Search for the Best

Irish food industry launches search for 30 ambitious professionals to fly the flag overseas

The programme has the potential to deliver in excess of €20 million in sales for Irish food companies in 3 years

Bord Bia and the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School today launched a search for 30 highly motivated professionals to represent the Irish food industry in overseas markets.Applications are being sought for two scholarship programmes that combine academic learning with a foreign industry placement. Successful applicants will undertake assignments in overseas markets on behalf of Irish food and drink companies which have the potential to generate in excess of €20 million in sales for the companies involved over the next three years.

This is the 7^th year that Bord Bia and the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School have worked together on overseas programmes which merge academic learning with practical experience in order to support the growing Irish food industry. To date, more than 150 participants have taken part in the programmes, working towards a Masters qualification while completing over 600 business development  projects on behalf of Irish food companies in 13 countries around the world.

Michael Murphy, Director of Markets, Bord Bia said, “These two programmes aim to recruit high potential, ambitious, motivated professionals who have aspirations to become future leaders in the Irish food industry. Previous participants have been highly successful in delivering new business and insights on behalf of Irish food companies in overseas markets while obtaining a Masters qualification. This commitment, both to the Irish food industry and to furthering their own academic qualifications, has paid off with over 75% of past participants now employed in exciting  positions in both Irish and international food companies”.

Professor Damien McLoughlin of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School said, “The Irish food industry is thriving and we are delighted to be able to offer two Masters programmes which work in tandem with industry leaders to provide participants with an invaluable hands-on learning experience. The programmes blend action learning with a ‘block-release’ academic business education and training programme which has a proven track record of success.”

 About the Programmes:

Applications are now open for the Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship Programme (MSc. International Marketing Practice) and the Origin Green Business Sustainability Programme (MSc. in Business Sustainability).

The Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship Programme is an intensive 12-month action learning programme giving successful candidates the combined opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with some of Ireland’s leading food companies while also gaining a Masters degree.

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.  The closing date for applications is 5th March 2015.

The Origin Green Business Sustainability Programme is a two-year programme which aims to develop core expertise and understanding in the area of Business Sustainability specific to the Irish food and drink industry. Participants will undertake an MSc. in Business Sustainability involving a number of taught modules which will provide them with expert knowledge in food sustainability, and a strong insight and understanding of the Irish food industry at sector and industry level. They will then be assigned to overseas markets and/ or company placements to promote Origin Green. Origin Green is the sustainability programme developed by Bord Bia to demonstrate the commitment by Irish food and drink producers to operate sustainably in terms of emissions, energy conservation, water management, biodiversity, community initiatives and health and nutrition.

Applications for this programme are welcome from individuals with five years of commercial experience in the food and drink or marketing sectors who already hold a primary degree in business, science or languages. Applicants must have a keen interest in sustainability and business and some placements will require fluency in a second language. The closing date for applications is April 2015.

How to apply

The programmes are fully funded with participants receiving a bursary of approximately €23,000 in addition to having their tuition fees paid.

Applications can be made by visiting www.smurfitschool.ie/bordbia. All applicants will undergo a rigorous selection process and the 30 candidates demonstrating the most potential to add value to the Irish Food and Drink industry will be selected.

By Sarah Carberry