Glenn Patterson, Trade
Graduate to Export | Graduates on track for success
The Graduate to Export programme for international marketing students was recently launched, with 10 local companies partnering with graduates on a market research project.
The programme allows Northern Ireland companies to enhance their export capability with a graduate assisting them with a market research project. The programme allows recent graduates to gain professional experience in fields they are passionate about, while completing a part-time postgraduate diploma in International Marketing.
We will be following the stories of three of the graduates to get an insight into their experiences.
Hannah Booth, International Marketing Executive | Greenfields Ireland
As part of the Graduate to Export programme, Hannah secured a role with Greenfields Ireland Ltd., an international dairy trading company. While she did get to her international market of Dubai, she unfortunately had to come home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on to find out how her role changed as a result and her plans for the future.
What projects have you worked on and currently working on?
Greenfields Ireland have encouraged me to immerse myself in all aspects of their business to understand the different challenges and processes within the food industry and international trade. These projects have been varied, working on market research projects including, analysing trade flows and sales analysis. I have particularly enjoyed working with the team to re-vamp the Greenfields brand for retail and food service markets.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your placement on the Programme?
I was fortunate to begin my placement within my first market, Dubai prior to the pandemic. Despite, travelling home from my placement early, my role was adapted in response to the pandemic, and I have continued to be challenged and learn new skills in a range of areas within Greenfields. Undoubtedly, having a taste for the opportunity has encouraged my desire to work abroad and motivation to develop business overseas.
What has been your biggest learning during the Programme?
As a recent graduate I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much since I’ve started! The practical experience I have gained is invaluable. I will take away from this experience how important it is to be adaptable. Being ready to take on new opportunities and jump into new experiences or how you communicate with other cultures and within a team, is all crucial for growth.
As the Programme comes to an end, what have you enjoyed most?
I’ve enjoyed the diverse range of opportunities through participating on the programme. I’ve been lucky to make connections whilst in Dubai and whilst at home through valuable conversations and gaining knowledge from people who have been in the industry for years. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow the skills I’ve learnt throughout the rest of my career.
What are your plans for the coming months?
I plan to finish my final project and I am looking forward to graduating in the summer months, albeit virtually! I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with the Greenfields team and I’m keen to see what challenges are ahead. After graduation, I plan to juggle working to complete my master’s qualification and learning a new language!
Jenna Todd, International Marketing Executive | The Deluxe Group
Jenna was successful in securing a role with The Deluxe Group, a bespoke joinery manufacturer, interior refurbishment, visitor attraction contractor and marine interior outfitter, as part of the Graduate to Export programme. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic she was unable to relocate to her assigned international market, but has continued in role from the company’s headquarters in Portadown.
Video | Hear what Jenna has been working on during her time at The Deluxe Group, and her thoughts on the Graduate to Export programme.
Aisling Maguire, International Marketing Executive | Invest Northern Ireland
The last time we ‘checked in’ with Aisling she was preparing for her move to London to continue her role in our London office. Read on to find out what she has been working on and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected her role.
What projects have you been working on to date at Invest NI?
I have worked on projects across a number of sectors including Construction, Life & Health Sciences, and Renewables & Energy. Each project has been varied, from conducting research, to creating marketing graphics, and organising itineraries for trade shows. I have particularly enjoyed working with senior stakeholders to create a new online booking platform for use in Invest NI’s international offices.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your placement on the Programme?
In late February 2020, I moved to my predetermined market, London. My move happened just before the first lockdown in March 2020. While I am no longer in the office, I am still living and working in London, albeit from home. This ‘new normal’ has actually proved beneficial; I’ve met and interacted with international colleagues during video calls and ‘coffee-roulette’ (randomly selected one-on-one chats with colleagues worldwide) – and engaged with people I may not have had the opportunity to do so with before.
What have you enjoyed most about the Programme to date?
I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing mentors who have supported and advised me throughout the programme. Learning from their experiences and wisdom has been really beneficial, and will be an asset to me in the next stages of my career.
As the Programme comes to an end, what are you hoping to achieve in the last few months?
I have a few goals in my last few months with Invest NI. I have been working on an exciting digital transformation project which I hope to see launched before I finish my G2E journey. I would also like to generate some business leads for clients I have been working closely with. Finally, I hope to successfully complete my final report and presentation for my Diploma with Ulster University.
Aisling Maguire, International Marketing Executive | Invest Northern Ireland - Six Month Update
For the first six months of the programme, Aisling has been based at Invest NI in Belfast. As she prepares for her move to London, she tells us what she’s been doing the past six months in the organisation’s Trade Division and her highlights to date.
Video | Hear what Aisling is looking forward to about her move to London and what foreign language she has been learning through Invest NI’s Personal Growth Scheme.
Jenna Todd, International Marketing Executive | The Deluxe Group
Throughout the programme, Jenna will spend her first six months in The Deluxe Group’s headquarters in Portadown before moving to an as yet unconfirmed international market, but as her role involves working on theme park construction, it is sure to be somewhere exotic.
Video | Hear why Jenna wanted to take part in the Graduate to Export programme
Richard Hill, Business Development Director | The Deluxe Group
As Business Development Director for The Deluxe Group, a leading international bespoke joinery/marine outfitter and theme park contractor, part of Richard’s role, amongst other responsibilities, is to explore and expand the business’s visitor attraction and experience economy input in the US market.
Video | Hear why The Deluxe Group decided to take part in the Graduate to Export programme
Heather Farley, Associate Dean of Education | Ulster University Business School
Heather Farley, Associate Dean of Education at Ulster University Business School discusses the importance of how a programme such as Graduate to Export can benefit both students and the Northern Ireland economy.
Video | Hear why Ulster University decided to partner with Invest NI as education facilitator for the Graduate to Export programme
Hannah Booth, International Marketing Executive | Greenfields Ireland
Through this programme, Hannah will spend her first six months in Greenfields Ireland’s headquarters in Belfast, before moving to Dubai for the reminder of the programme to focus on expanding the company’s range of products in the Middle Eastern market.
Video | Hear why Hannah wanted to participate on the Graduate to Export programme
Ronan Browne, Business Development Director | Greenfields Ireland
As Business Development Director for Greenfields Ireland, a dairy trading organisation, part of Ronan’s role is to find new customers as well as new routes to market in order to increase and grow the business.
Video | Hear why Greenfields Ireland decided to take part in the Graduate to Export programme
Aisling Maguire, International Marketing Executive | Invest Northern Ireland
Aisling will spend the next 6 months in Invest NI’s headquarters in Belfast working within the International Trade team, before moving to London for a 12 month post to focus on market research in the GB export market.
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