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As a Company Director of Gormley Kitchens in Belleek, Co. Fermanagh, Nora always had the lifelong amibition to gain a third-level qualification. Firstly, she never thought she would have the time to take on a part-time course and secondly, she never thought she would have to travel further afield to gain a qualification in her area of interest; business.
When we asked what her main reason was for undertaking a part-time course at ATU Donegal, Nora said that she always had a goal of gaining a third-level qualification.
“I chose to do the course because, really and truly, I’ve always wanted to go back to education. I never thought I’d be able to do it, I never thought I’d be able to find the time. I thought I’d have to basically go to Dublin, I thought I’d have to give up work. I never realised it was so accessible.”
After seeing a graduate story on Facebook of Donald Hannigan, who completed the part-time BBus (Honours) in Business, Nora felt inspired to enquire about this programme which later resulted in her starting her flexible learning journey at the ATU Letterkenny campus.
Nora says, “There was one evening in ATU Letterkenny and then there was one evening online. You were meeting your lecturers face-to- face. If you had any queries, you could speak to them after the class. You were also interacting with your classmates. The online element was great because you could just finish work, have your cup of tea, sit in front of the laptop with your pen and notepaper.”
Nora Gormley
The part-time blended approach to learning suited Nora and her busy lifestyle. She had the perfect mix of attending class in person, networking with her peers, and having group discussions. The online classes meant that she could also learn from the comfort of her own home without the need to travel to the campus.
Studying a part-time programme also meant that Nora could continue her role as Company Director at Gormley Kitchens, a business that Nora and her husband Kevin set up over 30 years ago and have grown from strength to strength since then. At Gormley Kitchens, they supply and fit hand-crafted kitchens across the island.
When asked what impact this programme has had on her career, Nora replied: “It’s had a huge, huge beneficial impact for Gormley Kitchens. The modules were really ideal for somebody who’s self-employed and somebody who’s running a business. From this programme, I have been able to implement many new business procedures and processes to help our business thrive and grow.”
Lastly, Nora largely credits her success as a part-time student to her family and the support they provided her throughout her studies.
Following her graduation last November at the ATU Letterkenny campus, Nora felt a huge sense of pride and success, saying that this programme has “boosted my confidence. I feel now that, well, I’ve done this, I can do anything.”
The part-time BBus (Honours) in Business is now open for application for a September start.
This blended programme has been specifically designed to suit mature learners. It provides the opportunity for those who would like to get back to education and achieve a degree in business but can’t attend a full-time course.
An integral part of the programme is the focus on applied and work-based learning and learners will be equipped with a diverse and flexible range of skills and professional competencies suited to the modern world of business and enterprise.
Apply now for the BBus (Honours) in Business at ATU Donegal:
Applications are now open for all part-time and online courses at ATU Donegal with a September 2024 start. For further information on this course, visit Online, Flexible & Professional Development at ATU Donegal
