Name:  Benin Mac Donnacha

School: Coláiste Naomh Éinne

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

I always had an interest in construction and especially in the woodworking and sustainability side of it. I chose the B.Sc. in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology course as it offers these two aspects, as well as many other aspects relating to construction. Also, this course is unique in that it is the only course of its type in Ireland.  There was then an option to do an add-on year in B.Sc. (Hons) in Construction Project Management, which I decided to do. This course appealed to me due to my interest in planning and programming construction projects.

What specifically about the course do you particularly enjoy: 

In the B.Sc. in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology course, I enjoyed how broad it was as it gives the student a good taste of all the different aspects relating to construction. E.g. carpentry/joinery skills, sustainable construction technology, graphical communication and design, risk management, levelling/surveying, etc.  In the B.Sc. (Hons) in Construction Project Management course, I enjoyed the management and planning aspect, which aims to complete the project within the required time, cost, and quality.

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

Applicants should know that the B.Sc. in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology course is unique in that it is the only course of its kind in Ireland and it gives students a taste of many different aspects of construction, focusing on sustainable building and carpentry/joinery skills.  Applicants should know that the B.Sc. (Hons) in Construction Project Management course is an add-on year course which focuses on the management of construction projects, including planning, programming, etc, as well as an understanding of the business and economic side of construction.

What are your favourite modules on the course? 

My favourite modules in the B.Sc. in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology course, are ‘Applied Sustainable Construction Technology’ and ‘Graphical Communication and Design’. Favourite modules in the B.Sc. (Hons) In the Construction Project Management course, are ‘Digital Construction Technology’, ‘Project Management and Control’, and ‘Lean Principles and Quality Management’.

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

If a first-year is interested in construction but not sure exactly what area in construction they prefer or want to specialise in, then the B.Sc. in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology is a great option as it gives a taste of all the different aspects relating to construction.  The B.Sc. (Hons) in Construction Project Management course is a good option to have for first-years who may consider doing it down the line. It continues nicely from the previous course, and gears more towards the management of projects, as well as business and economic factors relating to construction.

If you are involved in sports, volunteering, working or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that?   

I have a major interest in Gaelic Football and played with the Sigerson team ‘ATU Sligo GAA Club’ during my studies. Despite ATU Sligo not being as large as some other colleges in Ireland, it offers many opportunities and facilities, which majorly help students excel in their chosen sport. Also, I recently received a bronze medal award from the CIOB for achieving high achievements in a CIOB accredited course.

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

Currently, I’m looking for employment from a company that specialises in timber frames and sustainability. I aim to work in both the practical and design stages of construction projects. Down the line, I aim to work in more of a management role within the construction process. Also, down the line, I may consider doing a master’s course in a related construction course.

Find out more about AU837 Bachelor of Science in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management (add-on)