Hello! My name is Dina and I am currently completing the Master’s in Accounting in DCU. Previously, I had completed my Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance at DCU and have been given the opportunity to return for my postgraduate studies.
The three years I spent at DCU during my undergraduate program were truly unforgettable. When I first started, I hadn’t studied accounting for my Leaving Certificate, so I found the beginning of my studies a bit intimidating. However, my lecturers were extremely helpful and understanding and that made all the difference. The course starts with the basics, and they ensure that every student fully grasps the material, offering assistance whenever needed.
Every year we would have financial accounting and management accounting, we would also have modules like business analytics, global business, and sustainability modules. As you progress, the content becomes more specialised, including topics such as tax, audit, and corporate finance. These advanced modules help you refine your interests in accounting. Personally, I didn’t enjoy audit but found tax really interesting, which is why I’ve decided to pursue tax exams and join PwC’s corporate tax department. The master’s degree is definitely a step up from the bachelor’s, though it’s very rewarding. The main differences lie in the increased complexity of the material and the research module, which involves writing a research paper. While this can feel new and challenging, there’s plenty of guidance available which makes it manageable. During the year, you’ll study 7 modules in semester 1 (some of which are year-long) and 6 modules in semester 2. These include financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, tax, corporate finance, sustainability and ethics, and business analytics. I found that staying on top of weekly module content helped me manage my workload effectively, which allowed me to also have the social life of a university student!
The atmosphere on campus is something I really valued, students and staff were all extremely friendly and inclusive. Throughout my time at DCU, I managed to maintain a healthy work-life balance, getting involved in a variety of clubs and societies. My favourite memories came from joining the Volleyball Club, the Enterprise Society and the Spanish Society. I created so many memories and met people from diverse backgrounds and courses.
In my first year, I really got involved with the Enterprise Society. They had run a competition called “Rags to Riches”, where you are given an orange and you must trade it for progressively more valuable items by using your initiative, business expertise and communication skills. The final items are then sold, with the proceeds donated to charity. I began with an orange, and after several trades, I managed to acquire a laptop! I ended up winning the competition, and it remains one of my favourite memories from DCU. The experience not only allowed me to put my skills to the test but also gave me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people along the way! Getting involved in campus life definitely enhanced my university experience.
In my second year, I applied and took part in the Graduate to Student Mentorship program. I was paired up with a graduate and they gave me guidance on how to navigate the path toward a career in accounting. My mentor, a DCU Accounting and Finance graduate, played a big part in helping me through the application process for the Big Four firms (PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and EY) and offered valuable insights into what life in the workplace would be like. After corresponding with all four firms, I secured a contract with PwC and completed an 8-week Tax Summer Internship.
I was in the corporation tax department as I intend to complete my tax exams as well as my accounting exams. The internship experience was incredibly valuable. I had the chance to work on projects for different clients, gain exposure to the day-to-day operations of the firm, and expand my professional network. At the end of the internship, I was offered a training contract, which would begin after graduation, and PwC agreed to sponsor my master's degree. My key piece of advice for anyone seeking a training contract is to apply early. The Big Four firms consider applications on a rolling basis, so applying sooner can give you an edge. During interviews, it’s essential to show more than just academic prowess as accounting is not just about crunching numbers behind a desk. It’s about working with clients and collaborating in teams, so strong communication and interpersonal skills are crucial. While academic success is important (the Big Four typically require at least a 2.1 in your degree), being personable and demonstrating your ability to connect with others is equally valuable.
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I had the option to either join the firm directly or pursue a master’s degree first. I chose to continue with studies for several reasons. One of the main factors was the exam exemptions the program offers. My bachelor’s degree already exempted me from the CAP1 exams, and this master’s program will exempt me from CAP2 and the Part 1 tax exams. I personally preferred this route over working full-time while studying for these exams, although it’s a choice that varies from person to person. Another reason was that I was not in a rush to enter the workforce and wanted to spend another year at university before transitioning to office life. What really drew me back to DCU was the community and the university’s strong academic reputation. My time here was so positive, and I knew that continuing my studies at DCU would provide me with the support and opportunities I need to succeed in my career.
Although the Master’s in Accounting is academically challenging and requires hard work, it opens up a range of opportunities—such as professional exemptions, career advancement, and more time to refine your skills. This degree is highly respected, not only by the Big Four but by a wide range of organisations across various industries. It’s a well-established qualification that can significantly boost your career prospects.
Overall, I’m confident that continuing my studies at DCU was the right decision, and I’m excited to see where this journey will take me.
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