My name is Evelyn Lee and I was born and raised in Perth, Australia. I study a Master of Management at University of Sydney, which allowed me to join the CEMS program. In the CEMS program, I spent a year on exchange; a semester abroad at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, and finally a semester at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, in Dublin, Ireland. I would definitely say this experience has changed my life- as I can truly say I am a global citizen and have opened my mind to understanding different cultures, languages and most importantly people. Unfortunately, it was cut a little short due to the Covid-19 situation, but in this blog, I’d like to share how CEMS Club Dublin was an integral part of my master degree experience.
The Program
Changing jobs or going back to education as a mature student in your late twenties can be a huge challenge and worry for a lot of people contemplating it. In summer 2019 I did both of those things, joining the Bord Bia International Graduate Programme, undertaking an MSc in Global Business Practice in UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School alongside getting hands-on experience of working in the Irish food, drink and horticulture industry. In the following blog I have set out my experience so far – from money to work and education – and why I am delighted with my decision to take that step.
If you were like me and couldn’t decide between a masters, a graduate programme or travelling and if you love food and want to make a career out of it. The Bord Bia International Graduate programme is perfect for you! Here’s some background on the programme and the questions I’m asked frequently.
The food and drink industry is undoubtedly a critical driver of the Irish economy. Following its expansion into several new priority markets, the food export industry reached an estimated value of €13 billion in 2019 (Bord Bia, 2020). However, the power and potential of this exciting industry does not cease at its economic credentials.
For every international student, the time of studying in Ireland must be an unforgettable time in life. Either you came to Ireland for your undergraduate study or Masters, there is a dilemma after graduation – to stay in Ireland for the Irish stuff you like, or to go back to home country and first language? To continue pursue a worldwide recognized degree in Ireland or to go back home get a job and start your career?
You are probably just about to finish college and are starting to look for the right post graduate opportunity. You are also probably finding that it can be quite daunting and difficult. Trust me, I know the struggle, I was in your shoes this time last year. You might find yourself not completely sure what you would like to do. Do you want to go traveling for a year? Do you want to go straight into a job or do you want to complete a masters or further education? This was the exact position I found myself in.
Image: Pixabay
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.
I have been given the great honour and privilege of being accepted onto Bord Bia's International Graduate Program. So far, my journey has been exciting and rewarding to say the least. As part of this program I have been given the opportunity to live and work abroad in a city which contains one of Bord Bia’s international offices.