Finding My Path: How a Year in IT Set Me Up for Success in Accounting - Chloe McGinn
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Finding My Path: How a Year in IT Set Me Up for Success in Accounting
By Chloe McGinn, Future HLA Accounting Technician Student at SWC
From around the age of 15, I knew I wanted to become an Accounting Technician through the Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA) route. It felt like the right fit for me, and I was ready to work for it. But after finishing my Level 3 Business Studies course in Magherafelt, things didn’t quite go to plan. Between being in college four days a week and working six days, I ended up just shy of the 96 UCAS points I needed. Not bad grades—but not quite enough.
In a bit of a panic, I picked up the phone in late August and called South West College in Dungannon to see what I could do. That phone call changed everything. The staff were brilliant. They suggested I enrol in the Level 3 IT course for a year to build my points and strengthen my application. The transition was made easy, thanks to the lovely team in Student Services who guided me every step of the way.
At first, I thought it was just a stepping stone. But that year in IT turned out to be one of the most important parts of my journey.
Everything is digital now—and accountancy is no exception. The IT course included a data modelling unit, where we worked with spreadsheets to manage and interpret information. That’s exactly the kind of thing I’ll be doing in my future career. Even with just a year of IT under my belt, I stood out when applying for placements. Employers saw straight away that I had relevant technical skills, and that made all the difference.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. During my year at SWC, my best friend’s mum passed away. It was a heartbreaking time. I was trying to be there for her while also managing my studies, and the stress started to feel overwhelming. I can honestly say that my tutors were my lifeline. They supported me without hesitation—giving me space when I needed it, helping me stay on top of my work, and reminding me, often, that “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
That support meant the world to me. It allowed me to keep going when I felt like giving up. They even helped me apply early for the HLA this time, making sure I didn’t miss out again. The application process was seamless, thanks again to the amazing Student Services team.
Now, I’m excited to get the ball rolling. I’ll be starting my placement in August to give myself a bit of time to settle in before my course officially begins. I know it’s going to be challenging—but I’ve never been more sure of what I want to do, and I feel ready for it.
Looking back, nothing went exactly the way I expected—but maybe that’s the point. Sometimes the detours teach you the most. My year at SWC was full of change, challenge, and growth, but it’s also what set me up for the future I’ve been working towards.