Who you are where you are from?
My name is Shane O’Connor. I come from Tipperary and I am currently a 1st Year Finance student here in CUBS.
The young scientist, your project -and winning the competition
In January, myself and my co-researcher Liam Carew (now also a UCC Applied Psychology student) were named the 59th BT Young Scientists of the Year for the project ‘Assessing the impact of second-level education on key aspects of adolescents’ life and development.’
The project was a repeated cross-sectional study taking place over 3 years, assessing students’ school experiences in terms of their social interactions/development, physical health, mental wellbeing along with their experiences of online learning and the pandemic.
Over 2,500 students and 220 teachers alongside researchers, advocates and education leaders were involved in the research.
The BT Young Scientist Exhibition is often hailed as ‘the most inspiring STEM event of the year’ and this was certainly the case. The exhibition itself emits a unique atmosphere of positivity for the future, ambition and innovation.
Throughout the year, we were able to create the opportunities to present our research to a wide range of organisations such as the Department of Education, Oireachtas committees and universities.
Summer saw the International Youth Science Forum hosted in Imperial College London with further events in Oxford and Cambridge University. The exposure to world-class academics and thinkers was simply exceptional.
In September, just after registering as UCC students, we travelled to Brussels, Belgium, competing in the European Competition for Young Scientists (EUCYS), an international gathering of projects from over 36 countries. It was an honour to both represent Ireland’s STEM efforts and be placed overall 2nd in this competition.
In November, I spoke at the Department of Foreign Affairs Global Ireland Summit as a representative of youth and research.
On a local level, we have also been awarded a Cathaoirleach’s Award and Civic Reception.
Thinking about what you wanted to study in college/ filling in your CAO- juggling that and winning the young scientist
This created a busy yet thoroughly enjoyable 6th Year as I balanced studying for the Leaving Certificate with all of the engagements associated with being the BT Young Scientist of the Year. While many people thought the two couldn’t go hand-in-hand, I found one to be a welcome temporary distraction from the other.
What motivated you to come to CUBS/Cork – why finance in general?
My choice of exact course was a more difficult matter. On my CAO form, the 10 options available to be filled in contained significant variation – from science to law and finance to computer science.
While every course seemed so different, each of them appealed to different interests and presented the opportunity to develop different skills.
I always knew that UCC was the university that I wanted to attend – its high calibre, ease of access and strong offering of courses were all pull factors.
In the end, I chose the BSc Finance as it presented an opportunity to develop both my qualitative and quantitative skillsets.
I enjoyed the subjects of Accounting and Maths in secondary school and am thoroughly interested in following current affairs and observing how they influence the world, each significant elements of a career in Finance.
How you liked your first few months in College/Cork
In Semester 1 of the BSc Finance, I have received a terrific foundation in the fundamental understandings of both accounting and economics – from quantitative techniques, microeconomics, data interpretation to financial and management accounting.
I look forward to the Semester 2 modules, further developing my understanding of corporate finance and financial economics.
Hopes for the future, where you see yourself after CUBS.
Many people struggle to predict the future – and I am no different! I hope my experience in CUBS and placement will provide a better idea of the career that I will follow. I know that CUBS will provide a good foundation for a rewarding, fulfilling career.
For those thinking of pursuing a BSc in Finance, I would recommend the course if you, like me, are seeking a great balance between qualitative and quantitative domains.