Aaron Jones – BA (Hons) in Accounting

Name: Aaron Jones

School: Moyne Community School, Longford

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choose your course:

I had previously left another course which I started after my Leaving Cert. I didn’t enjoy it so decided to drop out. I had no idea what I wanted to study so I worked for several years. I always had an interest in business but never studied any business modules for my Leaving Cert. Through my work as a shop assistant, I developed a greater desire to be involved in business and accounting and looked for ways to get back into education. I thought not having studied accounting or business before would have stopped me from joining the accounting course but this was not a requirement. Having come to the Open Day and discovered more about the course I knew it was the one I wanted to do.

What specifically about the course do you particularly enjoy:

The hands-on, practical approach by the lecturers is great. The smaller classes allow the lecturers more time to practice real-life questions and scenarios with the class, ensuring we have a full understanding of the topic. I feel this will be hugely beneficial to us as a class when we begin full-time employment.

What is the best thing about your course that you think new applicants should know:

Smaller classes mean there are stronger relationships between you and your classmates and also your lecturers too. There’s a distinctly personal feel to the whole experience. You know the lecturers genuinely want you to do well and are there for you if you have any issues. From day one they support you through the whole experience, right up to graduating and finding employment. It’s a great environment to make friends in and everyone is a great support to each other.

ATU Sligo provides students with an opportunity to receive very generous exemptions for their ACCA and CAI professional accounting exams. This is a huge selling point and should be marketed to attract new students.

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice/information would you give them:

To enjoy and embrace the experience. A lot of students can be anxious and worried about joining a college or university for the first time but ATU Sligo is the perfect place to settle in. Each student is known personally and valued by the lecturers and they are always there to help you. Be sociable and integrate with your classmates. Your classmates are the greatest support you can have throughout your course and you will get through assignments and exams with the help of each other.

What are your plans after ATU Sligo and any long term goals you are aiming for:

In September, I will begin my 3-year training contract in an Accounting practice and complete my professional exams through ACCA. I have a great desire to travel and would love to do so through work or gain work abroad. I would like to work within the finance department of a manufacturing business or major sports team if the opportunity ever arose.

Find out more about AU902 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting