UCC course to host 'taster day' for students ahead of CAO deadline

LEAVING Certificate students are being encouraged to try out a UCC course that brings together the worlds of business and information technology ahead of the CAO deadline.

Business Information Systems (BIS), part of the Cork University Business School, is hosting a hands-on event on tomorrow, Saturday.

There will be demonstrations, presentations, and opportunities to tour the dedicated BIS labs as well as a chance to speak to lecturers and current students.

BIS is a practical course that provides students with a diverse set of skills and a broad understanding of business problem domains and emerging technologies. Graduates are employed in diverse roles across the financial services, pharmaceutical, logistics, IT, health, education, agriculture, and semi-state sectors.

The most recent graduate outcome survey carried out by the UCC Careers Office shows that 93% of the BIS class of 2021 were in employment nine months after graduating. No graduates were seeking employment at the time.

Dr Ciara Fitzgerald, co-director of the BIS degree programme is herself a graduate of the UCC course.

She said: “We understand how difficult it can be for students to pick the course that is right for them. The taster day is an opportunity for students to get a taste of college life and experience the course for themselves before they complete their CAO application.

“Our advice for students is to think about the type of career you would like to have in 8 or 10 years, that job may not even exist right now. Consider courses that have lots of transferable skills, courses that help you to develop personal agility and the flexibility to change.”

The course is informed by an industry advisory board comprising senior IT and business executives. Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of Laya Healthcare is chair of the advisory board.

Mr Clancy added: “There is strong demand for technically competent graduates with a broad business perspective. Advances in technology mean the world of work is changing however the business principles remain the same.

“Students can opt for focused degrees however the broad approach, adopted by courses like BIS, opens a world of opportunities for graduates.

“We find the graduates are more rounded and better placed for the workplace as well as being able to effectively manage and lead change.”

James O’Riordan graduated from BIS in 2018 and now works as a Portfolio Consultant with BlackRock in New York. He was named in Irish America magazine Wall Street Top 50 for 2023.

Mr O’Riordan said: “The programme has a unique approach to learning, offering a balanced mix of lectures and hands-on experiences in dedicated labs. This not only fosters collaborative learning but also allows for the practical application of theory.

“A standout feature is the six-month placement in the third year.”

The BIS taster day takes place tomorrow from 11am to 1pm at the O’Rahilly Building, UCC.

To register visit https://www.cubsucc.com/events/business-information-systems-taster-day/