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Choosing a graduate programme can be daunting. The application process can be extremely time consuming and can also require a lot of effort. Because of this, it is important to be strategic in your approach and to apply only to those which you would be happy to accept an offer from.
That’s great, but what if you are not exactly sure of what it is you want to do once you have walked across the stage and collected that coveted piece of paper? I was in the exact same position last year, and it was not easy.
To help you with this, at times, infuriating process, this blog post will discuss the four questions everyone should ask themselves before starting the infamous graduate programme application process.
After completing an undergraduate degree, many people want to pack away their books, throw away the key and never step foot in a library again, and that is definitely an option. Lots of grad programmes focus 100% on work experience allowing you to avoid any future exam driven all-nighters. However, many other companies provide graduates with an opportunity to continue their education. Before applying to a programme, it is worthwhile to ask yourself if this is something that is important to you and if you think it is worth pursuing.
If you're eager to take that first step into the working world but are not quite ready to give up those student discounts, why not Hannah Montana it and have the best of both worlds. On some graduate programmes, there is also the opportunity to complete courses and certificates or even post graduate opportunities such as diplomas or master’s degrees. Both of these options are a commitment so make sure you know what you're signing yourself up for!
The Bord Bia graduate programme works in partnership with Smurfit Business School, offering an MSc in Global Business Practice. Graduates who accept a place on the Bord Bia graduate programme receive a fully paid scholarship to Smurfit Business School to complete this masters over 24 months and also receive a tax-free subsidy each month to help with living costs. This was a major pull factor for me as I saw the combination of in class theory with paid work placements was too good to turn down (tax free at 23!!).
The unique structure of this programme allows you to study a varied range of subjects in international business and marketing in two week study blocks which ensures that you will not be overwhelmed with college while still being expected to work 9-5. Many of the case studies covered in lecturers focus on the global food industry which will allow you to apply the academic theory to real life situations you experience while on work placement. Also, graduates who are placed outside of Ireland are provided with accommodation in a hotel during these study blocks. Pretty suite right?
While it may not be on everyone’s radar, having the opportunity to go abroad over the duration of the programme can certainly be a major pull factor for some applicants. Similarly, having to move away for a programme may be a deal breaker for others.
Many graduate programmes are based in a set location for the duration of the programme either in Ireland or abroad depending on the company and role. Another type of programme offered by companies includes a change of location usually half way through the programme.
Perhaps you’ve completed an Erasmus somewhere and are eager to have a reason to go back, or maybe you’ve never lived abroad, but feel like it is something that you would like to experience, having this in mind when you are researching programmes will help to keep you focused on what you want. When researching programmes, it is important to take note of where the programme is based and if there is a potential to work abroad or if there is any rotation over the course of the programme.
While Bord Bia promotes Irish food and drink products in Ireland, it also continues this work internationally and today has offices in 15 countries, a list of which can be found here. In 2019, thirty-two graduates were accepted onto the Global Graduate programme. Sixteen out of thirty-two were placed in Dublin, while sixteen packed their bags and headed out to market. While you’re not able to choose where you will go, you can always mention during the application process if you have a particular preference and placements are generally chosen to best suit your profile and experience.
If you’re interested in the idea of gaining international experience, but do not feel living abroad would suit you, there are still opportunities for international exposure while being based in Dublin full time. Some of the grads who are places in Dublin have traveled to participate in event and trade shows in Milan, Paris, Cologne, America, Algeria and more.
After completing two years in France during my undergraduate degree, I was eager to find a programme which would allow me to return to the land of bread and wine (a dangerous request). Once I knew that this was a priority for me, it really helped me to narrow my search of grad programmes and only focus on those which would give me this opportunity. Moving to France to work with Bord Bia gave me huge exposure to the international food industry and allowed me to work at some of the biggest trade events in Europe while also continuing to work on my French (a never ending endeavour).
A graduate programme can be seen as a stepping stone before you start the next stage of your career so before you start applying, it is beneficial to have an idea in mind of some potential areas that you might be interesting in working in post programme. Having said that, if you still have no idea, that’s okay too and more common than you would think.
While reading programme overviews, take a moment to evaluate what career progression this programme could offer you 4 or 5 years in the future and what skills and competences you would have developed upon finishing.
While you are on a graduate programme, not only are you representing the company but you are also representing yourself and building your own personal brand. Whatever the programme is that you choose to accept, you will be in contact with other professionals in that industry, whether they are your colleagues, clients or third party companies. It is important to learn as much as you can from everyone who crosses your path. If you have this in mind when meeting new connections, you will leave the programme with an extremely varied skill set that would be hard to match coming out of any other graduate programme.
As well as this, any of these contacts may be helpful to you in your future career. That is why it is beneficial to complete a programme in an area that you could see yourself working in once the programme ends.
Before applying for the Bord Bia graduate programme, I was not 100% sure that I wanted to work in the food industry. However, since starting the programme in July, the exposure I have gained has already exceeded my expectations. From working on a variety of projects, I have gained experience not only in food and drink but in areas such as event management, communications, insight research, strategy and more. Between invaluable market experience and academic learning, the Bord Bia programme provides you with the foundation for a successful career in the food sector but you are definitely not limited if you do want to go further afield.
While being career focused is definitely important, if you are not enjoying what you do on a day to day basis, then a year or two can feel like a looOooOOooong time. The company culture can have a huge impact on the every day atmosphere in the office. Maybe there is a specific company that you have always wanted to work for or maybe you know someone who did a graduate programme and told you all about the benefits they get as a grad, it is important to weigh up all of the factors and make sure you are applying to a programme for the right reasons. While it is important to think of the factors listed above to help you to narrow down your preferences, there is nothing as important as loving the work you do and showing up to work every day for this reason. I really do love my job.. but maybe that's too cheesy?..(see below to decide).
Unfortunately, there is no ‘one size fits all’ method when it comes to choosing a graduate programme. There are also countless opportunities which can be exciting yet equally terrifying. If you keep these questions and more importantly, your answers in your mind throughout your search process, you will be sure to find a programme that will offer you everything you want and more!
So now that we've covered the four questions, we are left with there are three options..
Merci et à bientôt !