Bord Bia has today announced that recruitment is under way to select 20 ambitious individuals to take part in a unique year-long career-enhancement programme in association with the University College Dublin (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 €12bn export target by 2020.
The Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship offers graduates from all disciplines the combined opportunity of obtaining an masters in international marketing 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 at Bord Bia said: “With Irish food and drink exports approaching €10bn 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 masters 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 under way 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 world’s 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.”
Applications are welcomed from graduates with a minimum of two and three years of 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 5 March 2013.
For further information or to submit an application visit www.smurfitschool.ie/bordbia.
Pictured: Bord Bia Marketing Fellows Ronan Gormley and Emer Dunne today announced that recruitment is underway to select 20 ambitious individuals to take part in a unique career-enhancement programme in association with the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School