Bord Bia has today announced that recruitment is underway to select 20 ambitious individuals to take part in a unique year-long career-enhancement programme in association with the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School while representing Ireland in key global markets. The programme is an important initiative in developing a pipeline of new talent for the sector and supporting the Irish food and drink sectors' drive to reach a €12 billion export target by 2020.
The Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship offers graduates from all disciplines the combined opportunity of obtaining an MSc International Marketing Practice masters from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School while completing action learning assignments on behalf of Irish food companies in one of 12 key overseas markets. Participants receive a bursary of €22,800 in addition to having their tuition fees paid.
Michael Murphy, Director of Markets, Bord Bia said "With Irish food and drink exports approaching €10 billion for the first time in 2013, there has never been a more exciting time to get involved in our largest indigenous industry. We are looking for some of Ireland's most ambitious, energetic and motivated individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds to represent us on the world stage and make a real difference to the future of our food and drink industry."
Professor Damien McLoughlin of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School said "The Fellowship programme allows 20 ambitious professionals the unique opportunity to become part of the Irish food and drink success story, while gaining a valuable MSc in International Marketing Practice. The combination of action learning client assignments in key overseas markets with academic learning has been highly successful, and participants gain outstanding career prospects."
This is the sixth year of the programme and applicants are currently being sought from ambitious professionals with an interest in business development and sales. The 2013-2014 programme is currently underway with 20 Fellows in place in 12 markets around the globe enhancing prospects for a range of Irish food and drink products including meat, dairy, seafood, beverages and prepared foods.
Colin Clarke from Longford, based in Dubai said "The Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship allows you the opportunity to up-skill through academic based learning in one of the worlds top business schools involving action based learning working with some of Ireland's most progressive food companies. You also get the chance to explore new places and cultures both professionally and personally which is very exciting and interesting. I would encourage any business professional with a passion for food and travel to take the opportunity to apply for the programme."
Ronan McLoughlin from Tipperary, based in Sydney said "I love being based in a completely new market where every day brings a new challenge. Huge faith and trust is bestowed on you in completing client company assignments which is a fantastic learning opportunity for anyone who loves Irish food and enjoys dealing with new people."
Emer Dunne from Meath, based in Stolkholm said "The Fellowship provides an opportunity for me to use the skills I have learned through my career in media but in a dynamic and growing Irish food industry. During my time in the programme I have gained new skills and built on my strengths, and I have had the chance to work with and learn from some of Ireland's best food companies, and also live and work in a foreign market (the Nordics). I'm excited by the career opportunities at the end of the programme, but in the meantime I'm enjoying every minute of it!"
Nick McIlroy from Belfast, based in China said "I was looking for an opportunity to work in a growth sector in a dynamic market where I could roll my sleeves up and get stuck in.& I also wanted to learn in an environment where I had support and first-rate mentoring from industry experts to enhance and develop my skill set while earning an internationally recognised post-graduate qualification.& With the Bord Bia/Smurfit School Fellowship I get all these things plus a new group of friends around the world."
How to apply
Applications are welcomed from graduates with a minimum of 2-3 years work experience and in interest in business development and sales. Some placements will require fluency in a second language. Applicants will undergo a rigorous selection process and the 20 candidates demonstrating the most potential to add value to the Irish food and drink industry will be selected. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 5th March 2014.
For further information or to submit an application, visit www.smurfitschool.ie/bordbia