Podcasts

Programme: BSc in Education Studies

Graduated: 2020 

Current Role: Student Leadership Coordinator, Trinity Access Programme 

Tell us about your current role

I’ve been in TAP for 3 years. I started straight out of my Internship in the final year of my programme. I was working for a year online (during COVID), facilitating some programmes with transition year student. Then my current role came up so I am currently the Student Leadership Coordinator in TAP.  

TAPs main mission is to increase the number of students from under represented backgrounds involved in higher education. They do that through engagement with community and schools. A big part of my role is working with schools and community groups and working with the college community to enhance student’s leadership. I run a number of different outreach activities that help promote college going aspirations and that tap into students own leadership. I organise campus tours for about 2000 students a year. I run discussions and workshops with primary school children. No single day in my job looks the same. I definitely wouldn’t be in the role I’m in, had I not completed the BSc in Education studies.  

How did the BSc prepare you for your career?

Some strong modules that I see myself using in work. A lot of the content prepares you to have a strong educational lens. For instance, contemporary issues covers education policy and it helps you to look at the whole landscape of education. The way that learning happens in my job is so different from a classroom setting, and you really do learn that on the BSc programme.  

Why did you choose the BSc in Education Studies programme?

When I was doing my leaving certificate, I wanted to be a teacher or a youth worker and I really looked up to the coordinators in my youth theatre. But I wasn’t sure exactly what I could do. I picked BSc in Education Studies because it showed that there was a huge scope to explore different careers in education. Each year is themed so you get an opportunity to get to do placements in different settings and working with different age groups. I did my first placement in an ETB and in Youth Reach. I did a placement in third year in a Montessori and while I enjoyed it, I realised it wasn’t a career for me. When I was in second year, I did my placement in the TAP programme and I feel it love with it, and did my internship placement there. I really benefited from the internship. My confidence grew.  

What was the highlight of the programme for you?

You have the personal connection with lecturers, and Marino does feel like a community. The lecturers know you by name and remember you. That’s the biggest highlight overall, because I really did feel like I was exploring education with people who are extremely passionate and were interested in getting to know me. You get to know people in other programmes, and everyone does look out for each other. You might be sitting on the bus and you’ll end up meeting other students in the college. The campus is beautiful, the student spaces and the old architecture. I really appreciated that when I was a student.

What was the biggest challenge for you?

For every placement, you have to create an e-Portfolio which includes information and reflection about your placement. You have to create digital content and reflect constantly, but I did find that constant reflection difficult, and having to challenge myself to think about how my skills were development. It was hard at the time, but all of the competencies actually does set you up so well for a job after college.  

Do you have any advice for future BSc in Education Studies students?

Keep an open mind, you are growing and changing as you are in the programme. You are learning about new elements of education that you won’t know exists. When it comes to careers, there are so many options. Really do let yourself explore different careers and pathways so that you find out what you like and what you don’t like.  When I was in my final year in the course, I had a Mentor and she gave me excellent advice, she said to build you network, get to know as many people as possible. By putting yourself out there, you get to know people and it opens doors for future opportunities. I am so happy that I did the programme and I give it all the praise in the world.  

Describe MIE in 3 words:

Homely, Community, Gorgeous 

Programme: BSc in Education Studies 

Graduated: 2017 

Current Role: Programme Facilitator at ChildVision 

Tell us about your current role:  

I am a programme facilitator at ChildVision, the national education centre for the blind. We work in an over 18s setting. I work in the pathways department, formally called lifelong learning. The pathways programme is a four to five year programme for young adults with intellectual disabilities and visual impairments. The programme helps them to be as independent as they can be, and to live as fulfilling a life as they can, and reach their potential. There is a wide range of students, a wide range of disabilities – physical, intellectual and behavioural. It is a very challenging but very rewarding role. There is no typical day, some days I might doing personal care with people who need help with that, I might be giving language classes, or people cooking for themselves. No one day is the same as the other which is the joy. I did my fourth year internship in the department I now work in, and it’s my 7th year there now. 

Why did you choose the BSc in Education Studies programme?  

To be honest, I initially viewed it as a path into primary school teaching. About a week and a half into my time in MIE I realised that was not what I wanted to do. I suppose primary school teaching is what we see when we are younger. The BSc programme opens your eyes to a broader spectrum to different teaching opportunities, less traditional opportunities. My fondest memories are the friendships that I made here. I am still in contact with a number of my peers, ten years later.  

How did the BSc prepare you for your career?  

On work placement, I did two placements in a Traveller literacy centre in Dublin. It was an eye opening experience because I hadn’t had any experience of working with people from that community. Then I worked in an Irish speaking pre-school. That was an interesting experience because there were children who could barely speak English, learning to speak Irish. I am a big advocate of early development of language skills so that was a really interesting experience.  

I didn’t consider disability education when I was doing my leaving certificate but after doing a couple of years of the BSc programme, and particularly having completed my internship in fourth year in ChildVision, it is all I want to do. I completed a Masters in the area and I go to work every morning happy.  

What was the highlight of the programme for you?  

It is a smaller campus and a smaller programme so it is a great way to meet people and make friends. The atmosphere on campus and the friendliness is great. The exposure to different areas on the BSc in Education Studies programme that are not available on other programmes where you have to meet a set curriculum, like intercultural education, barriers to education. The class size was fantastic, you have great relationships with your peers and the lecturers.  

What was the biggest challenge for you?  

It is often compared to primary teaching programmes, and the fact that there is no specific job that you go into when you graduate is sometimes critiqued but I think that is one of the best things because you have such a wide range of options.  

Do you have any advice for future BSc in Education Studies students? 

The EdStudies programme is a great way of looking at education in a more holistic way. Explore everything you can, keep an open mind. Take every opportunity you can for your placement and internship you will learn a lot about yourself. 

Describe MIE in 3 words:  

Family, Community, Homely 

Programme: BSc in Education Studies 

Graduated: 2023 

Current Role: Class Tutor in PALS Preschool 

Tell us about your current role:  

I work as a class tutor in PALs preschool. At PALS we work to create an educational environment where autistic children feel safe, secure, included and respected and where each child's strengths and contributions are valued and celebrated. We work closely with each family at every step of the child’s education and we individualise our approach to education so that all children have their own tailored tasks and can be independent. My work involves making sure that children collect their schedules, making sure all children are happy and safe and they are doing their tasks.  

Why did you choose the BSc in Education Studies programme?  

Initially I chose it because I wanted to do primary school teaching but I wasn’t 100% sure when I was doing my leaving certificate. I found out about Education Studies and I decided to keep my options open and let myself decide after four years. I was really lucky in my internship because I went to PALs and I realised that this is what I want to do. I have come full circle.  

How did the BSc prepare you for your career?  

My placements really effected my career choice. I have been lucky that I’ve ended up in a career that I love. If I hadn’t gone to PALS on work placement I wouldn’t be in the career I’m in. I was placed in my placement because of my relationship with my lecturer. My lecturer knew me and knew the placement and knew that I would be good in that setting.  

What was the highlight of the programme for you?  

The programme is small so we got to know our peers well. I remember the laughter, so many fun moments. We got to know our lecturers. It was great to have those relationships in place. It also gave us a good insight into how to have those professional relationships. When we’re in the workplace, we have that good grounding.   

What was the biggest challenge for you?  

Going out on placements was a challenge because you’re in the real world, but you weren’t. You are being a student but also being in the work place. So trying to find your place was challenging. In saying that, I learnt a lot about the work places but also, I learned a lot about myself.  

Do you have any advice for future BSc in Education Studies students? 

You will find your place. You will find the role that is for you and you will fit in. Even if you are unsure about exactly what you want to do. If you want to work in education, the BSc in Education Studies will give you a solid grounding that will stand to you regardless of whether you end up in adult education, or early education or other settings. Enjoy the programme when it lasts, make memories, have fun and enjoy being together. I miss it already.  

Describe MIE in 3 words:  

Friendly, Community, Joyful  

Programme: BSc in Education Studies 

Graduated:  2021

Current Role: Instructional Designer  

Tell us about your current role:  

I am an instructional designer for Three. I design different online courses for Three Ireland and Three UK, for people who work in the retail stores or in customer course. A typical day, would be I would get into developing or designing a module, or scoping what design aspects I need to look into. I may have meetings with my team, planning for the next projects, or I would be discussing content with the subject matter experts.  

How did the BSc prepare you for your career?  

It took me a little bit of time to find what worked for me. When I was finishing the programme I got a TEFL qualification which allowed me to work as an English language teacher. When I graduated, I worked with adults for 6 months teaching English, and then I worked with younger children in primary school teaching English. Neither suited me very well because standing in front of the classroom was not for me. However, I noticed that I loved designing the lesson plans and considering creative activities I could do for students.  

In the BSc programme, there was a module on curriculum design and development so I had the background in designing online. I made a portfolio of online courses and read into it some more and I was successful in securing work as an Instructional designer. I have just recently finished a qualification in learning design which has supported my work as a designer.  

Why did you choose the BSc in Education Studies programme?  

When I was looking into the various CAO options, I had lots of different courses I liked - nursing, accountancy, business, education studies. Both my parents are teachers so I always had an interest in education, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a teacher. What I loved about the BSc in Education Studies, it opened different career paths rather than focusing on a specialised course in primary education or post-primary education. The modules included education and psychology and I was interested in the subject.  

What was the highlight of the programme for you?  

The best thing about the programme, every year we specialised in a different type of learner e.g. early years, adolescence, adult education; and it was followed by a real life experience in the work place. I found that really helpful because when you finish the four years, you realise that you’ve been to four different types of placement that really stand to you. You have different options from which to decide on how you want to move forward. That’s what life is about, it’s about going out there, experiencing it and understanding if you like it or to try something else.   

I remember my first placement very fondly, it was in an adult learning centre. I remember the students were much older than me and they were there to learn, but there was also a social aspect. I loved their passion for continuing learning and development, and the value it added to their day.  

What was the biggest challenge for you?  

Initially, what I found challenging was the fact that I was coming from school where everything was linear. This programme changes the way you think, it challenged me to open my mind to broader understandings of education. There were people who didn’t understand the value of the programme, and I would have to explain.  

Do you have any advice for future BSc in Education Studies students? 

Go in and give it your all, experience as much as possible so that you get experience. Take time to reflect. Be honest with yourself about what you like and don’t put pressure on yourself to know what you want to do. I would advise that you stay open minded, to know that there are so many options for you when you complete the course. All four years are interesting, and will lead to an interesting career; it is a great foundation. Get to know the people in your course, and your lecturers.  

Describe MIE in 3 words:  

Welcoming, Friendly, Community 

Programme: BSc in Education Studies 

Graduated: 2020 

Current Role: Writer 

Tell us about your current role:  

I completed the B.Sc. Education Studies programme as a mature student in 2020. Thanks to this qualification, I got a job as an instructional designer with a medical device company in Westmeath. I also gained acceptance to—and have since completed—an online Master of Arts course in Adult Learning in Sweden. After almost three years in my instructional designer role, I voluntarily resigned and moved to Thailand to embark upon the creative journey of writing a book. This ongoing project will incorporate plenty of what I learned at Marino—learning that I know will benefit me throughout my life. 

Why did you choose the BSc in Education Studies programme?  

I wanted a broad degree that would allow me to keep learning throughout life and not feel stuck in a single job. This qualification allowed me to get a job as an instructional designer which required me to be constantly learning new things in order to educate others. I chose MIE because of its relatively small size. I had previously not completed a programme at a larger university and found the more intimate environment at MIE to be more suited to my learning needs.  

How did the BSc prepare you for your career?  

Once I began my course at MIE, I really began to understand the importance of lifelong learning. This is why I completed a Master of Arts in Adult Learning. Now that I am writing a book, I continue to incorporate what I learned from my time at MIE. Many lecturers in MIE have inspired my career journey and my life journey. Some of the classes genuinely changed the way I think about society, education, and people. 

What was the highlight of the programme for you?  

My fondest memory of being a student at MIE is building relationships with my classmates. Having come in as a mature student, I was worried that I would be in a minority, but I'm happy to say that my fellow students were all very friendly, easy to get along with, and great people. 

Do you have any advice for future BSc in Education Studies students? 

Your worth is not in what you do as a profession, but in what you do as a person. I wholeheartedly recommend MIE. I learned so much during my time there and met some wonderful people. 

Describe MIE in 3 words:  

Passionate Friendly Insightful 

Programme: BSc in Education Studies 

Graduated: 2016 

Current Role: Primary School Teacher 

Tell us about your current role:  

After completing my four years in Marino, I worked as an ASD tutor for a year and a half. My 4th year internship led me to a career in educational research where I worked on the development and evaluation of standardised tests as well as working closely with the Department of Education on the Gaeltacht Schools Recognition Scheme. I then completed a 2 year Masters in Primary Education and am currently teaching in a Gaelscoil in Carlow. 

Why did you choose the BSc in Education Studies programme?  

As I began my journey at MIE, I quickly became aware that I was interested in education in its broadest sense, what happens outside the classroom and beyond. Although ultimately I wanted to end up in the classroom, I had a desire and passion to explore the world of education a little bit more before that. My greatest achievement so far has been putting myself out there and taking that alternative route which shaped me into the educator I am today.  

I choose MIE as I was so impressed with the Irish department it has. As somebody who was born and raised in a small Gaeltacht in Co. Meath, this meant a lot to me when choosing my college course.  

How did the BSc prepare you for your career?  

MIE greatly inspired me in a number of ways. We had the opportunity to study education in its broadest sense over the four year course. This encouraged me to explore different avenues within the world of education upon completion of my degree. The lecturers we had at MIE were so inspirational. Marian Farrelly will always stand out to me as someone who encouraged students to always think about the bigger picture. Now working as a primary school teacher, so much of what she taught us has resonated with me.  

What was the highlight of the programme for you?  

While in second year, I was lucky enough to be a member of the Cumann Gaelach which was a lovely opportunity to further promote Irish within the college. One of the benefits of Marino being a smaller college is that there is more of a sense of community. Whether it be bumping into a lecturer while grabbing a coffee on campus or in the lecture hall, the interest that lecturers had in their students is something I will always value. 

Do you have any advice for future BSc in Education Studies students? 

Choose something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life! A cliché, but still very true. Never doubt yourself and always ask questions. Do it. You will not regret it. I will never stop telling others about how absolutely exceptional my college experience was at MIE. 

Describe MIE in 3 words:  

Friendly, supportive and welcoming.

Programme: BSc in Education Studies 

Graduated: 2022 

Current Role: Social Care Worker 

Tell us about your current role:  

I now am a Social Care Worker at Prosper Fingal, an organisation that provides services and supports to adults with an intellectual disability in North County Dublin. The organisation is directed by its core purpose to “support each individual to live the life they choose, in the same way and same places as everybody else”. Today almost 500 individuals and their carers are supported by Prosper Group across County Fingal and County Meath.  

Why did you choose the BSc in Education Studies programme?  

I chose to do the Bsc Ed Studies Programme as I wanted to become a teacher at the time and did not gain required points in my Leaving Certificate. I completed four years under the impression that I would go on to do my PME and become a primary school teacher. However, during my internship in my final year, I fell in love with my internship and chose to a different path. MIE 100% inspired me to choose this career path as my internship was something I had never thought of before.  

Describe MIE in 3 words:  

Inclusive, Informative & Fun.