I'm originally from South Africa, but I moved to Ireland at the start of third year, went to Blackrock College, and did my Junior Cert.
I hadn't grown up with the same preconceptions about particular colleges in Ireland, so I had to figure it out
myself.
A lot of my friends were speaking about the Business, Economic, and Social Studies degree in Trinity College. I knew a lot of people who did that course, and they enjoyed it.
I was very clear on what I wanted: a career in investment banking and finance. BESS seemed like the right course, but the social science side didn’t quite fit for me. Something wasn’t right.
At the Higher Options fair in sixth year, I picked up a UCD brochure and read more about the Economics and Finance course.
I could tell that the degree was a lot more specific, whereas BESS was broader. It was also quite appealing because it is a three-year course, but BESS was four. The points were high, but I felt I could achieve them.
Before I made up my mind, I researched online, talked to family and friends, and discovered that UCD’s course was very well regarded, with lots of international opportunities.
Out with the Change of Mind form. I moved Economics and Finance in UCD up to first place, BESS in Trinity down to second place, and Computer Science in UCD third.
Late into my decision, I heard about the Horizons modular options. This was a real bonus, because I’ve always been interested in computers and I’m hoping to take electives in computer programming next year.
Another draw of UCD is the new 50m swimming pool. I’ve always loved swimming, and now I’m on the UCD Intervarsity team. We’ve done pretty well in competitions this year.
