KBS Student Focus: Evan Mansfield(Bachelor Of Business Studies Student)

My University of Limerick journey began when I was 13. I played in the Kennedy Cup inter-league soccer competition at UL and stayed in their on-campus accommodation. From the moment I stepped foot on the grounds and saw the fantastic campus and elite sporting facilities, I knew that, for university, I was going to UL or nowhere! This, however, was only the beginning of my University of Limerick journey.

I chose the Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) at UL as my number one option when filling out my CAO form. I was determined to become an accountant, as it was my favourite and best subject in secondary school. The BBS programme provided all CAP 1 exemptions to support my pursuit of becoming a Chartered Accountant while providing an elite, comprehensive education across all business areas. UL provides a diverse and interesting selection of subjects (modules) across all major and minor options. I found finance, economics, and my minor option, organisational psychology, particularly fascinating and engaging.

I lived in Dromroe Student Village when I began 1st year in 2020 (time flies!), and UL supported me throughout the entire process, placing me in a house with five other BBS students, all of whom I have kept in contact with to this day!

An aspect of the BBS programme I didn’t appreciate fully upon filling out my CAO was the option to spend a semester abroad (Erasmus). I received the opportunity to spend a semester at the University of Texas at Austin, the number one accounting school in America, through UL’s Erasmus programme. This experience was the best few months of my life. I made friends from Australia, America, and everywhere in between, and made memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life! This opportunity to experience a new culture, adjust and adapt to education in a new continent and meet new people did wonders for my self-confidence and has been formative in shaping who I am today.

University of Limerick’s Cooperative Education programme sets it apart from all Irish universities in terms of the employability of its graduates. I spent eight months working in PwC’s audit department, a Big-4 accounting firm. In this role, I worked with clients from small family-run businesses to large multi-million-dollar funds. I was completing important tasks, received a full wage, and had the opportunity to apply what I learned in class to real-world corporate scenarios. This opportunity allowed me to upskill in data analysis software, shaping my career journey massively, and I have now been accepted to UL’s MSc in Business Analytics programme for my postgraduate study. The UL Cooperative Education Division supports students through every step of this process, with regular check-ins, CV reviews, and help you find a job.

I have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and UL has supported my needs in every way imaginable. The Disability Support Services have put numerous exam and academic supports in place, such as separate exam venue and additional time, grinds for challenging subjects and much more, tailored to my needs. These supports have all been put in place in the background, removing any extra stress and ensuring my UL experience is as enjoyable and accessible as possible.

There is something for everyone at UL, both inside and outside the classroom, with over 70 student-led clubs and societies, ranging from UL’s exceptional GAA teams to underwater hockey! I was the president of the Economics and Investments Society and was involved with numerous other clubs such as Soccer, Consulting and Entrepreneurship, Enactus, and many more. These social opportunities allowed me to meet new people, push myself outside my comfort zone and apply what I was learning in the classroom to real-world scenarios. These opportunities were crucial to my University of Limerick experience, as they allowed me to make

friends, build my professional network, and build leadership, communication, and organisational skills, which are highly valued in the employment market.

As my University of Limerick journey comes to a close, I can look back and say I made the right decision to study here. UL provided me with some of my best memories, a fantastic support network of friends and contacts, and a world-class education. If you decide to study at UL, work hard, say yes to new opportunities, and step outside your comfort zone. I promise you will have a life-changing experience like I have had!