THE Ulster University Business School has agreed a two-year partnership with the Odyssey Trust.
The partnership will see players of the Belfast Giants study on courses at the Business School, while in turn the school will benefit from exclusive access to players and coaches as guest speakers, and also the opportunity to participate in STEM projects which will enrich the experience of all students of the Business School.
The partnership will also provide the school with a platform to promote its wide portfolio of business-related degree programmes to thousands of Belfast Giants fans and give it access to W5’s corporate facilities as a venue for teaching, holding business collaboration events and enhancing university students’ experience by supporting Belfast Giants’ home matches.
Marie McHugh, Dean of the Ulster University Business School, explained: “We have had a close working relationship with the Belfast Giants over the past 10 years and over 20 players have already benefited from completing masters courses in management, business administration and sport management.
“Given the relatively short career of most sportspeople, it makes good sense for them to think beyond their active playing years and to prepare for life after sport. This partnership will facilitate access to courses for the players and will also enable us to provide our students with appropriate internships with the Giants and the Odyssey when they arise.”
In September, six Belfast Giants players will begin courses in sport management, business administration and management. Mike Forney and Jon Boxill have enrolled in a two-year MBA course whilst Mike Radja will cover the MBA in one year.
James Desmarais will spread his MSc in Sport Management over two years whilst Kris Beech and Johan Ejdepalm will complete their MSc programmes in one year.
Robert Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Odyssey Trust, said: “As a Postgraduate Alumni of the Business School, I am delighted to welcome the School to the Odyssey and to participate in this partnership.
“Education is at the core of everything that the Belfast Giants and Odyssey Trust do and this partnership with the Business School is testament to that ethos.”