Ann-Marie Fitzpatrick decided to return to education to do a postgraduate degree in software engineering. She chose the Athlone Institute of Technology. Ann-Marie has since graduated and tells us about her experiences.
Name: Ann-Marie Fitzpatrick
Course: MSc in Software Engineering
Institute: Athlone Institute of Technology
Returning to education
I worked in software testing, systems administration and in web development with Microsoft, Digital and Élan earlier in my career. I had long thought about undertaking postgraduate study in software engineering. That opportunity arose when I registered for the MSc in Software Engineering at Athlone Institute of Technology.
One of the attractive elements of the course is that it is offered on an ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) basis, as well as being offered full-time. This meant that I could study at my own pace.
Building on professional knowledge
I found the modules in Computer Graphics and Internet and Multimedia Systems particularly interesting. These built on the knowledge I had already acquired in my professional career. As a result, they were of considerable assistance. For my dissertation I researched benchmarking XML databases. There is a shortage of Irish software engineers. I knew that obtaining a Masters qualification in this area should enhance my own career prospects, as well as affording me a sense of personal satisfaction and fulfilment.
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