Testimonials
We spoke to some of recent graduates of the MSc in Insights & Innovation programme. Here they tell us their experience of the masters and the impact it's had on their career.
Kate Holland, Assistant Marketing Activation Manager, Glanbia
What led you to apply for this programme initially?
This programme was a perfect fit for me from the word go. After graduating from UCD with a BSc in Human Nutrition, I was passionate about pursuing a career in the Irish food and drink industry, yet I was eager to further my studies into food business and innovation, marketing and entrepreneurship. I was attracted to Design Thinking and how businesses are using it to drive insight led innovation, with this course providing an attractive offering in leading its learning with a Design Thinking approach.
The food industry has faced many challenges in the past, and going forward will again encounter societal, economic, environmental challenges to name a few. Design Thinking techniques have been undertaken by the most successful companies in the world, creating innovative solutions in challenging times and circumstances. I was drawn to the opportunity to learn and take inspiration from these world-leading companies, to add to my skill set for my future career within the Irish Agri-food industry.
What do you feel has been the outstanding impact of this programme on your work life?
During the course of the Master’s, Bord Bia’s influence has strengthened my passion to work towards promoting Ireland’s most valuable commodity. Bord Bia’s influence has also taught me of the value of Irish produce in export markets. Irish Agri-food is a leading figure in global food and drink quality, production, sustainability and taste. I look forward to carrying this sense of pride of Irish produce as part of the International Marketing team with Glanbia promoting Irish quality dairy products across the globe, particularly in China and SEA markets.
I have learned to work as part of a dynamic team, highlighting the significance of bringing market and product insights into the process from concept to shelf. Along with my toolkit of skills I have gained from practical and exciting modules, led by experts in their field, I will continue my career consumer focused and with an unquenchable thirst for innovation.
Christina Furlong, Market Research & Consumer Insight Specialist, Kerry Group
How did you find the programme itself? How much of a challenge was it?
The course was an absolute whirlwind for me. Design thinking redefines how you think and gives you tools to see the world differently. The course taught me that innovation isn’t magic, it’s a process that you can practice and refine. You might still have your eureka moment in the bath but only after you’ve done lots of hard thinking. Throughout the course, there were lots of really exhilarating days spent investigating problems ‘in the field’ or in a workshop ideating. There was of course many early mornings and late nights as well.
Living in the context of learning innovation and applying it in the workplace is another challenge but where there is challenge there is opportunity. For most participants in the course there was high expectation that you could come in and create successful innovation in the first few weeks or months and that’s not really the case. I was fortunate to find a great fit when I joined Kerry Group. I was never treated like an ‘intern’. The right people adopted me and put a structure around me that meant they could learn with me and were willing to come along on the innovation journey. Getting to know your colleagues, experiencing the culture of the company and learning about their products take time and are very important to having a successful experience. Only then can you show your impact and take on responsibility.
What doors has the course opened up for you?
Since completing the course, I was offered the opportunity to stay with Kerry. I plan on spending the next couple of years there learning more and more about insights and innovation. No two days are the same and that really excites me. The course has given me a massive boost in my career to a role that I didn’t know existed two years ago. I have a trusted and respected voice in the business and my network has vastly expanded. I would encourage anyone who is interested to back themselves and apply, you have nothing to lose and so much to gain.