We're excited to introduce Jane Walker from Kilkenny, a Market Advisor based in Singapore who is currently undertaking the Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship. With a BSc in Food Science and an MSc in Food Business and Innovation from University College Cork, Jane entered the programme with a wealth of knowledge and passion for the Irish food and drink industry, however Jane was looking for the prime opportunity to expand her experience on an international scale - enter the Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship.
Jane's prior experience in Business Development and New Product Development (NPD) had equipped her with a keen understanding of market dynamics before entering the programme. Read on as Jane shares her experiences, insights, and the exciting journey of her fellowship with us.
Building on experience
I have a BSc in Food Science and MSc in Food Business and Innovation, having studied both degrees at UCC. Before joining the programme, I previously held roles in Business Development and NPD with a successful Irish food company. I loved my time there and knew I wanted to build on my knowledge by working in a growth market like Southeast Asia.
New opportunities
Since joining the fellowship, I’ve had the opportunity to travel around Southeast Asia on customer visits, represent clients at tradeshows and speak at sector seminars. It has greatly helped my confidence and public speaking ability. Having never visited Asia prior to starting, I have ticked off some bucket list travel experiences like hiking in Indonesia and skiing in Japan. Singapore is so well connected that many trips are close by and can even be done in a weekend.
Enjoying the programme
Everyone says it’s the people you meet, but it is true. I’ve made great friends along the way and I know I’ll stay in touch even after the programme is over. The travel opportunities and the endless food options are also a huge plus!
The biggest learning
The importance of networking cannot be overstated, and the sharing of business cards! You never know when you’ll run into the same person again, or when you might need to use those connections. Seeing the potential for Irish food in Asia has been exciting too. We are very lucky to have some of the best food and food standards in the world and that message is spreading.
The biggest challenge
For family reasons, I had to return home for a short period during the programme. With this came the challenge of trying to maintain my client work while being out of market. I revisited the project brief with my clients and was able to create a new short-term project that I could progress while in Ireland. I had the full support of UCD and the Bord Bia team and they made this adjustment much easier for me.
Advice for marketing fellowship applicants
It offers you the most unique opportunity to progress both professionally and personally, with the help of supportive teams. For me, Bord Bia’s Singapore office is part of Ireland House, so I really got the chance to build my connections within the Irish business community. This will really stand to you whether you decide to return to Ireland or stay in your chosen market. The travel opportunity, be that for work or personal reasons, was also a highlight for me.
Interested in the Bord Bia Talent Academy Marketing Fellowship? We are currently recruiting for the 2025 programme, with applications closing in September. Click Here to learn more.