"Studying a master's is a choice you won't regret. It will forge a new career path or advance your current one."
My background:
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business at Carlow IT Wexford campus (now SETU) in 2015. Shortly after this, I started working in Zurich Insurance. My journey in Zurich started on the sales team dealing with customers over the phone. This role allowed me to understand the needs of our customers and experience the various touchpoints customers face when dealing with us. I always had a passion for marketing having studied it as a module during my bachelor’s degree.
An opportunity then arose on the marketing team in Zurich and this gave me the chance to become part of a marketing team for a global brand. That’s where my passion for marketing began. I’m now working on the General Insurance marketing team for over 5 years. I work as part of a small team that allows you to learn and explore a variety of areas in marketing. Similarly, that’s what attracted me to SETU, formally known as WIT, group sizes were smaller than other colleges and gives you the chance to learn and shine.
My motivation for doing the programme was:
The MBS programme at SETU provides students with the platform to learn lifelong skills in a practical environment. I was attracted to the variety of modules available with the MBS programme at SETU. The modules on the MBS programme were very similar to my professional role, so I felt the masters programme at SETU was the best route for me to take. Contemporary Sales and Marketing, Digital Marketing, Strategic Marketing planning and Reputation Management were all core areas that attracted me to this course. The course leader Paul Morrissey was incredibly helpful, and approachable, answering any questions or concerns I had when considering my options.
The impact on my career:
From gaining a masters qualification, it will give me the confidence to apply my learning to my current job on a professional level and give me a competitive edge in my career in the future. Marketing is an area that experiences constant change and the masters programme allows you to keep up with the digital advancements and cultural change we experience on a daily basis.
The module or part of the course that will benefit me most:
Since undertaking the marketing programme, it gave me the chance to learn from industry leaders and marketing professionals in other industries. I met some wonderful people along the way that made the difference to my overall experience. Although I started the MBS programme virtually during the pandemic, the lectures provided us with adequate tools and materials to learn in this way. The programme then moved to hybrid learning as the restrictions eased, allowing flexibility for students.
I felt SETU was very accommodating and understood our needs as mature students, most of us learning whilst working full-time.
The masters programme gave me invaluable learnings and unforgettable memories and experiences. The international study trip in Belgium was an incredible experience and a great opportunity for students to learn from industry leaders and government officials, and network with other students on the programme. The round table presentation in Brussels was the most overwhelming but valuable experience. It really gave us the chance to step outside our comfort zone and be confident in making key business decisions.
My advice for adult learners considering this programme is:
Studying a master's is a choice you won't regret. It will forge a new career path or advance your current one. It's an exciting challenge, you will spend a huge amount of time with other marketers which will allow you to be more creative and improve your current skills and talent.
Why I would recommend studying in Waterford:
SETU in Waterford is easily commutable. My commute was less than a 50-minute drive from my hometown in Wexford. Hybrid study gave me the opportunity to partake in lectures both remotely and in person. This helped to keep travel costs to a minimum.
My college experienced also included:
- Friendships / social activity was important factor
- Trip abroad as part of course
- Benefited from Peer 2 Peer participation
- Speaking to staff/students as part of my decision making
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
