Business Studies Specialisms – What Options are Available to You?

One of the aspects of Business Studies in DCU that separates it so heavily from other degrees/colleges is the fact that you are given the option to specialise in a particular area for your final year. This is a great opportunity to focus in on whatever area interests, for your final year of studies. Equally, however, this can be a somewhat daunting decision that many students face when returning from Intra or going straight from 2nd Year into Final Year. The appeal of a Business Studies degree for many is the fact it is incredibly versatile but equally general enough that they are not forced to determine what area they would like to go into straight away.

I can remember initially believing that I might specialise in “Management” when I was in 1st Year. At this time, I was completely unsure of what area of Business I was interested in, and I suppose the idea of being in charge is appealing to anyone who isn’t quite sure what they like. This idea was quickly dispelled however as I was given introductions to various modules throughout 1st Year, and I grew more uncertain of where I could see myself working within after graduating.

Upon completion of my first economics module at the end of my first semester at DCU, I felt as if that would be my calling. It was a subject I had studied for the Leaving Cert and had found somewhat interesting (even if my grades didn’t always reflect that). I began to research what sort of job I could expect should I decide to specialise in it and quickly discovered that whilst interesting in its own right, a job within economics was likely not for me.

Throughout 2nd Year I completed multiple marketing modules which I found quite interesting and so began to believe this could be a possible area I could see myself working in. So, when the INTRA application process began I submitted my CV to as many marketing placements on the Portal as I could find. Despite making it to the interview stage for multiple of these positions, I was not fortunate enough to get the job. This was likely due to the fact I was competing with other students in strictly marketing courses whereas I had only completed 2 marketing-based modules within my course at the time.

When I was fortunate enough to receive an INTRA placement, it was within the Payroll and HR Teams of the company I was working with. This meant I received plenty of experience within both finance and HR related work, both of which sectors I also found to be interesting in very different ways.

When it came time to return to DCU for my final year I was left with a lot of potential options for what subject to choose as a specialism. After much research, I ultimately decided to specialize in marketing as this was the area I found myself most engaged and intrigued within lectures. Nearing the end of my first semester, this is not a decision I regret as the practical and theoretical experience I have gained from lectures and working with companies in different modules has been as fascinating as beneficial.

After speaking to friends in other specialisms and who have already graduated alike, I realize how no matter whatever specialism I chose; it was not the definitive path for my career. One student I know who specialised in economics completed their INTRA within a finance team and has plans to return there after graduating. She was advised that an economics specialism was just as useful as one in finance as she would still have to complete her CAP exams either way. Similarly, another friend of mine who has graduated also completed a specialism in economics; has now gone on to study a master’s degree in marketing.

No matter what specialism you choose to study as part of your business undergraduate in DCU, you will gain invaluable experience regardless of the field you decide to enter after graduating.

Author: Peter Killalae, Current Bachelor of Business Studies Student

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