Michael is a 3rd year Marketing, Innovation and Technology student at DCU. In this piece, he explains the opportunities which the Access Programme and higher education have opened up for him.
“Since occupying the role of Head of Marketing at my transition year mini company I knew that the business world was for me and when I found Marketing, Innovation and Technology (MInT), I knew this was the course to take me there.
From the moment I started at DCU, I was able to avail of some amazing opportunities such as at the UStart Hackathon where I was fortunate enough to lead a team to the final. This gave me the experience of leadership in a business environment. This year has been even more exciting for me. I, along with other students in my year, have started the speakeasy society which has been a wonderfully enjoyable experience. I am looking ahead to next year too as I will get the opportunity to work in a fully professional business environment when I begin my INTRA (Integrated Work Placement Programme) placement in June.
Looking back at all the wonderful experiences I have had, it makes me appreciative of the opportunity that I have been given by the Access Programme. I remember the stress, worry and disappointment when applying to the CAO as I did not believe I would be able to afford to attend college. I take pride in my role as an older brother and I wanted to lead by example for my younger siblings by being the first member of my family to go to college and succeed.
The trust and support of the Access Programme has added to my motivation and I am inspired every day to repay the faith the programme has shown in me by performing well at DCU.
I am excited for what the future holds and I feel ready and capable of achieving my goals thanks to the secure footing my higher education has given me.”