Education in business covering sectors such as retail, banking, insurance, management, accounting, human-resource management, entrepreneurship, finance, sales and marketing. Photograph: iStock
One of the broadest business courses available in Ireland is Trinity College’s business, economics and social studies programme.
There are some degrees that are specialised from the very beginning, but Mr O’Sullivan said it depends on the type of person. If they are less certain about what form they would like their career to take, then a more generalised degree is often recommended. Outside of these financial roles, there are also other career pathways: “Another group of graduates work in logistics, supply chain management, marketing, human resources and, more general managerial roles within the private and public sector.”
Furthermore, business programmes are also available at post-leaving certificate level, as another entry route for school leavers or to allow an individual to kick-start their career in the field. In Cork, an undergraduate degree in commerce was 499 points in UCC last year, while the finance degree was 565 points. In UCD, meanwhile, its business and law programme required 554 points last year, and its commerce degree required 545 points.
“We teach computer skills too, but we don’t want to be too specific with particular software - because these can change,” he said.