Luis Alfredo Gomez Perez
Program: BA (Honours) Accounting & Finance
Graduated: 2019 | Nationality: Venezuelan
In March 2014, I made the decision to come to Ireland with the intention of improving my English skills for a year. However, due to the economic crisis in my home country, I found it beneficial to extend my stay and pursue additional English courses. Ireland not only provided me with the opportunity to work part-time while studying, but it also allowed me to save money and fulfil a degree that was unattainable in Venezuela.
During my search for colleges offering courses in accounting and finance, I had the pleasure of meeting June at ICD Business School. Her friendly attitude and informative approach immediately convinced me that this was the right choice. The college aligned perfectly with my goals, prompting me to take the risk of investing all my savings in my education. Looking back, this decision has proven to be the best one I have ever made.
Being a foreign student in an Irish college presented its challenges, but it also filled me with a sense of pride and determination to prove myself. Ireland is a country that rewards hard work and effort, and I was determined to excel.
Throughout my time at ICD, I was consistently impressed by the lecturers’ high level of knowledge and their effective teaching approach. What stood out to me the most was how relevant the courses and the information provided by each lecturer were to real-world situations. The knowledge I gained, especially in the areas of taxes in Ireland and finance, has proven to be highly valuable in my career.
Furthermore, the lecturers at ICD were always accessible and approachable. They were readily available to address any concerns or questions I had, providing valuable guidance and support. I felt fortunate to have connected with a group of remarkable individuals who shared similar goals and exhibited the same level of commitment to success as foreign students in Ireland. Many of us, in order to cover our expenses and tuition fees, worked part-time in the hospitality industry. Through this shared experience, we established a strong sense of camaraderie and support among ourselves. The friendships and networks I formed during my time at ICD have been an invaluable asset in my personal and professional development.
One of the standout advantages of studying accounting and finance at ICD Business School was the nine exemptions I received for the ACCA exams. This is the maximum number of exemptions granted by any college, and I was thrilled to obtain them, as it significantly reduced the number of exams I had to take. It was a great stepping stone for my future journey after completing my degree.
Just three months after finishing my course in 2019, I secured a position as a Tax and Accounts Assistant, where I have been working ever since. My specialization lies in taxes, and my plan is to continue down this path, gaining more experience and assisting more individuals with their tax affairs.
Recently, I successfully passed my final exam and officially became a fully qualified ACCA accountant. This achievement has opened countless doors for me and propelled my aspirations to even greater heights. I anticipate a promotion in my current role, an immediate increase in salary, and the ability to support my family back home—a driving force that has motivated me throughout my remarkable nine- year journey in this amazing country that I now call my home.
Kind Regards
Luis Alfredo Gomez Perez ACCA