motivated you to start studying at ATU? I chose Atlantic Technological University because of its strong industry connections and practical approach to learning, which I believe provides excellent preparation for the real world. I was even more attracted to the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop skills that are directly relevant to my future career. ATU offers a welcoming and supportive community that caters to students from all corners of the world. The diverse and inclusive environment was important to me, as it provides the chance to learn from people with different backgrounds and perspectives while building meaningful connections.
- Why did you choose this course from ATU? I chose this course because it provides an entry point into the world of counselling and psychotherapy. I was drawn to its focus on both personal and professional development, as it encourages you to develop greater self-awareness while building the knowledge and practical skills needed to support others. I also value the course’s practical approach to learning, which will help me apply theory in real-life situations and prepare me for further study and a future career in counselling and therapy.
- How are you finding the process of studying online so far? What parts have been helpful, and what challenges have you faced? Learning online has been a great experience, classes are recorded and study material is available to access at any time. Finding motivation has been the biggest challenge for me, especially after a long day at work.
- How do you balance work and study? I try to squeeze in study time as much as I can but I know that’s unrealistic so I have set up a system which allows me to study for 30mins at night and get up early on the weekends to study for at least two hours before the day begin.
- In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Were there elements of the course that were particularly relevant to your current employer? My employer was supportive and has allowed me to take Fridays off when I need to the campus for the workshops. While the course is not directly relevant to my current role, I have noticed an improvement on how I communicate with my work colleagues.
- What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying online with ATU? I 100% advise it, as technical as it may sound, its only 2 hours of your time in the week but you learn so much and the notes and classes are accessible if you can’t make class for whatever reason. I find online classes is also a great way to manage your time. Also, you don’t have to be tech savvy to be able to use the log in and out of classes.
- How do you think studying online with ATU will benefit your career? The internet has made the world smaller. Studying online has shown that, you can access classes from anywhere once you have a good internet connection.
- Have you experienced any unexpected benefits from your course so far? Yes, the importance of meditation and selfcare. I am learning that to be the best fully present in all roles I must prioritise selfcare, rest and recharge.
- Do you find that the elements you are studying have practical relevance in your day-to-day role? Yes, in a big way, I have noticed an improvement in how I approach communication with people around me, my listening skills have improved, my attending skills have improved, I listen a lot more now than I would have done.
- What key skills are you gaining from your studies at ATU? A lot to mention if I’m honest but the most notable ones are my listening skills, attending skills, communication skills, I am and how I relate to people. I am really enjoying being a part of a community that is learning from each other and respect each other’s perspective.