Future is looking bright for Magee Masters student Marie

A local woman, who returned to education in her 30s, believes a University of Ulster Masters course has brought her one step closer to securing a job near her home.

Marie Duffy, from Carrowmena, outside Moville, will shortly complete her Masters in Business Studies at the University’s Ulster Business School, based at the Magee campus in Derry, this month.

While she has already been offered employment, she has decided to complete her exams first.

“I’m in talks with a local company about a managerial post. Nothing is concrete yet but I’m delighted to be in the running as it’s so difficult to find work at the moment and I’ve no doubt the course has helped me,” said Marie.

“Previously, when I applied for jobs in Northern Ireland I found that I had the experience but not the necessary education requirements.

“I had always thought about going to doing a course in business, but I wasn’t sure I could do it. Although I could see that having the Masters would help me gain employment.”

Marie (36), had serious doubts about embarking on the course having been away from the classroom for some time.

“If I’m honest, I had a major fear about doing this course, I had been out of education for years and the thought of assignments and exams didn’t appeal to me but my family encouraged me and I went along to an open night,” she said.

“I met the Course Director, Grainne Tuohy, who was extremely helpful, I had loads of questions but the biggest one was, ‘are you sure I can do this?’ “Grainne talked me through the layout of the course, the subjects being offered, the internship and the support available.

“I left that night feeling that maybe I could do it, so I signed up for the course and it was the best decision I have made!”

Marie had worked in managerial roles for the past 10 years, most recently as a claims manager for a health insurance company in Phoenix, Arizona. Course Director Grainne Tuohy said: “This programme is suited to graduates who wish to develop their business skills to a world class standard. The programme is structured around six modules per semester and is delivered over two days each week. It enables participants to apply leading edge thinking in key business areas such as leadership, strategy and finance.”

The closing date for Master of Business Studies (MBS) applications is tomorrow, January 30.

To find out more or reserve a place, contact Grainne Tuohy on 028 7637 5541 or email g.tuohy@ulster.ac.uk or call the School office 028 7137 5028 or email ag.lindsay@ulster.ac.uk