Opportunity of a Lifetime

It was shaping up to be a long summer, and like most students heading into their final year, I was thinking about what I could do to keep busy while also setting myself up for what comes next. My name is Chloe Boyle, and I’m currently studying for a Bachelor of Business degree at ATU Donegal. I knew I wanted an experience that would not only fill the time but also give me something meaningful to carry forward into my future career.

That’s when I remembered a simple but powerful phrase: 

“If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” 

On a bit of a whim, I reached out to Evelyn Mc Marketing , a Donegal Marketing Consultancy business, curious if she might be open to mentoring me. There were no ads, no internships listed, no opportunities being shouted from the rooftops, just one message, sent. 

And that single step turned into an opportunity of a lifetime.

What I Did

When I first started working with Evelyn, Donegal Giving was more of a vision than a reality. She had actually owned the domain name for eight years, proof that good ideas often require long-term commitment before they can bloom. From there, I got to see the entire process of transforming that vision into something real and impactful.

We brainstormed, planned, and designed. (Whether or not my creative suggestions in the early days actually helped is still up for debate, but I like to think I contributed at least a little!) Watching the project evolve was like seeing my lectures come to life. Branding sessions turned into real logos and colour schemes. Fun fact: the balloon in the Donegal Giving logo represents how everyone takes something home from the experience.

I wasn’t alone either. I worked alongside Ciara, another intern and ATU student, which made the experience even better. Sharing ideas with someone in the same boat was motivating, and it showed how Donegal Giving creates opportunities for collaboration from the ground up.

Of course, this wasn’t just about creativity. Event management played a huge role too. Planning for a launch requires optimism (and maybe a little blind faith). You do all the work, cross your fingers, and hope people will show up. It taught me that trust in the process is just as important as the planning itself.

Week by week, usually over Zoom calls, Evelyn guided me through the journey. Technology bridged the gap between two remote corners of Donegal, making it possible to learn, ask questions, and get feedback in real time. What started as learning soon became clarity.I could see how each small piece built into the bigger picture.

Here are five key things I took away from the process:

• Giving – Everyone has something to offer, even if it doesn’t seem obvious.
• Branding – More than simply a logo, it’s about meaning, credibility, and trust.
• Digital – A strong online presence through social media and a reliable website is essential.
• Collaboration – None of this would have been possible without the support and expertise of others.
• Planning – Having a clear plan makes everything easier, from setting goals to taking the right next step.

What I’m Doing (and What’s Next)

The culmination of all this work is the Donegal Giving Launch, happening in collaboration with ATU as they unveil their new project. The launch will take place at An Grianán Theatre on the 6th of November. This will be more than just an event, it’s a meeting point for businesses, community groups, and students to connect. For students especially, it opens doors: placements, internships, and the chance to meet people outside the usual classroom or workplace setting.

From an event management perspective, the launch will be a test of everything we’ve planned: bringing people together, building connections, and showing that Donegal Giving is more than just another non-profit. It’s a platform for growth, impact, and long-lasting collaboration.

Personally, the summer has been unforgettable. I’ve gained skills in marketing, branding, planning, and networking,but more importantly, I’ve learned how valuable it is to simply ask. Without that first step, none of this would have happened. Evelyn has even kindly offered to be a reference for me in the future, which is something I never expected at the start of this journey.

Donegal Giving, at its core, is about creating opportunities and I am proof of that in action. The support I’ve received, the people I’ve met, and the skills I’ve developed are all testaments to what this initiative can do. I hope more students get the chance to experience Donegal Giving firsthand, because it truly bridges the gap between education and the real world.

For businesses, it’s a chance to meet motivated students in a setting where genuine connections can be made. For students, it’s a way to gain real-life experience outside of college walls. And for me? It’s been the opportunity of a lifetime,one that I know will shape not just my final year at ATU Donegal, but the path that lies ahead. After all, fortune favours the bold.