Personal_Statement

My choice of degree courses stems from my interest in Chemistry. At Leaving Certificate level, I chose to study Higher level Maths and Chemistry. My work in Construction involves working on the plans of an urban area, surveying maps and doing an in-depth survey of a house which provides a foundation for planning projects at degree level. In Technology I am currently working on the design of a product to solve the problem of overcrowding in night clubs. I find the topics involving aspects of Civil Engineering of great interest. I look forward to the challenges of planning and designing bigger projects as part of my degree course. I particular like the structure of the Engineering course; the planning of a project, the design work and then moving on to making prototypes. I am very interested in the use of Mathematics. The mathematical skills developed at 'A' Level will assist with the Engineering degree course, particularly mechanics will help with Mechanical Engineering. For my work experience, I went to an Architect's office. This enabled me to see the kind of work which goes into designing and planning. I gained first-hand experience of design work using computer software which is studied in the first year of both the Civil and Mechanical Engineering degree courses. I shadowed the Architects as they met with their clients and discussed plans for houses. This showed me the importance of good communication skills. On site visits I worked with the Civil Engineer taking measurements and ensuring the levels were appropriate for the building of a new office. I thoroughly enjoyed my work experience and it confirmed my decision to apply for my chosen courses in Engineering. Within school, I try to make full use of facilities and take part in school life. I work in the school tuck shop every Thursday. This is a position of responsibility given to ten senior students. Through this work I have enhanced my ability to work as part of a team. As well as this position of responsibility, I also participate in charity and respite work. I promote the Church Draw monthly and care for a peer with autism every Sunday. Each Christmas I help fundraise for Concern by means of their Christmas appeal. In my free time, I enjoy designing and making mechanical devices.. It gives me great enjoyment and satisfaction to build a product. My other interests are playing basketball and reading. I particularly like reading magazines which deal with the building of robots and devices. Currently, I am captain of the senior basketball squad. I have learned that in order to succeed, the players need to communicate and work as part of a team. In this role of leadership I have also learned to motivate others. Studying for the Leaving Cert. and training for basketball has helped me to manage my time effectively. I strive to submit all my assignments on time. At present, my goal is to achieve the highest possible grades to provide a good foundation for entry to my chosen degree course. I look forward to the challenges of University study. I hope to go on to find employment in the field of Chemical engineering, as I look forward to doing this type of work as a future career.