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The first five to seven years of employment can notably be some of the most important, as you build your professional profile and gain experience working in the sector. This will impact the opportunities available to you in the middle to mature stages of your working life.
It’s important to hit the ground running and make the most of the early years in the workforce, as often this is the time when people have fewer commitments and more free time to spend on upskilling.
Maximising the early years of your career involves a mix of strategic choices, skills building, developing a strong work network and networking.
Top tips
1. Prioritise skill development: It is important to identify the fundamental skills needed in the agri-food industry and work on building them up – focusing on the attributions you already have, while building on any you are missing. Stay up to date with industry advancements, such as AgTech and AI. Seek training or certification in high-demand areas or gaps in your knowledge. Accredited courses are easily accessible, with online models available.
2. Look for opportunities: The agri-food industry is very broad, from machinery to food production and farming; agriculture graduates and related disciplines can end up in different roles, which leads to a huge number of opportunities and job prospects. It is good to look for opportunities outside of your comfort zone and day-to-day job. You will progress your career by taking on new challenges, pushing yourself and getting involved in the wider industry. A good saying is ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’; put yourself in the running for whatever it is and give it your best shot.
3. Build your network: The agri-food industry is relatively small – you never know when you might cross paths with someone in the future – so it’s essential to remain professional and set a good impression. It is also a great sector for networking as people.
LinkedIn is a useful tool to develop your professional profile and keep in touch with what is going on across the industry in terms of events, news and job opportunities. Start by creating a basic profile and build it up with your educational and career history.
We chat with Eddie Phelan and Ciara Phelan who have both maximised their early career stages and share their personal experience and advice.
Eddie Phelan
Ruminant commercial manager, Alltech Ireland
“I’m from a mixed farm in south Tipperary, where I’m in partnership with my parents. I work as ruminant commercial manager at Alltech, where I look after the dairy and beef business across Ireland. I graduated from UCD with a bachelor of agricultural science, specialising in animal and crop production.
“From there, I have worked across the Keenan, InTouch and the Alltech businesses. I continued to work with key accounts and the Alltech technologies. I moved into the ruminant commercial manager role in 2022. Approximately 90% of my role is working across the industry with feedmills and premix companies, with 10% on-farm.
“I joined Alltech in September 2016 after graduating. Prior to this, I had no experience in agribusiness or corporate life, as I spent any spare time either milking cows or driving tractors.
“This helped me build a network and I had the opportunity to get involved in various parts of the business.
The advice I would give to people looking into a career in the sector is work hard, do your best and say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.
“Upon entering the industry opportunities are endless, whether someone wants to pursue a career in research, accounting, sales, animal nutrition, managing a farm or sustainability.
Graduates are not expected to know everything, but an open mind is critical to progress.
Different personalities and backgrounds suit different roles. Find an area within the sector you are interested in, whether that be research, sales, crops or animal nutrition, and focus on learning as much as possible within that area.
“Salary and experience are just two things to be considered. What suits your skills, interests and personality is also very important. Opportunities to progress within your organisation or company should be thought about as well.”
Ciara Phelan
Territory manager, MSD Animal Health
“I’ve had an interest in agriculture from a young age. I am from a farming background and, therefore, have always been immersed in the agri world. I completed agricultural science as part of my Leaving Cert, and this inspired me to continue my agriculture studies to third level. I did a degree in food and agribusiness management in UCD.
“I have really enjoyed each position I’ve held since graduating from UCD and have learned from each role. I began working with a co-op on a graduate programme and progressed to the role of business manager of sales in south Wexford.
“In 2023, I wanted to explore other opportunities, so I moved to MSD Animal Health – where I worked on the technology solutions team. Here, I got the opportunity to promote and sell a number of technologies to farmers, including SenseHub Collars, SenseHub drafting gates, SenseHub milk metres and SenseHub somatic cell count sensors.
“Last year I moved to the biopharma team in MSD. I am a territory manager, responsible for the sales and market development of the ruminant portfolio within my territory. I work with veterinary practices, pharmacies, co-ops and licensed merchants to increase market segment and stimulate market growth for the ruminant portfolio.
“There are great opportunities for young people in the agri- sector for those willing to work hard. The sector is thriving. There are agri-jobs available in Irish companies at local level, national level and even international level.
“Make connections and find mentors in the industry. These may be friends, managers, colleagues or other professionals from the sector.
“I am lucky to have friends and mentors in the industry, that I lean on often for perspectives and advice. Just talking these out can make a big difference.”
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