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Navigating the Path to Queen's: My Journey to Choosing Business Management

Business Management student Connie discusses what led her to choosing Queen's via UCAS and moving to Belfast from the Republic of Ireland.

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Inside Queen's Business School

Choosing to study Business Management at Queen’s University wasn't an easy decision, but it was definitely the right one. My journey to becoming a Queen’s student was a bit more complex in comparison to that of my friends. I'm an insanely indecisive person with a wide range of interests, which made my decision a little harder than most.

Beginning my research

In secondary school, I studied mathematics, business and drama, these A-Level subjects could not have been more different from each other and I loved each of them in their unique way. This made it extremely hard for me to narrow down my degree choices and if I am totally honest I struggled to make this decision right up to the night my UCAS choices had to be submitted.

What's a day in the life like for Queen's Business students?

In sixth year, we attended a UCAS day where I got to speak with representatives from a range of different universities about various subjects. I loved a number of them, and Queen’s was definitely one of my top choices that day. Following this UCAS experience, I decided to weigh the pros and cons of moving away or staying in the country. One thing that concerned me about Queen’s was its proximity to home. I worried I wouldn’t experience a total sense of independence if I went there, but I now know this perception was totally wrong.

"One main factor that led me to pick Queen’s over others included the compulsory placement year that the course has."

In seventh year, I started to do heavy research into potential career paths. After thorough research and a lot of online tests, I finally decided that I wanted to study either a Business Management or Finance degree. This allowed me to focus my university research on these two specific degrees. I liked the sound of Queen’s modules for both Business and Finance and was also drawn to a some courses in Liverpool and Edinburgh.

Business Management or Finance?

The UCAS submission deadline arrived in what felt like a flash, and I ended up applying for both Business Management and Finance at Queen’s, along with three other courses in Liverpool and thankfully I received offers from all of them. While this UCAS decision was relatively easy to make, I started to dread the firm and insurance deadline that was looming as this meant I actually had to narrow down my choices to two degrees and I still wasn’t sure whether I wanted to do business or finance more.

Find out more about undergraduate study at Queen's Business School

I attended an evening event at Queen’s where they showcased all the course details for finance, business, and other subjects in the AHSS faculty. This event was pivotal in making up my mind. Although I really enjoyed the finance talk, I fell in love with the Business Management course after hearing what it involved, where it was held, and hearing the success stories from past students.

Find out more about Queen's open days and upcoming events.

The final decision

After this event, I decided I wanted to study Business Management, but I still wasn’t sure where. I struggled with this decision, but one main factor that led me to pick Queen’s over others included the compulsory placement year that the course has.

A placement year seemed extremely beneficial, especially in a broad subject like Business Management, as it allows you to find your strengths and preferences in career paths. It also provides firsthand experience in the world of work, which I feel is invaluable when applying for competitive roles after university.

Hear more about Connie's course!

The night I submitted Business Management in Queen’s as my Firm choice, I felt an instant wave of relief and it gave me the fire and motivation to study hard and achieve my desired A-Level grades.

Despite the many doubts along my journey, I feel that I definitely picked the right university and ultimately the right course. I wish I could go back and tell myself that everything was going to be just fine!

Find out more

BSc Business Management

Queen's Business School

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A Week in the Life of a First-Year Business Management Student

Connie Woods

Business Management | Undergraduate Student | Ireland

Hi, I’m Connie :)
I love everything about being a Queen's student and I want to share my love with others in the hopes they too can share it some day too!

 Connie Woods
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