S&E from Campus to Career: Aoife Corcoran - Graduate Engineer with John Paul Construction

Offaly native Aoife Corcoran graduated from the BSc in Construction Management and Engineering at University of Limerick in 2024.

Now working as a Graduate Engineer with John Paul Construction. We caught up with Aoife to ask about the course, her time at UL, and any advice she might have for Leaving Certificate students.

Why did you choose UL?

I grew up in a small village outside Tullamore in Co. Offaly. I always had a love for DIY and in secondary school I loved the practical subjects like construction, Engineering, and technical graphics, anything that involved creating things. I chose to go to UL after attending the open day and immediately fell in love with the campus. The sports facilities also attracted me as I played Gaelic football growing up.

Why did you choose the BSc in Construction Management and Engineering?

I chose the BSc I Construction Management and engineering because I knew from a young age that I wanted to go into the construction industry and after looking into the course I knew it was right for me. The various job opportunities available to me after graduation was also a big plus as it opened up so many doors for my career.

What did you enjoy most about the course?

There were many aspects of the course that I enjoyed however the part I enjoyed most was my 8-month Co-op placement. I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to go abroad for my placement and this allowed me to experience what the construction industry was like abroad but also the culture. I got to explore different parts of the world too that I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. It was great to have 8 months of work experience on my CV when applying for jobs after graduation and having that experience has helped me in my job today.

What did you enjoy about UL and what is student life like here?

I really liked the atmosphere in UL. Everyone you meet is so friendly and always up for a chat. Student life is great regardless of what your interests or hobbies are there is a club or society to suit everyone. I was a member of the LGFA teams during my 4 years and have made friends for life out of it. It was also a great way to get a break from studying and keep fit.

Where did you complete your Cooperative Education Experience?

I completed my Co-op experience just south of Boston in the US and I am so grateful that I got that opportunity. I was an assistant project manager for a small electrical company and the skills I learned while working there were a big help to me in my final year of college and also as I started my career. I enjoyed learning how the construction industry is structured in the States and getting to experience the ‘American Dream’ for a while. My co-op experience definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

How did UL support you throughout your studies?

UL were a great support to me during my studies. All of my lectures were always there to help and support me whenever I needed them and the many different support systems in UL were also a great help. I utilised the Science Learning Centre for a number of modules throughout my 4 years and they helped me immensely.

Can you update us on your career, does it still hold relevance to what you would have studied in UL?

I am currently undertaking a graduate programme with John Paul Construction working as a Graduate engineer. Everyday I am using the knowledge I gained from my undergraduate degree from setting out to using AutoCAD. I really enjoy the practical side of my role and seeing everything I’ve learned throughout the 4 years in practice and how it all links together and I look forward to continuing my career and utilising all my skills and knowledge from my degree.

What advice would you give to Leaving Certificate students considering the next step in their career journey?

I would pass on the advice I was given when I was deciding what to do, ‘do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life’. Whatever you have an interest in, pursue it, regardless of what other people think. While the number of women in construction is increasing, it is still quite a male dominated industry. I knew that before I started college, but I still decided to go down this road because its what I loved and wanted to do. I didn’t let the opinions of others influence my decision.

To those that still don’t know what they want to do, that’s okay too. Today there are so many different options from PLCs to apprenticeships that you will find something to suit you.

Find out more about our Direct Entry Engineering programmes at University of Limerick on Thursday the 7th of November at our Programme Information Evening. Meet Course Directors and hear from graduates working in industry. Register now: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b6c92637-1133-47ff-890c-9df8c6…