Bord Bia and the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School have launched a search for 20 ambitious graduates with a minimum of two years’ work experience to apply for its international marketing fellowship programme.

Successful applicants will undertake assignments in overseas markets on behalf of Irish food and drink companies while working towards a Master’s degree.

The fully funded programme merges academic learning with practical experience in order to support the growing Irish food industry.

According to Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter, the programme “has the potential to contribute anything from €10-20 million in additional sales for Irish food and drink companies over a three-year period. 

“We are looking for some of Ireland’s most ambitious, energetic and motivated individuals to represent us on the world stage and make a real difference to the future of our food and drink industry.”

This is the eighth year of Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship, described as “highly successful” by the school’s Prof Damien McLoughlin. 

“The programme provides a unique learning opportunity in which academic attainment and business experience support each other mutually,” he said. “Action learning assignments are blended with block-release academic and business education and training modules. Participants gain from the strong emphasis on professional and career development. Many are now in excellent roles in the Irish food sector.”

Over the last eight years more than 650 business development projects have been completed on behalf of Irish food and drink companies in markets all over the world, contributing to Ireland’s export ‘success story’.

One company that’s benefitted from the fellowship is Keogh’s Crisps, whose Gareth Murphy explained that the firm has worked with eight different fellows completing market research and business development assignments in overseas markets.

“The programme has been pivotal in developing existing relationships and identifying new potential distributors in markets including USA, Germany, UK, France and UAE,” he added. “The fellowship has given us a deep understanding of the crisps and snacks markets in these markets and as a result we have a better understanding of the relevant channels for our products, and the various routes to market.”

Applications are now open for the MSc International Marketing Practice, an intensive 12-month action learning programme. Those applying should be graduates with a minimum of two-to-three years’ work experience and an interest in business development and sales. Some placements will require fluency in a second language.

The programme is fully funded with participants receiving a bursary of €22,800 in addition to having their tuition fees paid. Twenty candidates demonstrating the most potential to add value to the Irish food and drink industry will be selected.

Applications can be made online at www.smurfitschool.ie/bordbia. The closing date for applications is 5 March 2016.