What is your current job/role?
I am currently the Communications Executive for the Mental Health Commission and Decision Support Service. My role is focused in digital marketing and public relations for these state services. Both the Mental Health Commission and Decision Support Service promote human rights, one focused on vindicating the human rights of patients in in-patient mental health services, while the other focuses on enabling people to protect their rights to decide, by promoting support for decision-making and advance planning.
How do you think that your degree helped you in achieving this role?
My degree in business equipped me with so many skills for my current career. My technical skills like communications, marketing and accounting were all delivered exceptionally by the lecturing staff, other skills like teamwork, leadership and public speaking were intertwined throughout my degree which have truly enabled me to level up in my career.
What electives did you take during your studies? Did you enjoy them? How has it helped your career choice?
My electives were focused on marketing throughout my undergrad degree. These electives further fuelled my passion for the industry and allowed me to build my skills in the areas. Guest speakers from the industry were highly beneficial when I went into the work force, I had already started to build a network of marketers from my undergrad to help me find a role, but also helped my CV be adapted for the skills and attributes those hiring in the marketing profession were looking for.
Favourite thing about studying at TUS?
TUS holds so many memories for me, from working in the trenches with classmates to meet deadlines and exam prep, to networking with some of the best marketers in the Irish industry. For me that sense of community and togetherness is my favourite thing about TUS. Lecturers and students, staff and the wider TUS community, can be seen in the canteen having tea together talking about everything from projects in class to the success of the sports teams. It really prepares you for entering the work force meeting a range of people all from different walks of life, but it also immerses you into a student experience like no other.
What was your favourite module/subject?
Despite following a career in marketing, one of favourite modules was in mortgages in second year. The subject, I felt would be crucial for life after college. The module really appealed to my logical way of thinking and breaking down complex data in a digestible way, as well as helping me now in my adult life prepare for a mortgage application.
Did you have a work placement as part of your degree? If so, talk a bit about it.
In third year, I went on work placement with DPD Ireland, in their marketing department. It was amazing opportunity to get real world experience for my CV. My placement also came during Covid-19, I learnt skills that I may not have been able to develop during my courses. Through the support of TUS Athlone, being taught skills like teamwork, Microsoft and how to adapt to new environments, really prepared me to support the team at DPD Ireland during this time of change for the industry and world at large.
Did you participate in any student competitions, extra-curricular activities, student ambassador or ERASMUS exchanges as part of your degree?
Throughout my undergrad, I was a student ambassador for TUS Athlone campus. This was an incredible experience which fuelled my passion for marketing even further. As a student ambassador, I worked with the TUS Athlone campus marketing team to promote the university and my course to prospective business students. I had the opportunity to travel across Ireland with the student recruitment team attending events, delivering presentations on my course. It was a great time both the wider university facility staff and my fellow ambassador. It was a really nice opportunity to feature in social media campaigns and my local newspaper.
What advice would you give to prospective Business students at TUS?
If you are looking for a course that will allow you to enter a wide variety of roles at graduation, I cannot recommend a business degree from TUS enough. My classmates work in a variety of roles, from civil service, finance, logistics, sales both here in Ireland and across the world.
If you are thinking about taking on the business course at TUS, go to open days, meet the lecturers and student ambassadors. Any questions you may have can be answered by them.