I loved the idea of earning while learning

© 2020, Katie Haverty

When I left school I went to Maynooth University to study business and accounting but very quickly I knew that it wasn’t for me. I decided to leave and work full-time in Tesco, where I got the opportunity to work as a payroll clerk. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in accounting but going back to college full time was never an option as I found it difficult to work part time and go to college full time. Then I took up an apprenticeship, with my employer being the National Gallery of Ireland. My favourite part of the apprenticeship was to be able to take what I learned in college and use it in my workplace.

I am better at learning on the job than from just reading books. Seeing how accounting works in a workplace environment was so beneficial as I gained a much better understanding than I would have by just attending lectures.

You get a college mentor and a workplace mentor to help you through the 2 years. Your friends in college will be a huge help to you and you can support and help each other. I also found working Monday to Friday great as you get your weekends to yourself to socialise or to get your studying in.