South East Technological University (SETU) mature Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Land Management in Forestry graduate Conor Dowling highlights that while college can be daunting, his journey to a forestry degree shows that college is truly for everyone.
"I completed my thesis on the experience I got during the placement so it was a great benefit to my studies. It also gave me a good sense of the industry." SETU Graduate, Conor Dowling
Previously, Conor spent 10 years working as a carpenter which inspired him to study forestry. He tells us that he originally completed the level 7 BSc in Forestry at SETU and went on to study this one year level 8 programme.
The benefits of work placement
There is an opportunity to do a placement in the three-year level 7 degree and I found this a very rewarding experience. I was offered the opportunity to do my placement in Coillte in my second year and it was worthwhile doing. I got to work with other foresters doing inventory and harvesting, stuff like that.
I completed my thesis on the experience I got during the placement so it was a great benefit to my studies. It also gave me a good sense of the industry. Being able to get a better understanding of the job involved is what a placement is all about.
Return to education
For many people returning to college seems a daunting experience and this was no different for me. It was quite tough at first. I was thinking ‘what am I doing’ when I saw that there were so many young people on the course but there were a few mature students as well so I didn’t feel too out of place! I think college is for anyone. College has opened my eyes to new things. It is open to anyone who wants to avail of it. It can be a rewarding experience for those who are passionate about their course.”
Talk to people
I would advise them to talk to several people from the industry and to the course leader Tom Kent. They should talk to recent graduates also as they will have great information to give.
The forestry courses provide a good mixture of both academic and practical work. Those who are interested in the general topic of forestry would benefit from doing this course. Overall though, they should choose something that they are interested in and passionate about.
