Emma McCann – Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Tourism and Event Management

Name: Emma McCann

From:  Sligo

School: Ursuline College Sligo

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course:

During Secondary School, I was unsure what career path I wanted to pursue, I was always interested in travelling and events, and my Career Guidance Councilor in school recommended the Bachelor of Business in Tourism with Event Management course in ATU Sligo. I decided it would be best to take a year out after my Leaving Cert and do a PLC course as I was unsure which third level route I wanted to take.

I am extremely grateful that I decided to complete a PLC as I learned what I enjoyed and what I wanted to study for the next 3-4 years. Looking at the modules that were offered contributed highly to my decision in choosing this course. The fact that this course offers tourism and event management rather than one specific area meant I could get a feel for both industries. My main aim before commencing in the Business in Tourism with Event Management course in ATU Sligo, was to get involved in the Event Management industry as I admired the work ethic of event managers. However, after my 1^st year, I began enjoying the tourism modules a lot more than I had ever expected.

What specifically about the course did you particularly enjoy?

I particularly enjoyed the range of modules available throughout the 4 years, particularly the event management module in 3^rd year. This module allowed us to create an event from scratch, which gave me an insight into the complexity of organising and creating an event.

I also enjoyed that we had a small group in the course throughout the 4 years. I felt this impacted my experience as friendships were easily formed and lecturers were able to communicate with students with any potential queries.

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

I think it would be beneficial for new applicants to be aware that class groups are small, which allows individuals to have closer relationships with lecturers and students. I found the personal connection with lecturers and the real interest they took in supporting students to be a huge benefit to me. I know from some of my friends in other colleges they have 200-300 people in their courses and lecturers may not even know your name, whereas I found lecturers would help you with any query you have.

This course also offers a 6-month paid work placement of your choice, in Ireland or around the world, to different tourism and event management related organisations worldwide.

Any favourite modules during your time studying?

I enjoyed strategic and global tourism as two modules as these gave me a deeper understanding of the global side of tourism alongside the effects of tourism on different destinations globally. I enjoyed delving into different destinations and understanding the challenges they face due to tourism.

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

I would strongly suggest that some key skills I learned which has an influence in my future career would be the understanding of the core tourism concepts and trends within the industry. There is also a large focus on sustainability and the issues involved whilst trying to manage its impacts, this is necessary in today’s world as sustainability is becoming more and more significant.  

Can you share some detail of your career path or further studies to date

I would be interested in the Sustainable Tourism and Event Management Masters which is a new Masters being launched for the first year this year.

What does your current role involve?

My current role as Travel Consultant involves dealing with all aspects of Travel Agency business, GDS, Dot coms, and Bedbanks, answering phone calls and dealing with any queries, quotes and complaints that may arise. I co-ordinate bookings ensuring flights, accommodation, insurance, and transfers are organised as per the customers’ requirements. Along with the payments customers make for their booking and ensuring all payment has been approved and cleared off before departure. I also need to ensure guests get their hotel voucher, transfer voucher, flight itinerary, boarding passes and any other necessary information before departure. It is extremely important that there is no breach in GDPR from all guest information, and to also inform guests of any necessary information regarding their booking. I also make a conscious effort to support any requests made by customers and research inventively for required aspects for a customer’s holiday.

For my other role as Digital Marketer and Artist Liaison for the Cairde Arts Festival and Sligo Jazz Project, I am in charge of creating, drafting, and scheduling posts for all social media channels such as, Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok etc. These posts may consist of a photo post or video post which I must create and develop from footage, or photos gathered from the different artist’s or events that we are promoting. I am in charge of keeping active on all platforms and responding to any queries made. I deal with the delivery of press releases and send them to the different DJ’s, artists, and other individuals. Whilst the festivals take place, I need to ensure the smooth process for artist’s when arriving to different events taking place to ensure outstanding service is upheld for the artist. During the events, I ensure there is enough content being created and uploaded for individuals who are attending, will be attending or may attend events in the future.

What advice would you share with our current students considering a career in your field?

I would strongly advise to choose a work placement in an organisation that offers good future opportunities or careers, which would allow individuals to gain experience whilst on their work placement, whilst also have the potential for further employment.

What did you like best about studying in ATU Sligo?

The culture and friendliness of students in ATU Sligo is something which made my experience so enjoyable. Whilst being a large university college, it provides a more friendly, personable environment for students to study in.

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

It is so important to put yourself out there to talk to students and lecturers as much as possible, to create long lasting friendships. By creating relationships, this will help ease you into the setting and will make you feel more comfortable within the course. Having strong connections will also be beneficial when it comes to group work, especially in this course as there is lots of group work and I found it easier when you have stronger relationships to ask for help if necessary.

I also think it is so important not to be afraid to ask for help if you need it, there are loads of support systems set up on campus and they are set up to be availed of, so ask for help as and when needed.

 Learn more about the Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Tourism and Event Management