Jill Carolan

MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition

Galway City – Dublin Road

Where are you from?

I am from Headford Co. Galway.

What secondary school did you attend?

Presentation College Headford.

What course are you doing/did you do?

I studied my undergraduate degree in Public Health Nutrition in ATU and now I am back completing my Masters in Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course in ATU?

Hi, I’m Jill Carolan, a nutritionist based in the beautiful West of Ireland. Alongside my work in nutrition, I’m fortunate to be part of the social media and marketing team at Intersport Elverys. My passions revolve around sport, nutrition, and wellness, and I strive to inspire others to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.

As a Gaelic football player and long-distance runner, staying active is a big part of who I am. I’m also a very passionate foodie with a love for discovering new and exciting dishes—whether in Ireland’s vibrant food scene or while exploring exotic destinations abroad.

I’m deeply passionate about my work and thrive on tackling challenges that push me to grow and make an impact.

I chose ATU Galway City for my studies because it’s a top-tier university right on my doorstep It’s widely regarded as one of the best places to study nutrition in Ireland, and after attending an open day, I immediately knew that this is where I wanted to be. The welcoming nature of the staff and lecturers made a lasting impression on me, and even at just 16, I could already envision myself thriving in the coursework. While I explored other colleges, none offered the same level of attention, support, and promise that ATU Galway did, which made it an easy choice as my first option on the CAO.

During the ATU open day, Dr. Nora Ní Fhlannagáin made me feel incredibly welcome and generously gave me a lot of her time. She even invited me to sit in on one of her lectures, allowing me to experience firsthand what college life would be like as a student at ATU Galway (which was GMIT at the time). It was such a valuable experience at a young age, and I’ll always be grateful for it. We often look back and laugh about that moment now. It’s also been a wonderful full-circle moment to have her teaching me once again in my Master’s course.

How did your find the transition from Leaving Cert (to PLC) and then University?

The transition from Leaving Cert to university was challenging but exciting, as it required greater independence and time management skills. However, the support and guidance offered by Atlantic Technology University made the transition a lot smoother.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

One of my favourite experiences during my undergraduate course was my placement with Dr. Karen Keane at Galway GAA. It was a pivotal moment where I could truly envision myself as a sports nutritionist in the future. This placement offered me incredible opportunities, and I learned so much in a short period of time. I firmly believe that the best way to learn any new skill is by putting knowledge into practice, and this experience was a perfect example of that.

I was also fortunate to connect with so many inspiring professionals in the sports and exercise nutrition field, many of whom I’m still in contact with today. The placement gave me a deeper understanding of the high standards expected from an intercounty team in terms of sports nutrition, and I carry these insights with me in my work at Solo Food and Wellness.

For anyone studying a college course, I highly recommend securing a great placement. It’s invaluable for enhancing your knowledge and skills, expanding your network, and boosting your confidence and communication abilities. I will always be incredibly grateful for that placement opportunity, as it opened countless doors for me as a student nutritionist.

How do you find student life in ATU?

Student life at Atlantic Technology University is vibrant and supportive. The campus community is welcoming, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in clubs and activities. The university provides excellent facilities and resources, making it a great environment for both academic and personal growth

Did you avail of any supports at your university?

Yes, I faced challenges during my first year of undergraduate studies, particularly with a Maths and Statistics module. I really struggled at first, but I made sure to seek help by visiting the library’s Maths support services. The staff there were incredibly patient and supportive, which made a huge difference, and as a result, my grades improved. My lecturer even praised me for taking the initiative to attend extra Maths sessions instead of falling behind.

I also took advantage of the academic writing centre, where I worked on improving my essay structure and referencing skills. Those sessions were time well spent, and I saw a noticeable improvement in the quality of my essays as a result.

What are your career aspirations (if still studying)?/ Where are you currently working and what is the title of your role?

I’m focused on achieving strong results in my Master’s degree at ATU Galway City, and I’m excited for what lies ahead in my academic journey.

• Currently, I work part-time in nutrition, but I’m eager to transition into a full-time role in the near future. My goal is to help individuals improve their health and wellbeing, or perhaps even become the lead nutritionist for a high-profile sports team.

• I’m also passionate about the idea of working internationally and have always been drawn to the idea of moving to places like London or Australia for career opportunities. The future is full of exciting possibilities, and I love the idea that life’s path is full of surprises—everything happens for a reason, and you never know where you’ll end up.

• In addition to my work in nutrition, I’m keen to upskill in digital marketing. It’s an area that’s grown rapidly in recent years and is essential in today’s business world. During my time at Intersport Elverys, I’ve developed a strong interest in how digital marketing works, and I’d love to pursue a qualification in this field as well to further enhance my skills.

I’m a nutritionist through my health platform, Solo Food and Wellness, and also work with Intersport Elverys as a Social Media Assistant in their Head Office team. My journey with Intersport Elverys began when I started out as a Footwear Advisor at the Galway Retail Park store while pursuing my undergraduate degree.

My passion for health and wellness led me to create my own health promotion page, @solofoodandwellness, which was encouraged by my ATU lecturers as a way to network within the nutrition industry. This page has become a platform where I share nutrition and fitness tips with others who share my passion. Thanks to this, I’ve had incredible opportunities, including my current role with Intersport Elverys.

Initially, I began capturing content for Intersport Elverys’ social media platforms during in-store fitness events and product launches. This was where my social media skills from managing my own page caught the attention of the team, leading to my role in their Head Office. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some amazing Irish sports athletes, attending incredible events, and even putting my nutritional expertise into practice by hosting health and wellness segments at various product launch events.

How do you feel your time at ATU prepared you for the career you are in now?

My time at ATU has been invaluable in preparing me for my current career. In-person presentations greatly improved my confidence and public speaking skills, allowing me to communicate effectively in professional settings. The college’s online learning resources helped me develop my IT skills, which are essential in today’s workplace. The course modules significantly enhanced my nutritional knowledge, providing a solid foundation for my expertise. Additionally, collaborating with classmates on group projects strengthened my teamwork abilities, which are crucial in any career.

Any tips or advice for anyone considering ATU on their CAO this year?

My advice for anyone considering ATU on their CAO is to go for it! ATU offers excellent support, both academically and personally, to help students thrive. The courses are well-structured, with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare you for real-world careers. The campus has a welcoming community with plenty of activities, clubs, and events to get involved in. If you’re looking for a place that provides a great balance of education, growth, and student life, ATU is a fantastic choice.