Joe Keaney

BBs (Hons) in Sport with Business

Sligo

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choose your degree?

I have a huge interest in sports and play Gaelic Football with my local club and the Sligo county team. In secondary school, business was a subject that I enjoyed so I felt the Sport with Business degree in ATU Sligo was a good fit for me.

What specifically about the degree did you particularly enjoy?

The degree is very broad and explored a lot of interesting modules such as Exercise and Health Psychology, Gym Instruction and Nutrition/Performance. This is alongside traditional and innovative business modules such as Marketing, Accounting and Economics. This meant I got an opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of business and sports areas.

What is the best thing about the degree that you think new applicants should know?

The lecturers are friendly and helpful and will get to know you outside of an academic setting, often helping in your sporting career or providing career guidance advice.

Any favourite modules during your time studying?

I took something out of every module but one that sticks out in my final year was Health Promotion. I liked the mix of theory and practical in this module. In particular, organising and carrying out a workshop on healthy habits in sport for a disadvantaged group was a highlight. It was very rewarding and a great experience for potential future work.

What key skills did you learn while studying in ATU Sligo that have influenced your career?

By balancing sport and study throughout my time at ATU Sligo as a sports scholarship student as I have learned invaluable skills like time management and organisation that will help in my future career.

What did you like best about studying in ATU Sligo?

The community feel in the university is excellent. Also, the sports facilities are amazing. The GAA pitch and the gym were of great use to me throughout my time in ATU Sligo.

What advice would you give a first-year student starting in ATU Sligo?

Try to keep on top of attendance and get to know your classmates. There is a wide variety of clubs and societies to join. These are a great way to meet new people and make new friends.