Why a career in the Irish food and drink industry might be the perfect fit for you

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The Irish food and drink industry has never been in a stronger position, from the growing number of internationally recognised homegrown brands to the record number of Michelin-starred restaurants and high-quality food outlets found around the island.

These Irish industries are on the rise largely because of a cohort of creative and innovative people, who like to think outside the box and approach their work in a similar way they approach life, with passion, energy, interest, and enthusiasm.

If you hear that description and think it sounds like you, then Bord Bia’s MSc Insights and Innovation Programme could be the perfect fit. Bord Bia is constantly aiming to deliver Ireland’s unique and remarkable food and drink to the entire world. The MSc Insights and Innovation Programme will help equip the next generation of food-and-drink-loving creators and thinkers, helping them to combine their natural ability and interest in the industry with a unique set of relevant academic and practical skillsets.

What makes this programme stand out

The Bord Bia MSc Insights and Innovation Programme works in collaboration with the DCU Business School, and together they are offering a fully-funded Master’s qualification, and is not solely an academic pursuit confined to the classrooms, but instead offers a complete journey that aims to change the lives of the successful candidates.

At the core of the programme is the desire to break trends and apply true innovation, going beyond simply discussing the ideas and the theory behind the industry, and actively placing the successful candidates within the buzzing environs of a successful Irish food or drink company.

While there, the candidates will get to witness firsthand how that innovation can tangibly impact the present and future of the Irish food and drink landscape. They will get the chance to contribute their ideas and get into the thick of the action – for 10 months of the 15-month programme.

On top of all of that, there is also a monthly bursary included as part of the programme. This means that the successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend as they learn and improve their technical and entrepreneurial skill sets.

Upon completion of the programme, the successful candidates will be regarded as a part of Ireland’s cutting-edge culinary transformation, a group of innovators who will specialise in transforming how the public will perceive food and drinks.

Is this the right programme for you?

Christina Furlong, the Global Insights Manager for the Kerry Group, had the following to say about taking part in the programme: “Participating in the course was a transformative experience that has helped accelerate my career in insights. The comprehensive program provided me with an invaluable toolkit that encompasses not only the fundamentals of marketing, design thinking, and market research to be successful in the dynamic food industry.

“For the past 6 years, I’ve worked for Kerry Group in consumer insights and have recently been promoted to global insight manager. Working in insight allows you to connect with consumers from all walks of life, to explore and satisfy your curiosity, and have an impact on their lives through design. Insights is an industry in itself that is growing strongly and is integral to the success of businesses in 2024.”

The ideal candidate for the Bord Bia MSc Insights and Innovation Programme will possess:

– An Honours undergraduate degree, or extensive and relevant experience in the field of food, drink, and/or horticulture industry

– A minimum of three years of work experience, preferably within the food, drink, and/or innovation sector

– Eligibility to work and study in Ireland

– An obvious aspiration to develop a lifelong career in the Irish food, drink, and/or horticulture sector

– An ability to demonstrate your passion for both innovation and creativity

– An ambition to progress your career in an innovative and commercially-friendly way

– Availability to commit to a full-time 15-month programme

If this sounds like you, then you should apply for the Bord Bia MSc Insights and Innovations Programme, as applications for potential candidates close on Monday 22 April, and the programme itself will begin on Tuesday 1 October this year.

The MSc Insights and Innovation Programme MSc Insight is ideal for anyone aspiring to be an effective innovator in the agri-food industry. It directly prepares candidates for roles in innovation leadership, with both the technical and entrepreneurial skill sets required. To learn more and to apply for the programme, click here.

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