The international placement in year three drew James to study International Business at South East Technological University (SETU) and led him to study in France and work in French-speaking roles.
"The world is advancing so fast, and it will never go this slowly again. The International Business course will offer you an excellent foundation with which to build upon." SETU graduate, James O'Neill
De La Salle College, Waterford past pupil James O’Neill graduated from SETU with a BA (Hons) in International Business. Here he tells his experience of the benefit of learning a European language at third level.
A broad range of subjects
The international placement in year three is the biggest reason why I chose to study International Business at SETU. I studied in Montpellier, France, attending classes and sitting exams through French and English. When I was deciding which course to pursue I was also wary that I didn't want to specialise at that age. The course offers a broad range of subjects over the four years and I have found it very beneficial to be able to draw on different competencies since my graduation.
A course that equips you for the real world
I have so many highlights at SETU; I couldn't recommend it highly enough. When I was a student, I enjoyed the year abroad, the diversity of my classmates, the range of modules we followed. Even at that moment, I was very aware of the benefits I would gain from those experiences. Since graduation, I've realised how high the standard of French classes is and particularly how relevant the curriculum is. Since my graduation I've spoken to CEOs, start-up founders and independent business people. The more conversations I have each month the more I would realise how lucky I was to receive such a good French education at SETU.
The best decision I've ever made
I can say with certainty that going on Erasmus was the best decision I've ever made in terms of education and personal development. On the surface you discover a new country, make friends and enjoy your time away. Below the surface you're faced with new challenges daily: language barriers, people skills, culture shock, the education itself. Inevitably you will see yourself rise to each challenge and develop a sense of resilience and adaptability - two key traits for when you're establishing a successful career.
Strong partnerships with other universities
I would recommend SETU primarily for the quality of education. I seem to realise how lucky I was to study there more and more as time goes by. The lecturers are accessible and check for understanding. SETU has brilliant partnerships with foreign colleges which means that not only would you have a broad choice for study abroad, but that the student body is diverse as well. I'm bias having been born and bred here, but I think the sunny south east is a brilliant place to live and study.
Keeping all doors open
The world is advancing so fast, and it will never go this slowly again. The International Business course will offer you an excellent generalist foundation with which to build upon. You will taste many different functions from HR, finance and economics through to management, politics and intercultural communication. This course will keep all the doors open to you until you find your path and it will foster the primary people skills you will need to have a rewarding and fruitful career.
An impressive career
After graduation, I spent a year as an English language assistant in France. I was recruited by the French Embassy in Dublin and I was employed by the French Department of Education. I worked near Lens and I live in Arras which allowed me to immerse myself in French culture.
I moved back to Ireland and I spent two and a half years working with a wholesaler in the automotive industry. I was a French-speaking account manager where I managed the full sales cycle for our "France North" territory. I travelled to France two weeks per month and I also attended trade shows in Paris, Hamburg and Louisville, Kentucky.
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