Joy Sabellano

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course:

As someone who loves numbers combined with the curiosity in business operations and corporate finance, I chose the BA (Honours) in Accounting as I believe this course is the perfect fit for me.  I’ve always been fascinated by how businesses thrive in dynamic environments and how globalisation can offer opportunities and challenges. The course has the modules that will equip me with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to analyse financial data, make informed decisions, and understand the relationship between accounting disciplines. These can range from financial reporting, management accounting, company law, taxation, and among others. Choosing this course also meant that I would like to pursue a career where I can be flexible and offers the opportunity to travel. Accountants are in high demand in Ireland and abroad which can open doors to a diverse range of opportunities across different industries and countries. 

Tell us why you chose IT Sligo / ATU Sligo:

I chose ATU Sligo because from the moment I attended the Open Day in 2021, I was immediately drawn by the welcoming atmosphere on campus. It has also a strong reputation for providing quality education, particularly in BA (Honours) in Accounting. It is the only university in Ireland that offers the maximum exemptions from professional accountancy exams after completing the course. The small class sizes were also very appealing as they allow for more personalised attention with lecturers and I was also very impressed with the facilities and support services for students. Additionally, the lecturers that I spoke with were not only knowledgeable in their respective fields but also very approachable and genuine in helping their students succeed. Most importantly, the aspect that drew me to ATU Sligo is the diversity within the college. It is a community of individuals from various backgrounds and cultures which creates a very inclusive learning environment.

What do you like about life in Sligo (people, food, accommodation, scenery etc.)

What I love about Sligo as a student is the incredibly friendly environment. The people here are warm and welcoming, making it easy to feel at home. I also like that there are scenic hiking trails nearby like the Queen Maeve Trail, Hazelwood, and Union Wood where I can enjoy the outdoors and keep myself active. Apart from that, Strandhill and Rosses Point are two lovely seaside towns with beaches that are close to the college where I can relax after a long day. 

Sligo also has a vibrant social atmosphere with numerous pubs, cafes, restaurants where I hang out with my peers. There are also plenty of food options in that offer the best menu from around the world. Plus, the cost of living is cheaper compared to other places in Ireland which is a big relief for managing expenses especially as a student. There are also plenty of shopping options from local markets to larger retail stores which ensure that I can find everything I need without having to travel far. 

What advice would you give to a student thinking about coming to Sligo

If you’re considering moving to Sligo for your studies, there are several things to keep in mind. Start searching for accommodation early as housing can be in high demand. Sligo is usually more affordable compared to other larger cities, but it is still important to budget wisely to minimise expenses. The small-town benefits mean you'll be close to everything, making it easy to connect with locals and accessible to groceries & shops. The student community at ATU Sligo is diverse and vibrant so joining clubs and societies can help you make friends and settle in. The town is also well-connected by public transport which makes it easy to explore other parts of Ireland. Above all, enjoy the adventure and make the most of this exciting chapter in your life. 

What specifically about the course do you particularly enjoy:

What I particularly enjoy about the BA (Honours) in Accounting is how the concepts we learn are directly applicable to real-life scenarios which makes the course content not only theoretical but also highly practical. The practicality is further enhanced by the internship opportunities that the course offers which allows us to apply what we have learned in real-world professional settings. During my second year, I had the opportunity to join a summer internship at one of the Big 4 accounting firms where I specialised in Audit & Assurance. I got to build lifelong friendships with my fellow interns and connect with a strong network of professionals. These internships provide invaluable hands-on experience and it’s rewarding to see the skills and knowledge we gain in a classroom setting applied to a work environment. 

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice/information would you give them:

Don’t stress too much about knowing everything right away. First year is all about settling in and getting the basics one at a time. Make friends, join clubs and societies, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your classmates and lecturers. Everyone is here to support each other. The lecturers are really approachable and want to help you succeed. Also try to stay organised and keep up with your notes and coursework as it’s easier to manage small chunks rather than cramming everything all at once at the last minute.  Also, try to balance your studies with some fun as Sligo has a great student community and plenty of activities to enjoy. 

If you are involved in Sport, volunteering, working or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that.  Especially mention any Teams, Clubs or Awards.

Outside my academic life, I am a student ambassador at ATU Sligo. Being a student ambassador is a really enjoyable experience where I volunteer at various events on campus such as inductions, open days, campus tours, student surveys, boot camps, global village, and national events. This role has allowed me to meet new people, develop my leadership skills, and represent the university community that I am so proud to be a part of. One of the most rewarding aspects of being an ambassador is the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with others who are considering their future academic paths. I was also honoured to receive the Gold Digital Badge award for dedicating over 70 hours of volunteer work as an ambassador. Being a student ambassador is one of the highlights of my college life. I’m passionate about the role as it allows me to connect with people and to represent the university the best way possible. 

Additionally, I am a member of the Mature Students Society. It’s a great way to meet other mature students who are also juggling college with other responsibilities in life. We have regular meet ups such as breakfast and lunch gatherings which are perfect for catching up and sharing tips on balancing studies with everything else. The society provides a safe space and a chance to unwind, chat about our experiences, and support each other. Being a part of this society makes the whole college experience really enjoyable and less stressful.

I also enjoy taking road trips and going on hikes around Ireland during in my free time. I am also a photographer who focuses on travel and landscape photography. 

What are your plans after graduating and any long-term goals you are aiming for:

After completing my degree, I plan to commence my 3-year training contract with Chartered Accountants Ireland to qualify as an ACA. This involves preparing for and passing the professional exams that are not covered by my exemptions. In the future, I aim to enhance my expertise by pursuing a master’s degree which will broaden my academic foundation and open up new career opportunities. 

I would also love to travel the world to gain more experiences and expand my networks.

My long-term goal is to stay happy in a career that I am genuinely passionate about and to show that accountancy is more than just numbers. 

Learn more about BA (Hons) in Accounting