Ailbhe Brioscú

I chose BESS as I liked how customisable it was. In first year, I studied compulsory classes in management, economics, mathematics and statistics, political science and sociology; which gave me a great insight into the different disciplines, before deciding what to specialise in. I also loved the ability to continue studying a language and put it into use, through the option to participate in an Erasmus exchange. I chose to study abroad for a semester in third year; attending Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management in Belgium, where I studied predominantly at a Masters level. This was an absolutely amazing experience and I would definitely recommend doing an Erasmus.

4 years

Currently I am completing my fourth and final year at Trinity College Dublin. I have decided to pursue postgraduate education in the 2018/19 academic year. I have been accepted to the London School of Economics (LSE) to pursue a Masters in the area of Political Economy. Political Economy is a branch of economics and is one of my final year specialisms in Trinity. This Masters will allow me gain an insight into the intersection between economics and the political system, and equip me with the skills needed in the field of economic and public policy.

During the summer following my first year at Trinity, I was selected to complete a three month traineeship with the European Parliament, Directorate-General for Communication in Dublin. I was the youngest Irish “stagiaire” to date and one of the youngest EU-wide at just 18 years of age. During my traineeship, I attended the June 2015 Plenary Session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg; the official seat of the European Parliament. This was an amazing opportunity to gain a first-hand insight into the inner workings of one of the key players in EU wide decision making and policy design. I also represented the European Parliament at Seanad and Dáil Éireann events, such as European Commissioner Phil Hogan’s address to the Seanad and the launch of the report on the “UK/EU Future Relationship: Implications for Ireland” by the Irish Government’s Joint Committee on European Union Affairs; which was in anticipation of a potential British exit from the EU.

My biggest piece of advice would be to make sure you choose your Leaving Cert subjects based on what you enjoy. Enjoying your subjects undoubtedly makes everything that bit easier. The same can be said for choosing your college course; do what you enjoy and set aside time in fifth year to think about it, rather than making a rushed decision in sixth year.