‘I spent my first two years in Thailand’

Tell me about yourself, your job and what you studied

I’m from a little place called Caroreigh in Co Wexford. I’ve just turned 26, and I studied a Bachelors of Business with German in Waterford Institute of IT. I streamed in marketing then in my final year.

How did you find out about the grad programme?

It was an advertisement in those Grad Ireland books, I saw it in my very first year of college. I decided very early then in college that I wanted to be involved in the programme. I felt the role of brand ambassador was unlike any other role being offered to grads at that time.

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I was very interested in the idea of marketing, event management and the opportunity to travel. On a personal note, Irish Distillers is a company that my grandfather and many of my great uncles worked for many moons ago as well.

What is the grad programme like?

It’s really unique. It’s a three-year programme. I spent my first two years in Thailand. You get the opportunity to work in different markets around the world and be a part of a global family. The programme provides the training and development you need to build your character, both professionally and personally, and the chance to represent such a well-loved Irish brand abroad, while having such a blast doing it. I feel like it’s just like no other.

What was the work experience like?

Thailand is known as an emerging market for Jameson, so my role mainly focused on brand education, brand activation and connecting with our local target audience, influencers and advocates.

Everyday is different from the next. There were days spent in the office, but most of the time was spent on the field. You’d find me training bartenders and consumers, organising events and exploring new opportunities for Jameson.

Now, I’m primarily office based working on the portfolio activation team in Dublin and have had the opportunity to work on brand plans and strategy with most of our Asian markets.

What do you plan to do after the programme and why?

Ideally, I would secure a permanent role within marketing at IDL, in particular on the marketing strategy side of the business or within market activation as I am so interested in it. But I am keen to keep my options open and to take every opportunity to further develop my skills and expertise with my future career goals in mind and to become a more fully-rounded marketer.

What’s your advice to graduates thinking of applying to the programme?

Reach out to current brand ambassadors on the programme, we have been in your very shoes and are more than willing for a chat and to answer any questions that you may have. Take time to really understand the role and the grad programme to make sure it’s the right fit for you. Be your authentic and genuine self in your application.