5 most FAQ's: Everything you need to know about the Bord Bia Smurfit International Graduate Programme!

Thinking about what you want to do after final year? Wondering what is the best business or marketing graduate programme? This blog post will tell you all you need to know about the Bord Bia Smurfit International Graduate Programme before you apply!

Before I get into the big questions, my name is Clodagh Evans and I'm the International Grad based in the Marketing Department in Bord Bia Dublin (Take a look at the video above that I feature in!). My day to day role involves managing the Quality Mark marketing campaigns and in particular the social media accounts for Bord Bia as well as creating new recipe videos and content for these campaigns which is something I really enjoy!

1. So what is involved in the Bord Bia Smurfit International Graduate Programme?

This is a full scholarship programme that is 23 months in duration with 30 places available for recent graduates who want to develop their career in the global food industry. It involves placement in a Bord Bia office either in Ireland or overseas as well as an internationally-recognised masters in Global Business Practice from UCD Michael Smurfit Business School. This programme is seamlessly organised in block releases to ensure it is easy for grads to strike a balance between time at work and time studying.

There are eight modules across the 23 months with no formal exams just a mixture of individual and group assignments.

2. What are the perks?

The most important question, what are the reasons you should consider applying to the Bord Bia Smurfit graduate programme?

• This is a full scholarship programme with all tuition fees paid as well as a tax-free bursary (paid monthly) of up to €25,800 per 12 months depending on where you are located

• 22 days annual leave not including Smurfit block release.

• Laptop to enable you to carry out your day to day job as well as assignments and college work

• MSc in Global Business Practice from Irelands leading business school as well as being placed in a Bord Bia office in Ireland or overseas.

• 6 week induction period in the Bord Bia Dublin office and Smurfit that gives you time to find your feet and find out everything there is to know about Bord Bia as well as giving you the opportunity to form friendships and socialise as a group of 30 before some graduates set off for the overseas offices.

• Exposure and opportunity to network within the Irish and Global food industry through Bord Bia and Smurfit connections.

3. What it takes to be an international grad: Are you the ideal candidate?

• Applications are open to recent graduates from a broad range of backgrounds. I studied Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship in UCC myself but once you have an interest in developing your Irish and Global food industry expertise you’re the perfect fit!

• Candidates need to be open and willing to travel and locate to overseas locations including: New York, Dubai, Madrid, Milan, Paris, London, Amsterdam and much more.

• While a foreign language is definitely an advantage it is not essential for all roles. I don’t have a second language and many of the overseas offices are English speaking but again it is a plus if you have one.

4. Interested? So what are the key dates?

The next intake of International Graduates will be in July 2021. Applications will open in September 2020 and close in December 2020 in advance of the Assessment Centre which will take place in February 2021.

It is a general application for all roles regardless of preferred location.

While the programme is not yet open for applications you can register your interest on the Bord Bia UCD website or by emailing bordbia@ucd.ie

5. Finally, what is involved in the interview process?

After the completion of an online application form including uploading your CV, the next stage in the process is psychometric tests.

Upon successful completion of this you will then be invited to attend an assessment center in February 2021 which involves a presentation which you prepare on the day as well as a formal interview.

The final stage in the process is a short telephone or face-to-face interview.

So why is this the best graduate programme? In a nutshell, from my own experience I couldn’t recommend the Bord Bia Smurfit International Graduate programme more. I think it is definitely one of the best and most unique graduate programmes on offer. It is the ideal opportunity to kick-start your career in the food industry as well as giving you the opportunity to further your education by completing an MSc in Global Business Practice at Ireland's leading business school.

To keep up to date with the Bord Bia Smurfit Graduate Programme and hear more stories from current graduates follow Bord Bia Smurfit on Facebook.