Bachelor of Business Studies

Graduate Profile

Gearoid Hegarty

Having graduated with a Business degree, I stayed on at UL to study a Postgrad Masters in Education (PME) to become a Business Studies teacher. Through the PME, you will develop valuable classroom skills including communication and organisation. Although the course was initially challenging, it will provide you with the tools, values and knowledge that will prepare you to shape what may be the next generation of business leaders.

Becoming a teacher was something that always interested me. I saw teaching as a rewarding career, where you can really make a difference. Every day and every class is different. You get to make real use of everything you learned during your degree. I enjoy working with young people and bringing positivity into the classroom. One of the most important elements of teaching is building relationships with the students - you have the opportunity to make an impact and really get the best out of people.

Studying in UL prepared me very well for my career - I learned the importance of preparation, planning and effort. Overall, my experience has helped me to develop a growth mindset – an important and valuable trait as an educator of young people, I feel. Along with developing a career, I’ve also developed as a person. As I prepared to teach my first class in school, I was completely confident in the skills and knowledge I had learned at UL.

Gearoid is a graduate of both the Business and  Education faculties at UL. He is currently employed as a Business Studies teacher.

Student Profile

Caoimhe Lalor

My first and current impression of UL is a positive one. The University of Limerick was very appealing as it had: 

• The course of my choice,  
• Facilities of interest, 
• Travel convenience. 

Though U.L is a huge University in terms of student capacity, I enjoyed that the campus was very compact. I was not going to be rushing from one side of the campus to the other between lectures. The campus was also well equipped; once you went into college for a 9 o’clock lecture, there would be no reason for you to head home as you had everything you needed at your fingertips; study space, access to the library, restaurants, Bank of Ireland, UL Sports Arena to name a few. I was fortunate enough to live on UL campus in Thomond Student Accommodation in first year. I felt extremely safe in that environment, as there was public lighting on the pathway to and from the college itself. 

The main reason I chose BBS in the University of Limerick, is that they offered co-operative education (Co-op) in your third year. From hearing stories from older students or even applying for part time jobs before university, everywhere required several years 'experience'. In courses such as BBS, it is difficult to secure a part-time job in your field of study without prior experience as a secondary school student; therefore, I knew this course was the course for me. By undergoing 6-8 months placement in your field of study, you were guaranteed to experience 'real world' scenarios and finally put your knowledge and studies to practice. Whether you enjoyed or disliked your time on placement, I found it extremely beneficially knowing if this is the right job/ area of work for you before completing your final year in U.L.  Also, the fact that you got to study a wide variety of modules in first and second year before choosing your Major and Minor was extremely beneficial; it took the pressure off knowing exactly what you want to do after college, which isn't something I knew as an 18-year-old. 

I took Risk Management and Insurance as my major option and Financial Services as my minor option. Firstly, my major Risk Management and Insurance; I didn't have much knowledge in this area before college. Having not studied Business Studies and Accountancy in secondary school, risk management and insurance were not a topic of discussion going into first year in U.L. My views quickly changed when we studied modules in relation to this Major in second year. From the start, I was engrossed in this field of study; I enjoyed the broadness of the modules and the unpredictability of the risk and insurance world. In one sense I felt like whatever career I chose in this area of study, I would be presented with something new every day. I was extremely lucky to have had brilliant lecturers over the course of these modules, they made the topics exceptionally interesting and were always so facilitating if I wished to meet to discuss any queries or concerns on certain topics. It was encouraging knowing that there was a strong support network around the modules and that my tutors and lectures genuinely cared about my questions and understanding.  On the flip side, I too excelled in modules in Accounting and Finance in my first two years. I knew a career of in Accounting and Finance would be too monotonous for me personally, nevertheless I put my aptitude to the test when I chose Financial Services as my minor. I chose a module I knew I could achieve high marks in as well as choosing something I felt correlated with my major. We were blessed in the sense that there are several minors to choose from, something to suit everyone. 

I worked in Axis Specialty Europe SE / Axis Capital, Mount Herbert Court, 34 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2 on my co-op experience (Co-Op). I had high expectations starting placement as the co-operative experience was the selling point for me when deciding what course, I would choose. My 7 months in Axis Capital surpassed all expectations. From the interview process up until my final day, I knew it was a job that ticked all my boxes. I benefited and learnt from employees in the Dublin office who too had studied their undergraduate degree in U.L. It also signposted a strong career prospect which was comforting to know heading into my final year. The saying 'no question is a stupid question' really stuck with me on placement. At first, I felt like I was annoying or bombarding my team or managers when I asked several questions, however that was not the case. I quickly discovered that the more I asked, the more I learnt which enabled me to take on more work, which then benefited my team and manager.  

Placement allowed me to fully understand the knowledge I had gained from books and lectures as I was applying that information to real life scenarios.  

If I could pass on one thing to any student about to start placement or even if you are thinking about courses in college, you get out what you put in, if there was work that needed to be completed or events that were optional to attend, I dived straight in, completing as much as I could. In a business environment, it is all about communicating and interacting with others, therefore it is important to put yourself out there and get involved as much as you can. Thankfully, my seven months on placement proved to be a success as I was offered a full-time job back in Axis Capital after I graduated in 2020. 

My best memory of UL is that I am so grateful that I have secured such an incredible job after my four years of university, giving credit to my co-operative education in third year.  

I am forever grateful that my college journey was made easier and more enjoyable with the help of several lectures I reached out to; the support network is immense in U.L when you take the leap and look for help.  

While the purpose of college is to learn etc., it goes without saying, that the friends you make in college are the friends you will have for life. From friends in your course or students in your shared accommodation, you meet likeminded people wherever you go. From college sports, clubs, student parties, a few beverages in the Stables of a Wednesday or lecture hall conversations, I have plenty of memorable moments over my four years. 

After college, I was fortunate enough to be offered a full-time job in Axis Capital after my four years in the University of Limerick. I completed my co-operative education in the Underwriting department in Axis, whereas I am now currently an A&H (Accident and Health) Claims Handler in the Claims Department much to my contentment. I am extremely grateful for securing not only a superb job after college, but a job that allows me to progress and grow as an employee and an individual in an environment where I feel valued. 

Student Profile

Karina Dambrauskaite

When I started in UL I was immediately overwhelmed by the size of the campus and the huge population of students and faculty. Thankfully, everyone within the university was very welcoming and provided help when needed. There were various initiatives implemented such as First 7 Weeks to help us settle in. 

I had a couple of reasons for choosing the Bachelor of Business Studies.  

1. It was the most convenient option as it was close to home.  
2. It provides a mandatory co-operative experience. 
3. Erasmus is an option offered to 3rd year students. 

The University of Limerick ticked all the boxes.  2020 Rag Week, was the best week of my UL experience. I attended various events planned by the UL Student Life.  

I chose marketing as my major, as I find myself to be quite creative and this is the one major where I can put my creativity to use.  

As for the minor, I chose psychology of work. I wanted to learn more about the people side of business and how they think in various situations, so I can better understand the people I currently work with and will work with in the future. 

For my co-operative education (Co-Op), I worked as a marketing intern in Cook Medical, in their Limerick branch. Here, I got real life experience of what the big bad world of work is like. It gave me a taste of work in my chosen field and allowed me to put my academic knowledge to practice.  

When I graduate, I want to work as a Marketing / communications manager. 

Student Profile

Marcella McCann

My first impression of UL, back in 2017, was that it was an exciting campus full of students. The campus was constantly buzzing, almost like its own mini city. There was a constant stream of students travelling from the library, students' union and lecture halls (during the day) and from Stables or Scholars to the city (at night). 

I chose the BBS in UL because of its great career prospects, as well the diversity within the course. The BBS allows for you to graduate with a general business studies bachelor's degree, while getting the chance try out an array of modules in areas such as economics, accounting and human resources (to name but a few). This made the process of majoring so much easier. The large class sizes also appealed to me as it presented with the chance to meet so many new friends from all over Ireland, and the world. Additionally, the BBS in UL presents with the chance to take part in Erasmus and cooperative education. 

I chose Human Resource Management (HRM) major and Law minor. HRM has provided me with a rounded view of HR from looking at areas such as organisational behaviours, employee voice and industrial relations. I choose the Law minor as it provided me with an understanding of legal concepts and contracts in any organisation. I felt like the HRM major and Law minor work hand-in-hand and will both benefit me in the world of work. 

I went on Erasmus in 2019 to WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany. It was a brilliant experience that I would recommend to anyone thinking of studying abroad. I made friends from all over the world (that I still talk to daily) while getting the opportunity to attend this international college with three other UL students. 

One of my favourite memories from Erasmus would have been attending Oktoberfest in Munich. After traveling 8 hours by bus, we arrived all dressed up in our lederhosen and dirndl. It was a great day with all of the other foreign exchange students and it was an experience to check off the bucket-list. Erasmus also provided the chance to explore many other cities in Europe such as Milan, Berlin, Amsterdam and Cologne, while also learning a new language. 

I did my co-op with the Health Service Executive (HSE), in the Pensions Management department. 

Co-op gave me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained in my time in UL to the working world. The Pensions Management office gave me a great insight into the financial side of HR. I worked on HSE employees' pension entitlements and other ad-hoc activities. The experience provided me with skills I will use for life. From a HR perspective, it gave me my first insight into daily HR activities in a company. I learned how to use essential software such as SAP, Excel and IBM. 

It's impossible to narrow down one best memory of my time in UL as there was so many. Outside of the great nights out in Limerick city on a Thursday, race day and rag week, one of my best memories was from first year when I got to work with a local charity as part of the Social Media for Social Good module. The module entailed us working with the Clíona's Foundation, and making a difference outside of the classroom. 

Following graduation, I will be participating in a Masters in Human Resource Studies in Tilburg University in the Netherlands. After my time on Erasmus, I was eager to travel more and study abroad, and UL Careers was a great help with the application process. 

Student Profile

Niamh Garry

My first impression of UL was the very positive atmosphere on campus, there is a real sense of a student community around. Sitting in the courtyard with students around, music playing and chatting is a great memory of UL. The facilities are top class. 

The reason I chose to do the BBS is because it offered an integral co-operative education placement which I think is very important when looking for a job upon graduation. The program is also well structured and organized. The opportunity to study abroad was also very attractive. 

I chose Accounting and Finance as my major as I like working with numbers and it is very structured. I chose German as my minor as I like learning languages, and this opens the opportunity for me to work abroad. 

I went on Erasmus to Germany and studied in Cologne.  Living independently and meeting like-minded people was an amazing opportunity offered by Erasmus. 

I am working in Allianz Technology, based in Munich on my co-operative education (Co-op). 

Hands-on, practical work experience is a great learning opportunity and a chance to put the skills we learn in UL into practice in the real working world. It is also beneficial when searching for jobs upon graduation. 

After graduation, I would like a career in the financial sector of a multi-national corporation. 

Student Profile

Alice Carroll

The BBS degree will open up your mind to areas of the business world that you might not otherwise have thought you were interested in. You will have the opportunity to try every avenue of business before specializing in your chosen field (your “major”). You learn skills that you can actually apply in the real world.

Coop is one of the greatest things UL has to offer. I completed my placement in New York for eight months in third year with the international fashion house FENDI. Based in Manhattan, I was working in their PR and Marketing Department and the opportunities it presented me with were endless. From dressing Mila Kunis for the cover of Allure magazine to assisting with Cara Delevingne’s Fall/Winter campaign, the experience was incredible.

I appreciate Coop so much for all it taught me and I realize how much of an advantage it gives you when applying for jobs after college. I recently secured a marketing position with Jameson and I honestly believe my Coop experience hugely assisted in this. In today’s competitive climate, a university that offers work placement within its course structure makes all the difference.

Student Profile

Marian Hogan
I chose this course because of its esteemed reputation - I was also aware that UL graduates have a higher than average employment rate. For Co-op, I was placed with Swiss Financial Services (Ireland). Because of the industry knowledge and experience I developed during this work experience, I regained employment with them after graduation.

I currently work as a Fund Administrator with SFS – our clients are located in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and USA. My typical day involves liaising with various overseas investors and processing their trades. I am responsible for the cash accounts on various funds and must monitor their cash movements on a regular basis to ensure all monies are in order while adhering to the deadlines. Since graduating with my Business degree from UL, much of what I have learned is applied to my job on a daily basis.

Student Profile

Eimear Glynn
The BBS programme has an extremely hands-on approach to learning with highly interactive lectures and tutorials. Group projects are an important part of the course and something I always enjoy. It's a great way of meeting new people and sharing ideas. Team work has allowed me to develop my personal skills in a fun and exciting way. I have always been really impressed by guest speakers from the business industry, sharing their life experiences and successes. This has encouraged me to become more career driven and really think about my life on completion of my degree.

The course provides a strong foundation in a range of core business modules including Accounting, HR, Economics, Finance, Insurance, Marketing, Management and Entrepreneurship. These core (compulsory) subjects are studied during the first three semesters before choosing a major option to specialise in, until completion of your degree. Cooperative Education (work experience) is completed in Semester 6 and normally runs over the summer for 9 months in total. This gives you an opportunity to experience the business world and sets you on your career path, making you more focused on return for your final year.

Graduate Profile

Ciara Halliday 

A Day in the Life Of.......a Business Development Executive

I always knew I wanted to travel and it was for this reason I chose BBS with French at UL as the university provides the opportunity to both study and complete a work placement abroad. I spent a semester in second year in the South of France and I did my coop work placement in Paris in third year. They were both unforgettable experiences.

In my job, no two days are ever the same. My work involves compiling market research reports for client companies or organising the next big event we are running, which can involve bringing Irish clients to Canada for market study visits or bringing Canadian buyers to Ireland and introducing them to relevant Irish companies. Work experience I gained on coop in Paris was also very useful for the event management part of my job. I am in charge of several portfolios like Education, Consumer Retail, Agri-Tech and Equine so my work can vary greatly from one day to the next.

Ciara’s tip: 
Ask lots of questions! Make sure to ask your teachers, guidance counsellors and parents for advice if you are unsure as to what you want to study.

Ciara is currently employed as a Business Development Executive with Enterprise Ireland, based in Toronto, Canada.

Graduate Profile

Marian Kennedy
Since graduating from UL, I have been working as a trainee tax accountant with Deloitte in Dublin. I was assigned to the corporation tax department and work with an allocation of specific clients. Corporation tax is a very challenging department, as it is always quite busy but this enables me to learn very quickly. There is a lot of direct client contact on a daily basis where I would try to answer any tax queries that the companies may have.

Having a UL qualification has benefitted me greatly and went a long way in securing my position with Deloitte. There is an acknowledgement that UL produces graduates of a very high standard with the added advantage they have high quality work experience to compliment a high quality qualification. During job interviews, there was always a lot of interest in my co-op placement from UL, which was in a tax department also. Prospective employers always show great enthusiasm for any UL qualification, acknowledging that it is a very high calibre qualification from a reputable institution.

Graduate Profile

Cormac Phelan
Whether it’s Marketing, Economics or Accounting, UL’s Business Studies degree offers a variety of interesting areas to study and is a perfect start for anyone with dreams of a career in business or management. UL provided me with a sound business education. My involvement in a multitude of group projects, particularly the ‘live’ marketing project in 4th year, was essential in developing time management, interpersonal and planning skills that I now use on a day-to-day basis.

My role as Brand Advisor involves the implementation, guardianship and development of the Auckland Council brand and identity. I work alongside the council’s brand manager, graphic designers, marketing advisors and advertising agency to ensure the Auckland Council brand identity is correctly implemented across all marketing material (e.g. signage, brochures, posters, etc.)

Other day-to-day duties include booking advertising in local and national papers, managing the council’s online brand asset management system (photography, logos, etc) and arranging photo shoots to support the council’s marketing campaigns.

Cormac currently works as a Brand Advisor with Auckland Council in New Zealand.

Graduate Profile

Fionnuala O'Reilly

While studying here at UL, I represented the Kemmy Business School in France, Germany, Latvia and Luxembourg. Since graduating with a BBS degree, I now work in Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering, which is an area of increasing importance within the financial services industry. We conduct detailed checks on investors to ensure all money, which comes through us, has originated from a legitimate source, before accepting the investment.

Fionnuala's tip: Don't panic if you are not 100% sure of your career path. The BBS programme will open new doors and help steer you in the right direction with regard to your career. In the meantime, you can enjoy UL's versatile learning environment and its ever-expanding, glorious campus.

Fionnuala currently works as an Administrator with SEI Investments in Dublin.