Students tell their story to put a human face on IT Carlow campaign
KATHERINE O’Rourke is a wellknown name in Wexford horse racing circles, being an active member of the O’Rourke family business, Belmont Stud, outside Wexford town. And now she can add ‘student ambassador’ and ‘viral influencer’ to her other accolades.
She is one of a number of Institute of Technology Carlow students who are fronting the Institute’s stylish 2020 CAO campaign. Under the banner ‘Start Your Story at IT Carlow’, they are more than happy to extol the many advantages of selecting Institute of Technology Carlow as the third-level college of choice, and Katherine speaks glowingly about her experience at Wexford Campus.
Katherine, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business (Honours) at IT Carlow’s Wexford Campus, is appearing on posters, print ads and a viral video this month in advance of the February 1 deadline for CAO applications.
In a stylish viral video shot on an off Wexford Campus, Katherine says, ‘ The good thing about Wexford Campus is that you make real friends for life. Because it is such a close-knit community, you really get to know one another and the lecturers. It has given me the opportunity to continue with my hobby of horseracing. I can ride out my horses in the morning and exercise them up the gallops. It’s so good to have that time to myself because I really enjoy it.
‘From there I go into college. I am learning every day about new subjects and topics. The fact that IT Carlow Wexford Campus offers 12-week work placement is of brilliant benefit. What I have learnt, I can now adopt to real life. To me, IT Carlow Wexford Campus means opportunities.’
IT Carlow say it is appropriate that they would let students do the talking as the Institute prides itself on a ‘student first’ ethos which puts its learners at the heart of everything it does.
According to Dr. Karen Hennessy, Head of Wexford Campus, courses at IT Carlow are planned in collaboration with the needs of industry, with learners brought into direct contact with professional practice through work placements, industry-based projects and clinical placements.
‘ This translates into programmes of study and internationally recognised qualifications across a range of discipline areas that are very relevant to real career opportunities in the employment marketplace,’ she says, pointing out that this is borne out in in the newer degree courses at Wexford Campus in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness, Business, and Tourism and Event Management, with the latter receiving its first intake of students last September
‘ This course has been developed in consultation with tourism and event management organisations in the region that highlight the need for skilled graduates in this area and we are equipping learners with the skills and experience to pursue careers in this area. Meanwhile the first cohort of Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness students are now in their final year, having completed a 24-week work placement in third year. Students divided their time between farm-based and agribusiness placements, both local and abroad.’
Graduates of Institute of Technology Carlow enjoy an employment rate of 93% at graduation, rising to 96% within six months of graduating – well above the national average.
According to Dr. Hennessy, there are currently more than 3,000 Wexford Campus alumni, 90% of whom are from Wexford and a sizeable percentage first-generation, third-level students. ‘Accessibility to higher education, without having to travel too far, can be hugely impactful on people’s options and future careers paths. We are proud that Wexford Campus provides access to learners where there is a lesser tradition of pursuing higher education.’
A recent addition to the Wexford campus is the appointment of an Education Liaison Officer. Dr. Sandra Walsh will enhance engagement with Wexford stakeholders and create even greater access paths to higher education in the months ahead.
‘Your choice of Higher Education College and programme of study are two of the most challenging and important decisions you will make in the foreseeable future. It is important you choose wisely and I would advise students, when filling out their CAO application form, to explore the many opportunities open to them at Institute of Technology Carlow,’ said Dr. Patricia Mulcahy, IT Carlow President.
WHAT I HAVE LEARNT, I CAN NOW ADOPT TO REAL LIFE. TO ME, IT CARLOW WEXFORD CAMPUS MEANS OPPORTUNITIES