LYIT students get ready to head for Shangai.
Choosing to return to education or change career can be a daunting prospect anytime.
However, for a group of mature students at LYIT their journey is taking them all the way to Shanghai.
The Springboard Professional Selling and International Marketing (China) programme at LYIT is an innovative course and the first of its kind in Ireland, and includes two months intensive exposure to businesses and potential employers in Shanghai.
The 14 people selected for the course are from various backgrounds ranging from accounting to teaching and hospitality to a former member of An Garda Síochána.
The programme is funded by the Higher Education Authority through the Springboard initiative, with the support of the Department of Social Protection.
During the last 6 months the class has been studying the essentials of how to do business in China, learning Mandarin and cultural etiquette, marketing and selling.
For many of the people on the programme China holds a genuine fascination, now they hope they can turn that fascination into real opportunity.
On the eve of his departure to China, student Terence Heeney who is originally from Dublin and now living in Castleblayney, revealed his hopes are for the future.
“I’m looking forward to returning to China and to practicing my Mandarin and exploring new opportunities. I view the programme as a stepping stone to pursue a graduate programme with an Irish company.”
Terence already has strong connections with China, having spent 3 years working there teaching English as a volunteer.
He met is wife in Kunming (Yunnan Province) and now they have a 3 year old son fluent in Mandarin and English.
He travelled daily from Castleblayney to study at LYIT.
“The Chinese element was a big draw but also the selling and marketing. When I returned from China last year my focus was to go on to third level and this course has given me that opportunity. It was a perfect way to combine the Chinese aspect and business. I know I’ll have a qualification which will enable me to go on to further study.”
Patricia Doherty, Head of Department of Business Studies at LYIT, is confident about successful outcomes from the course.
“The calibre of the candidates has been outstanding and we know that some key alliances will be made whilst in China. We wish the class every success and look forward to hearing about their visit when they return.”
Terence adds, “I’ve learned how to apply myself to studying again and I’m glad I was accepted on to the programme. Everyone has been very supportive and helpful, it’s been a good experience. I’ve still more to do on my Mandarin!”
Jill Murphy, International Education Manager at LYIT, who had a major input into compiling the programme and teaches Mandarin explains, “It was a key aspect to include practical insights on doing business in China whilst simultaneously learning the language. The combination of sales, culture and language aims to give the participants a solid foundation to develop real job prospects.”
The business program in Shanghai has been arranged by a company called Zhida International who are an Irish-Chinese business and education consultants.
Terence says that where he was living previously in China was quite poor and Shanghai will be a different type of experience.
“Given that Shanghai has a population of 24 million people it will be a culture shock. China is a complex, vast country where things are done very differently. Relationships are very important so it will be interesting to meet the various companies and businesses. I’m hoping it will lead to new opportunities. ”