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A Business course for mature students at Letterkenny Institute of Technology is proving to be a launch pad for career progression.
The Business (Hons) – Lifelong Learning is an Honours Business degree with a difference, as it’s part-time and specifically adapted for people who are working full-time and returning to education after many years.
Two such students have elevated their careers during their time studying at LYIT – Chantelle Grant and Arindam Ghosh. Both of their careers took a major leap as a result of their Business Degree.
In the year that Chantelle enrolled, she was Manager of Century Play Letterkenny. By the time she graduated, she had been asked to step up to be General Manager of the entire Century Complex.
Chantelle said the course “hands down” helped her secure her new role.
Chantelle Grant, General Manager of the Century Complex in Letterkenny
The three-and-a-half-year degree is taught on two evenings per week, covering modules in IT, Accounting, Marketing, Economics, Management, Law, and more.
“The course is delivered so you reflect on your own work and deliver it back to your job, I really enjoyed the modules on managing people, human resource modules and I found law and employment law really interesting. I like being able to train people, and having that understanding about people helped me. The leadership skills I gained were especially needed in the last 18 months with people looking to leaders in a business,” says Chantelle.
Century Complex currently has over 60 staff, with new recruits being welcomed soon and the team at Century Play is awaiting the go-ahead to return when restrictions allow.
Chantelle was able to use the course to directly benefit the team. She did her dissertation on how a training and development plan motivates employees in the hospitality sector. At the time, she developed a plan for her colleagues and was rolling it out as research.
While studying requires balance and time commitments, Chantelle said the lecturers are extremely accommodating and supportive. “They are very understanding and know we are working, that really helped take the pressure off,” she said.
Adapting to study while working full-time isn’t without it’s sacrifices, but Chantelle was always motivated by her goals. “People are doing it for a reason and there is a goal to be achieved at the end. If you are doing the course for the right reasons you will always get the time to get the work done,” she said.
Arindam Ghosh used the programme to springboard his career in the HSE.
He said: “It gave me rocket fuel. My career changed in a very positive way. Before my course I was working in operations at Letterkenny University Hospital. I wanted to move to a more strategic role and I thought that upskilling was the only way forward.”
Arindam Ghosh, Project Manager with the HSE
Arindam gained two promotions on the back of his education. He was appointed as Business Manager with the HSE, and then stepped up another level to Project Manager.
“I could never have done it without the course,” he said.
The Lifelong Learning programme was a big attraction to Arindam as it was right on his doorstep. He enjoyed learning about Business Law, Human Resources and Management. The time sacrifices, he said, paid off when he was able to directly improve his work practices.
“The practical aspects, I think, come in more as a mature student. The things you are learning you apply back to work. The group work is hugely beneficial. You are challenging and motivating each other and learning all the time.
“I’m delighted that I went back and I would like more and more people to do it.”
There are many avenues that Business students can take, such as marketing or accounting, and it’s an ideal programme for people who want to develop their current role or upskill for the future.
Chantelle kept the ball rolling after graduating and enrolled in LYIT’s award-winning Masters in Innovation and Leadership programme.
“I am only three modules in and from what I’ve learned and who I’ve met so far I couldn’t speak highly enough about the programme. I’m excited about the work and where it can possibly take me in my current role and what it can help my team achieve. No business is run by one person, it takes a team of people, if I can learn one thing that makes a difference to the team here, it’s worth it.”
If you wish to apply for the Business (Hons) Part-time Degree , visit https://www.lyit.ie/CourseDetails/D401/LY_BBSLL_B/Business(Hons)%E2%80%93LifelongLearning for further information.
Contact Patricia Doherty Head of Department of Business Studies, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by:
- E- Mail: Patricia.Doherty@lyit.ie
- Telephone: (074) 9186202
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lyit.business
