Activities outside the lecture hall play a crucial role when employers are hiring staff from third level colleges.

Graduates are now discovering that their academic performance must be coupled with contribution to college life, clubs and societies if they want to succeed in the competitive graduate recruitment market.

In an article written about the 2011 graduate recruitment cycle, David Broderick, who organises graduate placements for IBEC's Export Orientation Programme (EOP), said society and club involvement at 3^rd level was a vital indication of organisation skills and teamwork, which are vital for graduate employers.

Up to 1,000 people apply to IBEC for placements with a variety of companies on a global basis. Of the shortlisted 200, many were involved in societies and extra-curricular activities. Mr Broderick says that “What students have to remember is that everyone in their class is doing the same degree.... What employers are looking for is something that makes them stand out from the crowd”

Studies have also demonstrated that students who participate in clubs and societies are more likely to succeed at 3^rd level, less likely to drop out and consistently graduate with better results, as they develop time management skills to allow them to attend classes while participating in additional activities.

Dublin Business School has a vibrant Sports and Societies department that allows you to participate in your area of interest – please visit our website for a full list of clubs and societies.They additionally provide the opportunity for you to develop the skills from your college course, as event management, journalism, film, retail and psychology courses all have their own societies for students to join.

So when choosing your college for Autumn, ensure that you are choosing Dublin Business School to ensure that you can work hard, play hard and impress employers upon graduation.  For further information about DBS and our Full-Time Undergraduate programmes, please contact our admissions of by email admissions@dbs.ie or call 01 4177 500.

Caitriona McGrattan, DBS's welfare officer is a vital member of the student services team, as she supports students throughout their studies in any area where they feel they may need assistance, advice or a friendly chat in the SU office. This week she discusses her role at DBS and involvement in college life.

Quick summary of the roles/responsibilities of a Welfare Officer

If I had to describe my role in word one it would be: listener. I am someone that students can come and chat with about anything that’s on their mind; academic anxieties, personal problems, family issues etc - I am essentially the first point of support for all students in DBS 

What is a typical day in the student services department?

Our job is so diverse; there is very little about our role that stays the same from day to day! From our two offices we manage all the DBS Sports teams and Societies, we organise monthly nights out and events (including Freshers’ Week, Halloween Ball and the Annual Formal Event) and we support students through any academic and non-academic issues they may have. We also work with class reps and the Student Council to make sure students’ voices are heard directly by the College.

What is your most memorable DBS event been this year?

We had so many great events this year that it’s hard to pick just one; Freshers’ Week in October, when we welcome all the new students to the College, was great, the Halloween Ball was epic, and Raise And Give Week (RAG Week) was great. But if I had to pick one it would be the Annual Ball and Sports & Societies Awards. It is great to see everyone dressed in their best and the Awards make the night a really special occasion for anyone involved in our teams and student societies.

Next week Caitriona will discuss what makes DBS such a great choice for 3rd level study. To learn more about the student services department, please visit our website