Unlock Your Potential: Why a Bachelor of Business is the Right Choice

In 2020, the Irish Times claimed that business was one of the most popular fields of study in Ireland, with approximately one in every six applicants to the Central Applications Office (CAO) listing a business degree as their top choice (Source: www.irishtimes.com/news/education/business-degrees-among-the-most-popular-choices-1.4178585).

In this article, we investigate why a Bachelor of Business degree has remained the right choice, particularly in light of today’s fast-moving business climate.

From gaining in-demand skills to accessing wide-ranging career opportunities, the Bachelor of Business is one of the most flexible and relevant degrees for today’s professional landscape. In this article, we explore what makes it such a strong choice—whether you’re starting straight out of school or coming back later in life.

Develop Essential Business Skills

A Bachelor of Business equips you with a powerful mix of practical and strategic abilities. Employers consistently seek graduates who can think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Through your studies, you’ll develop:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving: Learn how to analyse complex situations, assess risk, and develop solutions.
• Communication and teamwork: Gain confidence in presenting ideas, collaborating with others, and adapting to diverse working environments.
• Leadership and management: Understand the principles of leading teams, managing operations, and setting organisational goals.
• Data analysis and interpretation: Use business intelligence and analytics to guide decision-making.
• Adaptability and innovation: Prepare for disruption and change, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

In an age of rapid technological change—particularly with the rise of AI and automation—these human-centred skills are more important than ever. While AI is transforming how businesses operate, it still cannot replace the nuanced judgement, emotional intelligence, or ethical leadership required in management roles. According to the World Economic Forum, analytical thinking, creativity, and flexibility are among the top skills expected to be in demand in 2025 and beyond (Source: www.weforum.org The Future of Jobs Report 2023).

McKinsey & Company also notes that up to 30% of hours worked globally could be automated by 2030, but roles requiring social and emotional skills will grow significantly (Source: www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/the-future-of-work-after-covid-19). This shift means that employers are increasingly looking for professionals who can navigate uncertainty, lead with empathy, communicate across cultures, and bring a collaborative spirit to complex environments.

Soft skills like active listening, strategic thinking, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others are becoming key differentiators in the workplace. A Bachelor of Business not only teaches the technical skills of business—but also cultivates the personal and interpersonal qualities that future-focused employers value.

These skills are applicable across industries and form a solid foundation for both employment and further study.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Graduates with a Bachelor of Business degree are well-positioned to enter leadership and management roles in top organisations across Ireland. Major employers like Medtronic (Galway), Google, Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, and Grant Thornton consistently list business, commerce, or related degrees as key requirements for positions in areas such as consulting, project management, operations, and financial leadership.

These companies represent some of Ireland’s largest and most dynamic employers. All are looking for candidates with the kind of well-rounded, analytical, and professional mindset that a Bachelor of Business helps develop.

Business Education in Ireland and Europe

Across the EU, approximately 76% of business managers hold qualifications at ISCED Level 5 or above - a benchmark that includes Ireland’s QQI Level 6 and higher (Higher Certificate and above). In Ireland specifically, 48% of adults aged 20–74 hold third-level qualifications (NFQ Levels 6–10), with business among the most popular fields.

This shows a clear trend: business-related degrees are not only desirable but often essential for advancement into management and leadership roles. Educational attainment continues to correlate strongly with employment outcomes, especially in larger organisations and multinationals.

(Source: www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/data-insights/business-managers-skills-opportunities-and-challenges-2023-update)

When Can You Embark on a Bachelor of Business Degree?

You don’t need to be at a single life stage to start a Bachelor of Business degree. Many students begin right after school, building a strong academic and professional foundation. Others join later in life, after gaining work experience or deciding to pursue a new path.

If you’re already working, the degree can formalise your skills and help you move into leadership. If you’re just starting out, it offers a structured way to explore what interests you and begin building career capital early.

Thanks to flexible study options offered by many institutions, this qualification is realistic and achievable - whether you’re beginning or rebooting your professional journey.

The Advantages of Starting Now vs Later

Taking a Bachelor of Business Degree Straight After School:

• Jump-start your career and education simultaneously
• Access to graduate programmes and internships
• Strong peer networks and student support
• Early development of strategic thinking and leadership skills

Taking a Bachelor of Business Degree Later in Life:

• Apply real-world knowledge to academic theory
• Sharpen and formalise skills learned through experience
• Gain credibility for career progression or transition
• Study with clear goals and motivation

Both routes are valid and valuable. What matters most is aligning your study with your personal and professional goals.

The Galway Business School Advantage

At Galway Business School, students can choose from two flexible, industry-aligned pathways:

• Bachelor of Business Degree (Level 7): A three-year programme that builds comprehensive skills in marketing, management, and finance.
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business (Level 8): An optional add-on year for Level 7 graduates focusing on international markets and strategic leadership.

With small class sizes, expert faculty, and a location on Ireland’s west coast near major employers like Medtronic, GBS offers a supportive and career-focused learning environment.

So why is this qualification the right choice? In a nutshell.

A Bachelor of Business degree offers more than just academic achievement - it’s a gateway to growth, leadership, and opportunity in a world which is increasingly favouring human-facing soft skills over the old-school business heavyweight skills which are largely being automated. Whether you’re aiming to launch your career or take it in a new direction, this qualification can provide the skills, confidence, and credibility to thrive. We think that the kind of small-class environment offered by Galway Business School is the best place to develop the very interpersonal skills you’re going to need. What do you think?

Explore more: www.galwaybusinessschool.ie/programmes/undergraduate/

Talk to a real person about you and your plans:https://www.galwaybusinessschool.ie/contact