In the latest instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series, we speak to Roseanne Ryan, an MA Business Management graduate who works as a Learning and Development Coordinator for Brown Thomas Arnotts.
From soaking in top industry insights from guest lecturers to gaining hands-on experience in tackling business challenges, and enjoying the vibrant campus life; Roseanne shares how her time at UL equipped her with the technical knowledge and soft skills needed to succeed in her career.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Roseanne Ryan, and I am from Tipperary. I am currently living in Dublin, working as a Learning and Development Coordinator in Brown Thomas Arnotts.
What course did you study, and what year did you graduate?
I studied the Bachelor of Arts in NUI, Galway and, from there, went on to do the Master's in Business Management in the Kemmy Business School at University of Limerick.
Why did you choose to study at UL?
I chose to study at UL because of its strong academic reputation. UL is known for its high-quality education; and the beautiful campus and modern facilities, along with its range of student support services all contribute to a great learning environment. It’s an excellent place to grow academically, as well as socially.
What were the highlights of your course?
I really enjoyed how the course allowed me to apply business concepts and theories to real-world scenarios, making the learning experience dynamic and relevant.
The opportunity to collaborate with classmates from different backgrounds was a highlight, fostering creativity and new perspectives.
Engaging with experienced professors and guest lecturers, who shared their industry insights, was especially valuable.
As a KBS student, you had the opportunity to learn from some of the top academic talent, in state-of-the-art facilities. What was your experience like?
As a KBS student, my experience was truly enriching. Learning from some of the top academic talent was a major highlight. The professors not only brought extensive knowledge but also shared real-world insights, making the concepts highly practical and relevant. The combination of interactive lectures, hands-on projects, and access to cutting-edge resources made my time at KBS both engaging and impactful. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that significantly prepared me for my career.
What advice would you offer to students considering studying at UL?
Embrace the practical learning. Engage fully with any real-world projects, case studies, or internships - these experiences will help you apply theory to practice, and prepare you for the business world.
Network actively. Take advantage of opportunities to connect with your peers, professors, and industry professionals. Building relationships during your course can open doors to future career opportunities.
Stay organised and manage your time effectively. The workload can be demanding, so staying on top of your assignments and managing your time is key to success.
Ask questions and seek support. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek help from professors or classmates. The faculty is very approachable, and leveraging their knowledge can deepen your understanding.
Get involved. Participate in clubs, events, or any extracurricular activities offered by the University. It’s a great way to enhance your experience and develop leadership and teamwork skills.
Make the most of your time in the course — it’s a fantastic opportunity for both academic and personal growth!
Separately, what advice would you offer to students considering studying your course?
The course is rich in theory and practical knowledge. Dive deep into the content and stay curious, as it will equip you with essential skills for your future career.
You'll often work in teams, so embrace the opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. It helps build communication and leadership skills, which are crucial in the business world.
Take full advantage of your school's resources — whether it’s the library, study groups, career services, or speaking with professors, these can really enhance your learning experience.
This course is a great platform to network, both with your peers and industry professionals. Start building connections early on, as they may be helpful for internships and future job opportunities.
In short, stay engaged, be proactive, and make the most of every learning and networking opportunity.
What are some of your favourite memories from your time at UL?
Campus life - the vibrant atmosphere on campus was always full of energy. Whether it was meeting friends between classes, attending events, or just relaxing by the river, the sense of community was strong.
Some of the lectures really stood out, especially those that featured guest speakers from industry. Their real-world insights added a new layer to the learning experience.
Graduation Day - celebrating all the hard work with friends, family, and faculty was an unforgettable moment and a perfect way to cap off my time at UL.
These experiences made my time at UL incredibly rewarding, both personally and academically.
Are there any campus locations that hold special significance to you?
The Living Bridge was not only a beautiful spot, connecting both sides of the campus, but also a place where I often went for walks to clear my head on long library days. The view of the river, especially at sunset, was always calming.
The library was another space I spent countless hours in, whether studying for exams, working on group projects, or finding quiet time to focus. It became a space that symbolised hard work and achievement.
How did your course and your overall UL experience prepare you for entering the workplace upon graduating?
My course and overall experience at UL prepared me well for entering the workplace in several key ways:
- Practical skills: The course was designed with a strong focus on practical, real-world applications. Through case studies, group projects, and problem-solving exercises, I gained hands-on experience in tackling business challenges, which helped me transition smoothly into a professional environment.
- Teamwork and collaboration: UL emphasised group work, which taught me how to collaborate effectively with diverse teams — an essential skill in the workplace. Learning to manage different perspectives and work toward common goals helped me thrive in team-oriented roles.
- Critical thinking and adaptability: The academic challenges pushed me to think critically and approach problems creatively. This has been invaluable in a fast-paced, ever-evolving work setting where adaptability is key.
- Industry exposure: Guest lectures from industry professionals provided me with insights into various career paths and networking opportunities. These experiences made the transition into the workforce feel more familiar and attainable.
- Time management and independence: Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments at UL taught me how to manage my time effectively and take initiative — two qualities that are essential in any professional role.
Overall, my time at UL not only equipped me with technical knowledge but also helped me build the soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
Could you update us on where you are now in your career?
I am currently working in Learning and Development (L&D) at Brown Thomas Arnotts. I began my career in Limerick, and after completing my Masters, I moved to Dublin to pursue new opportunities. Fortunately, I found my passion in L&D, and I haven’t looked back since.
In my role, I get to focus on helping people grow and develop their skills, both professionally and personally. Whether it's designing impactful training programmes, facilitating workshops, or working closely with teams to identify learning needs; every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact. What I love most is seeing the tangible results of our programmes and how they contribute to both individual career growth and overall business success.
L&D has been incredibly rewarding, as it combines my love for continuous learning with the ability to help others reach their potential. I’m constantly growing in my own role, too, which makes it even more fulfilling!
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
In the future, I hope to continue advancing my career in Learning and Development, focusing on creating even more innovative and effective training programmes that cater to diverse learning styles. I’m eager to explore leadership opportunities within the field, where I can influence broader organisational learning strategies and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
I also aim to deepen my expertise in emerging learning technologies and methodologies, within blended learning approaches. This will allow me to stay at the forefront of L&D trends and better support the evolving needs of our workforce.
On a personal level, I hope to further develop my skills through additional training and certifications, potentially pursuing a specialisation in talent development or organisational psychology. Ultimately, my goal is to make a meaningful impact in the organisations I work with, helping employees thrive while contributing to the overall success of the company.