Simon Connell from Athlone is currently undertaking the Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship programme working as an Irish food ambassador in London. In the UK, Daniel is working on business developments projects for a number of Irish food and drink companies.
With recruitment underway for 20 ambitious individuals to take part in the next phase of the Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship programme, which is run in association with the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, Jack would encourage graduates with a minimum of two years work experience to consider applying.
Connell was formerly a retail manager before moving into working for an experiential marketing company. The highlight of the programme for him so far was working on the Bord Bia stand at the Speciality Fine Food Fair, which provided an opportunity to work with a variety of Irish food producers and to build strong relationships.
Speaking about the programme, Mr Connell said: “I would definitely encourage others to apply for a position on the Fellowship as the active learning sessions in Smurfit far exceed any other classes that I have attended during my education. Not only this, but the level of responsibility and autonomy afforded to us during the year working in another market has been a great opportunity to develop skills that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.”
Successful applicants will undertake assignments in overseas markets on behalf of Irish food and drink companies while working towards a masters degree. The fully funded programme merges academic learning with practical experience in order to support the growing Irish food industry.
Applications are now open for the MSc in International Marketing Practice, an intensive 12-month action learning programme. Those applying should be graduates with a minimum of two to three years work experience and have an interest in business development and sales. Some placements will require fluency in a second language.
The programme is fully funded with participants receiving a bursary of €22,800 in addition to having their tuition fees paid. Twenty candidates demonstrating the most potential to add value to the Irish food and drink industry will be selected.
Applications can be made by visiting www.smurfitschool.ie/bordbia The closing date for applications is March 5, 2016.
