GMIT students learn about options

Business students in GMIT learned about a diverse range of jobs opportunities currently available in EU institutions at special talks delivered by the Minister for European Affairs Helen McEntee and Daragh Higgins of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, in GMIT on Tuesday.

Professor Graham Heaslip, Head of the GMIT School of Business, welcomed Minister McEntee and department delegates to the Galway campus this morning where they gave presentations on the EU and outlined jobs in the European Commission, European Parliament, European Council, Council of the European Union, European Central Bank, European Court of Auditors and others EU Institutions.

Over 200 students studying Business, Accounting, Economics and Finance attended the event hosted by the GMIT School of Business and the GMIT Careers Service. The first talk, titled ‘EU jobs and applying to the European Institutions’ was presented by Daragh Higgins, EU Jobs Campaigns Co-ordinator, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade; Minister Helen McEntee’s talk was titled ‘The Future of Europe’.

Minister McEntee said: “Young people in Ireland will grow up and work in the EU and it is important that their views and opinions are heard in respect of its future. The EU from 20 years ago is completely unrecognisable. It has grown from 15 to 28 member states, 19 of those countries have the same currency and we have deeper integration and a better understanding of each of other than ever before. In 20 years’ time, the EU will be different again. This morning’s engagement with students and staff has been very positive and I look forward to future engagements on the Future of Europe.”

The Minister also highlighted the important of students taking a second language as part of their degree studies, in all disciplines, if they are considering careers in EU institutions.

Professor Graham Heaslip, Head of the School of Business, said the students were delighted to hear first-hand about the range of options open to them upon graduation. “An EU career offers opportunities to work in an environment that is making a difference.”

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.