, and I have a PhD in protein chemistry. My formal business training has been through Enterprise Ireland’s business for growth programme, which I went onto because I knew we needed to diversify and grow our product portfolio. I’ve worked in the food business now for 25 years, and I think it really doesn’t matter what course you do after school as long as you do something you are passionate about. If you love it, you will be good at it.
Anne Smyth: For me, resilience is vital in business. You will get so many knocks that are out of your control, whether that’s the uncertainty of Brexit or something as everyday as currency fluctuations affecting your exports. You must be willing to take a few bruises and adapt and change your business.Ailbe Murphy: The result of a degree and a graduate’s involvement in extracurricular activities is more important than where the degree came from.
Anne Smyth: The importance of being adaptable makes work experience an invaluable part of a business course, particularly for those who want to start their own business - it would be really hard to succeed without it.Anne Smyth: Students interested in setting up their own business need to know about marketing. We have rebranded our whole business, using a new logo and new website. First impressions count and branding and image are important.
A knowledge of technology matters too: there are so many changes and so many technologies disrupting the way things are done, so it’s important to be aware of what’s coming next. In our business, processes are becoming more and more automated and we are investing in this, so we need people who can understand it.Ailbe Murphy: Many universities including DCU and UL offer the chance to do an extra year on work placement or travel to a university abroad to improve your language skills.
Anne Smyth: As an export company, we’ve got support from Bord Bia and we use local agents in markets including