IF THE business studies graduates from the University of Limerick in 1995 67.5 per cent found jobs in Ireland, 12 per cent were employed overseas, 16 per cent went on to further studies 2 per cent were not available for employment (possibly back-packing in Australia) and 2.5 per cent were seeking employment, when they were contacted by the college.

"The employment scene is the most buoyant we've ever had," says Mary Sweeney, co-operative education manager at the University of Limerick with regard to the business studies graduate job market. Business studies students at UL do not begin to specialise until the third year of their degree programme. When choosing, they pick from five areas - accounting and finance economics and finance, marketing personnel management, risk management and insurance.

Whichever area the students specialise in, they tend to work in that area afterwards," says Sweeney.

"What we don't want to produce are specialists who don't understand the business context. About one third will take business and language, the combination is very, very good."

Studies have found (see panel right) that the number of graduates who make direct entry to different aspects of the financial services particularly banking, has continued to grow. Other areas entered by business or commerce graduates include marketing, sales and retail management, with fewer entering computing and purchasing.

Research shows employers are particularly interested in recruiting graduates who have a business qualification plus computer skills. In addition, areas such as telephone banking are expanding and affording new opportunities. The finding of a recent survey that over 11 per cent of all graduates in 1995 entered the financial services sector, gives an indication of how positive things look.

The financial services sector is one of the most buoyant in the whole economy and employment opportunities are plentiful. There are now 40,000 people employed in the area, with 3,200 working in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Dublin.

If you want to pursue business studies at Trinity College Dublin, there is a choice of 10 degree programmes under the business, economic and social studies umbrella. title. There is a common first year, however, and students do not have to make a choice until the beginning of second year. The common first-year programme comprises courses in economics, management, political science, sociology, statistics, computing and either mathematics or law.

Patrick McCabe, co-ordinator of the business studies and language course at TCD, explains that the university's approach to business studies is to provide a wide-based foundation, with interdisciplinary courses covering economics, political science and sociology.

Last year there were 10,488 CAO applicants who listed business/ administration degree courses as their first choice. They were competing for 3,330 places. A ratio of three applicants to each available place. At cert and diploma level there are twice as many places available in this area, although last year there were also twice as many first preference applicants. However, points were considerably lower.

For many students, DIT Mountjoy Square offers a chance to study business to certificate and diploma level, concentrating in particular on the retailing and services aspect. Pat O'Neill, head of the school of distribution at DIT, Mountjoy Square, says students can progress upwards to degree and post-graduate level. Although they mainly go into retailing, graduates also go into businesses such as banks, insurance brokers and insurance companies.

There are further courses at Athlone RTC. Here students have the option of studying for a two-year national certificate in business studies, which leads on in third year to one of three national diplomas. The option of diversifying and specialising is encouraged at all third-level colleges.

"My advise always is not to specialise too soon," says Patrick McCabe.

"The category of the degree is important regardless of the discipline," he says. "The more sophisticated employers are just looking for well-trained minds that can analyse critically and look at issues and problems in a relatively complex way.