Bachelor of Arts in International Business Careers

Corinne Drinan

From the moment I stepped onto the University of Limerick campus, I knew this was where I wanted to study. Growing up with two older brothers who had both graduated from UL as PE and Maths teachers, I had seen firsthand how vibrant and supportive the university community was. Paired with its beautiful campus and incredible facilities, UL felt like the perfect place for me.

When it came time to fill out my CAO application, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to study. However, my love for accounting, business, and languages in secondary school, combined with my passion for travel, led me to put the Bachelor of Arts in International Business at the Kemmy Business School as my top choice. This programme offered a unique blend of business, humanities, and languages, allowing me the flexibility to tailor my studies to my interests. One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to learn a new language from scratch. I had always wanted to study Spanish but never had the chance in secondary school, and KBS gave me this opportunity. Starting as a complete beginner in my first year, I am now finishing my degree with a B2 (Intermediate) level of proficiency in Spanish—an achievement I’m incredibly proud of.

A standout feature of the International Business course that particularly intrigued me was the year abroad in third year, with the Erasmus Programme and Global Cooperative Work Placement. This incredible opportunity allowed me to spend four months studying abroad at the University of Deusto in San Sebastián, Spain. Immersing myself in a new culture, strengthening my Spanish language skills, and adapting to different learning styles—all while living in a stunning coastal city. It was an experience of a lifetime! Beyond academics, studying abroad enriched my personal growth, helping me develop lifelong skills and friendships with people from all over the world, all of whom I still stay in close contact with today.

Another significant reason I chose International Business at UL was the global work placement aspect of the course. Following my study abroad semester in Spain, I secured an eight-month work placement at CACEIS, a large investment bank in Luxembourg. This hands-on experience was invaluable, allowing me to apply my studies in a real-world financial setting. What made this experience even more special was the strong UL presence in Luxembourg—many fellow students and graduates were living and working there, creating a great sense of community, like a home away from home! I also joined the Luxembourg GAA club while working there, which gave me the opportunity to travel across Europe playing hurling and football—an experience I will always treasure.

Returning to campus after a year abroad, I found myself reflecting on just how much UL has shaped my journey—not only academically and professionally but personally as well. UL didn’t just provide a top-tier education; it introduced me to people who became lifelong friends.

From the very first day of an insurance class in first year, my best friends—fellow KBS students—have been by my side. The shared experience of studying business created an instant bond, one that has only grown stronger over the years. Some of my favourite memories at UL aren’t just the big milestones but the everyday moments: exploring campus as first years, visiting each other across Europe during our year abroad, and now, in our final year, sharing a house and making the most of our last months as UL students. Even simple routines—grabbing coffee between lectures or late-night study sessions in the library—have made this journey unforgettable. The best part? Knowing these friendships will last long after graduation.

Choosing International Business at Kemmy Business School was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The combination of academic excellence, international experience, and a supportive community has shaped both my education and my future. Now, as I apply for graduate jobs, I feel prepared to take the next step, knowing that my time at UL has given me both the skills and the confidence to stand out. For anyone considering their CAO choices, UL offers more than just a degree—it’s a place where you’ll grow, gain real-world experience, and build friendships that will stay with you well beyond your time on campus.

Hazel Kirwan

Choosing your college course is undoubtedly no easy task. With so many options and paths available it’s hard to know which one is right for you. Amongst all the noise, the BA in International Business at UL stood out to me. Now, as I enter the final weeks of my degree, it’s hard to believe how quickly the time has flown.

What initially grabbed my attention with the BA in International Business was the freedom that it gave me to construct my own degree. It also gave me the option to do a language, which was of great interest to me due to my affinity for languages. Along with the option of a variety of humanities modules (psychology, sociology). Given my interest in marketing, I was fascinated to understand how these fields intersect, particularly how psychology underpins consumer behaviour. I knew that gaining a deeper understanding of human behaviour would strengthen my marketing abilities. The prospect of spending my 3^rd year abroad was, of course, daunting, but it was also incredibly exciting. It was a chance for me to step outside my comfort zone, which I believe is crucial for personal development.

I can still remember my first day, feeling both nervous and excited as I stepped into the unknown. It took some time to find my footing, but once I did, I realized just how incredible college life could be. The sense of community and the atmosphere on campus is truly unmatched, it truly makes you feel as though you’re part of something significant. During my first year, I tried out many different modules to allow myself the opportunity to truly discover the areas I was most drawn to. By my second year, I found myself gravitating toward both marketing and insurance, two areas that ultimately helped shape my academic journey.

Then came the much-anticipated year abroad which began with my Erasmus semester in Toulouse, France. My time at Toulouse Business School was a transformative experience, introducing me to a vibrant, international community of students from all corners of the globe. The academic environment differed greatly from what I was used to at UL, pushing me outside my comfort zone and allowing me to refine my French language skills, which I had chosen to pursue throughout my degree. This unforgettable semester laid the groundwork for the next exciting chapter in my journey: an eight-month work placement in the beautiful town of Antibes, located on the sunny Côte d’Azur in the south of France.

During my time in Antibes, I worked as a Marketing & Sales Assistant for a yacht charter brokerage, gaining real-world industry experience and skills in everything from client relations, negotiation, branding, social media marketing, SEO and so much more. This unique industry opened my eyes to career possibilities I had never even considered and offered an experience far beyond anything I could have imagined. Along the way, I learned a great deal about myself, through adapting to an entirely different culture and meeting so many people from all walks of life. I built a strong sense of cultural intelligence, which ultimately stemmed from living and working in a truly international environment. By the end of that incredible year, it’s safe to say I was completely in love with France.

Returning to UL for my fourth and final year, I was eager to immerse myself in campus life as much as possible. I took on many volunteering projects that were both rewarding and enjoyable. I also had the privilege of representing Kemmy Business School as a student ambassador, which afforded me countless opportunities that I believe will stand to me as I progress in my professional career. My work placement instilled a drive in me to pursue my passion in marketing, I have huge ambitions for myself to forge an impactful and successful career in this field. My experience as an International Business student at UL has been nothing short of extraordinary, the opportunities I was given throughout my degree along with the continuous support of the UL community have shaped who I am today and the path I am taking as I venture into the next exciting chapter of my life.