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Donegal Daily’s new feature series with Letterkenny Institute of Technology continues as we hear the stories of current students and their experiences on LYIT’s many courses in the run-up to the CAO deadline on February 1st.
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MARIA Thomas returned to education at Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) as a mature student in 2016.
Having initially studied Science post her Leaving Certificate, the Donegal Town based student, decided to return to education again in 2016. When she returned to study, Maria had originally applied to study Business at LYIT and a last-minute change saw her enrolled in Computing at LYIT.
When Maria began studying Computing at LYIT, she commenced her study on the Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Computing programme. At the end of first year in this programme, she took up a three-month paid internship with All-State. During this three-month internship, she won a competition that gave her the opportunity to work for All-State in Chicago for three months, followed by a nine-month placement with All-State in Belfast.
Maria commented: “When I took up the initial internship with All-State, I was delighted to win a competition that gave me the opportunity to travel and work in the United States on behalf of All-State.
“I then took a year out and embraced this placement opportunity, I returned to my studies at LYIT and returned to study the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing programme. What is good about Computing at LYIT is that you can move between the courses after first year, I progressed from the BSc in Computing to the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing when I returned to study. There is so much flexibility and support in the Department of Computing.”
As Maria progressed through her programme, she developed a huge interest in programming and enjoyed studying the many languages of programming, which is what attracted Maria initially to the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing programme. The practical method of teaching, combined with academic theory, is what stands out most for Maria.
Maria highlighted: “For example, in the Java Script module, you are given really practical tasks by the lecturer Thomas Devine – I really enjoyed his method of delivery and this happens across so many of the modules in Computing, it really makes learning engaging and I enjoy that.
Maria Thomas, pictured with fellow students and staff, having received a bursary as a female student in Computing at LYIT.
“For me, the future holds so many opportunities, I have job opportunities available to me with Optum Ireland, Pramerica and also, All-State.
“My third-year team project was awarded best project in 2020 and now, in fourth year I am working on a developing a mobile application that scans bank notes to support the visually impaired.”
Maria added: “If I had to give advice to a Leaving Certificate or a Mature student, I’d say to them -explore your options, research well and select a programme that best suits you and your personality. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support when making your decision. I have found my time at LYIT so enjoyable.”
LYIT’s Department of Computing offers a wide and varied range of Level 6/7 and Level 8 CAO programmes.
To find out more about the Computing CAO programmes available at LYIT visit: https://www.lyit.ie/Study-at-LYIT/Find-a-course/?dis=2&lvl=100
To see inside the Department of Computing at LYIT, watch the video below:
At LYIT, your future is our focus.
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