Bachelor of Arts in International Business

Rachel Frost

Choosing a college course can be easy, but the difficulty lies in selecting the RIGHT college course for YOU. I was one of those students who did not really know what direction I wanted to go in and once the CAO applications came around, I was still very indecisive. This is where the appeal of International Business (IB) lured me. 

You see, the beauty of IB is that you can tailor your degree to your specific interests every step of the way. This was a godsend for me as it afforded me the opportunity to try a variety of modules and figure out what was best for me as time went on. This unique feature of the IB course meant that I was not restricted in terms of choosing a major/minor in second year and could create my own formulation of a degree, drawing on core business, arts and language modules. The dual degree opportunity available through the IB programme was also a deciding factor that largely enticed me.  

Yet another appeal for me was the fully-international aspect of 3^rd year, with both an Erasmus programme and a cooperative placement abroad. I can safely say, hand on heart, that it was the best year of my life. I spent the first semester in Nice in the south of France and the second semester alongside many of my friends working in Luxembourg. These amazing experiences provided me with many opportunities that I will never take for granted and often reminisce on. If, like me, you jump at the opportunity to travel, this course facilitates that and ultimately prepares you for an international career. The course not only allowed me to travel and experience different cultures but also provided me with valuable skills and knowledge that I can apply in my future career. I highly recommend IB  to anyone who wants to broaden their horizons and gain a competitive edge in the global job market. 

Now in my final year, back on campus at long last, I have also begun to truly appreciate just how much the University of Limerick itself has to offer. From sporting facilities, clubs and societies to the grounds of the university itself, UL has a lot to give to its students. As my time here is sadly drawing to an end, I know that although I initially struggled to decide on a college course, I now know that I ultimately chose the right one for me. In addition to the course, the University of Limerick has provided me with a supportive community and endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. My time at the University of Limerick has been thoroughly enjoyable and to everyone who has shaped my experience, I am eternally grateful. Now it can be your turn to revel in it! 

Ben Kiely

The Kemmy Business School has given me the support, freedom, and flexibility to discover my true self. The BA in International Business has given me confidence in a range of subject areas that are so pivotal to both industry and entrepreneurship. I chose to specialise in the fields of Marketing, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship, and Management because the subject material was practical and I could apply the learnings directly to both the family business and the building of my own personal brand and career.  

As part of my UL experience, I have also engaged in Clubs and Societies, Student Council, Faculty Board, accreditation meetings, and helped answer questions from prospective students on KBS Open Days. Sharing my experience of Co-Operative Work Placements, the unique structure of the International Business Programme, and my social and peer-to-peer learning side of third-level education is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life!  

After I graduated from International Business, I wanted to take the further opportunity to add to these skills and expand my knowledge base in the Entrepreneurship field. I signed up for the Masters in International Entrepreneurship Management which has been a deep-dive into the niches and complexities of engaging with consultative services and running your own business, as well as helping you discover new talents and traits within yourself through professional and leadership development, innovation and creativity management, as well as human resource, financial, and data analysis management. I have also had the pleasure of teaching undergraduate Management tutorials for the BBS and BAIB programmes, giving me the opportunity to reengage with the material I had just graduated from and also the opportunity to experience the dynamics of teaching and learning from another perspective.  

Now in the second semester of my Master's programme, I can reflect on the plentiful opportunities that have allowed me to grow and give back to the community that has curated and enriched my personality and development. I will be eternally grateful to the Kemmy Business School and the University of Limerick for the support and friendships that will continue long after my graduation, and the memories that I will smile at when I think back on my time studying business at UL. 

Evelyne Mancassola

My name is Evelyne Mancassola and as a fourth-year student pursuing an undergraduate program in International Business at the Kemmy Business School, my journey at the University of Limerick has been nothing short of transformative. I have a huge passion for marketing and entrepreneurship where UL has provided me with an enriching academic environment that has nurtured my interests and fuelled my aspirations.

Throughout my time at UL, I've delved into a diverse array of modules spanning marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and accounting. These modules have equipped me with a robust skill set and a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the business world, laying a strong foundation for my future endeavours.

One of the highlights of my academic experience at UL was the opportunity to embark on an Erasmus exchange program in Sweden for four months. This invaluable experience broadened my horizons, exposed me to new cultures, and enhanced my global perspective. Additionally, my eight-month placement abroad in Luxembourg further solidified my academic learning, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business scenarios. These experiences have not only enriched my academic journey but have also instilled in me a sense of confidence and resilience.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Kemmy Business School Ambassador, where I have had the privilege to showcase the exceptional business courses UL has to offer and share my passion for the university with prospective students. Being able to inspire others and contribute to the UL community has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

UL has fostered a culture of creativity and innovation, encouraging me to think outside the box and explore my entrepreneurial instincts. It is this environment that inspired me to pursue my dream of establishing my own business - The Poppy Cup Coffee House in Adare. UL provided me with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to turn my vision into reality, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

 In essence, my journey at the University of Limerick has been an enriching and transformative experience. From academic excellence to unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth, UL has truly empowered me to become the best version of myself. I am immensely proud to be a part of the UL community and am excited to see where this journey takes me next.