Why did you choose to master your ambitions in International Entrepreneurship Management (IEM)?
I always had a strong passion for personal development through the family business. My undergraduate degree gave me incredibly strong fundamentals and answers for many topics that the business was facing, and I knew that if I was to choose a post-graduate programme it would have to work for me rather than me taking a programme just to get a degree. I examined the IEM programme in detail – looking at every module and the outcomes of each and asked myself ‘is this what I want to learn, grow, and specialise in’ and the answer was a resounding yes. I love the globalised aspect of it and taking your knowledge and applying international best-practice with real companies and clients is incredibly exciting and you learn so much from it. I also love the broad scope of the masters, the knowledge is truly applicable from startups to consulting and the confidence you develop in your own ability does truly equip you to take on any sort of a challenge, and you are not in any way limited to starting a company from taking this Master’s programme.
Why did you choose the University of Limerick?
The people. The staff, students, and overall community within Kemmy Business School is simply incredible and they have had such a positive impact in nurturing and pushing my development – I couldn’t not recommend them. It also helps that Kemmy Business School is in the top 1% of business schools worldwide, but when you walk in the door and meet with the people it truly is a community who want to support and develop each other, and that’s what makes it truly unique for me.
What has been the highlight of the programme so far?
The friends I’ve made as part of this programme are going to stick with me for life, and we have all grown and developed so much as professionals as well as humans over the last 8 months. Giving a year to a programme is such a commitment and if there are not the right types of content, support, and people there then it won’t work for you. I know that the IEM programme not only worked for me, but it was far more both in terms of content and knowledge but also growth and opportunities – I’m walking out of this programme with new industry connections and knowledge that I couldn’t have imagined even 9 months ago.
What benefit do you feel the programme will have on your career?
This will be the springboard I need personally and professionally to achieve my true potential. This course has pushed me to develop far beyond my comfort zone and covers really topical subjects that industry is crying out for. You will be a well-rounded, self-assured, and confident human with a great network to support your future trajectory. For me, it is a combination of academia and industry, but the structures are there for you to realise your own potential in a safe but challenging space designed to maximise your growth.
Advice for future students on the programme?
Be Brave! There are times in Semester One where I wasn’t taking risks or sharing all my opinions while I was finding my feet with the group, but the programme and lecturing team are there to guide and support you. Working with clients can be challenging but it is absolutely the type of experience you don’t get at undergraduate level, but it makes the transition to industry so much smoother, and it will boost your existing skillset if you are in industry and looking for a refresh/ restart. If you want to work on your personal brand, strengths, identity as well as your business acumen, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and capabilities – I strongly recommend you consider IEM in UL as the next step to discover your true potential.
When do you expect to graduate? January 2024
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