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Achieving educational goals can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, and for one Donegal woman, gaining not one, but two third-level qualifications with ATU has been a lifelong dream come true.
In the past six years, Marie McMullan undertook two part-time degrees which fitted around her busy family life.
After a lot of focus and dedicated study, she successfully completed two level 8 degrees, paving the way for a brighter future in Business and FinTech.
When we asked what her main reason was for undertaking a part-time course at ATU Donegal, Marie said that she always had a goal of gaining a third-level qualification. When she completed school, Marie went straight into working full-time and caring for her young family and never got the chance to further her education.
As a mother of four (two children and two stepchildren), Marie recognised the importance of education, and while her goal for returning to education was of a personal nature, she believed in setting a good example for her children and demonstrating to them, the opportunities that education can have on an individual.
Over 5 years ago, Marie applied for her first course, a part-time Bachelor of Business (Honours) at the ATU Letterkenny Campus. Marie completed this course and achieved a 1:1 result. In Year-2 of this course, Marie started working in a company that offered financial services as part of its business portfolio, an area that Marie didn’t have much experience in but was interested in learning more about.
This motivated Marie to apply for the Higher Diploma in Finance and Technology (FinTech) at ATU Donegal which is delivered 100% online and part-time, once again suiting Marie’s busy life of working and caring for her family.
Marie says ‘I completed two level 8 degrees in six years and in both, I achieved good results with first class honours (1:1). These qualifications have opened many doors and opportunities for me in my career. I took the time to invest in myself and my education, and it has paid off’.
When Marie started her flexible learning journey, she was excited but also didn’t know what to expect. Her experience exceeded all those expectations. ‘The support and guidance from lecturers, the academic team, and fellow classmates is second to none. They helped and supported me through tough times, and I have not only gained two qualifications in Business and FinTech but also gained lifelong friends’.
When asked if Marie had any advice for someone considering a part-time course, Marie says ‘just go for it. Whether it’s a short course, a full degree or a Masters, the amount of knowledge, experience, and opportunities you gain is truly worth it. You’re only betting against yourself, and an education will carry you through your life’. Marie is now hoping to pursue a level 9 Master’s qualification in Business.
Both the part-time Bachelor of Business (Honours) and Higher Diploma in Business in FinTech are now open for application for a September start.
Our Higher Diploma in Business in FinTech is a conversion course into the FinTech Industry – a one-year course, delivered 100% online, designed to equip students with the core knowledge, skills, and competencies to pursue a successful career as a FinTech professional in the financial services industry.
Applicants for our Higher Diploma in Business in Finance & Technology can also avail of 15% off their fees through ICT Skillnet. Applicants must be working in a private or commercial semi-state organisation registered in the Republic of Ireland to avail of the grant-aided fees. For further information or to apply, click here.
Applications are now open for all part-time and online courses at ATU Donegal with a September 2023 start. For further information on this course, visit Online, Flexible & Professional Development at ATU Donegal
