Jesus Quaye Saya

BB (Hons) in Marketing

Sligo

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

Growing up, I considered myself very creative. I was fascinated by technology and loved experimenting with different apps. Eventually, I fell in love with social media and explored almost every platform available. I was captivated by the ability to connect with friends and people from around the world, as well as interact with businesses and influencers. The personal connection that social media offered really appealed to me.

During secondary school, I retained my creative side but also developed a strong interest in business. I became particularly intrigued by psychology as well. When it came time to choose a course for college, I felt torn because these three areas of interest seemed so different. It wasn’t until I explored what marketing truly entailed that I realized it was the perfect blend of all three disciplines.

Tell us why you chose IT Sligo / ATU Sligo:

I’m from Clare, so people often ask why I didn’t choose a college or university in Limerick or Galway. However, I felt that Sligo was the best place for me—it still felt like home, even though it was a bit farther away. I knew I was entering a new chapter in my life and wanted to start it by gaining a sense of independence. When ATU Sligo offered a newly updated Marketing course, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to pursue a course I was passionate about in a place that felt just right.

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

Sligo has so much to offer! The people here are exceptionally friendly—there’s always someone on the street who will say hi or give you a wave. Sligo feels like such a close-knit community where everyone supports each other. The scenery around Sligo is stunning; driving anywhere in the county feels like being in a movie. I often find myself going out for walks and hikes to take in the breathtaking views. The food in Sligo is also some of the best, offering a wide variety of cuisines that cater to everyone.

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

My advice to anyone considering Sligo is to definitely give it a shot. There’s a wide range of things to do, and with such a welcoming community, you’ll have no trouble meeting people you connect with.

What specifically about the course do you particularly enjoy?

My favourite aspect of my course is how creative and practical it is. We get the opportunity to work with businesses in Sligo, helping them create marketing campaigns and ideas. This gives us a real sense of what a career in marketing would be like. The course is also incredibly broad, allowing us to explore various areas of marketing and discover where our true passions lie. If you love creativity and hands-on work, this course is ideal and can open up many opportunities.

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

My advice to any first-year student starting this course is to not be afraid to put yourself out there. Almost everyone is in the same boat, feeling the same anxieties you are. Try to make friends and don’t shy away from new experiences, whether it’s joining a club, participating in a society, or talking to people you wouldn’t normally engage with. In terms of course-related advice, keep up with the marketing activities of brands and companies—these can be invaluable when working on assignments or generating ideas. You’ll start to understand the behind-the-scenes workings of marketing.

Are you involved in sports, volunteering, working, or do you have other passions outside of your academic life? If so, tell us about that, especially any teams, clubs, or awards.

I am part of the ATU Sligo Volleyball Club, and volleyball has been a significant part of my life for nearly 10 years. I’m proud to say that I became Chairperson of the club in my second year of college. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring people closer to volleyball, which is growing in popularity in Ireland. Our team is exceptional, with some players only starting volleyball last year, yet they’ve grown remarkably in skill and understanding of the sport. We welcome everyone to the club, regardless of skill level—you’ll find a loving volleyball family here at ATU Sligo.

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

After graduating, I definitely plan to travel around Europe for a few months to explore and experience different cultures. Once I’ve satisfied my wanderlust, I’ll be looking to pursue a career in marketing. I was fortunate enough to complete my college work placement with ATU Sligo, which solidified my passion for marketing. I’m also thankful for the opportunity to have a summer marketing internship with TFI Local Link Limerick Clare, where I’ve been able to apply the knowledge I gained in college to real-world situations.