Shortly after I began studying International Business at SETU Waterford, I found myself gravitating towards the marketing side of the degree.
Indeed, such was my interest in that element of the programme that I transferred directly into Year 3 of SETU’s Marketing & Digital Media degree. Had I taken a chance? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Absolutely. And here’s why.
That big decision led me to discover Green Acre Marketing while researching work placement opportunities during Year 3. Despite my limited knowledge of agriculture and agribusiness, I applied for placement with Green Acre Marketing. I have a huge passion to learn so, once again, I took a chance and made my application to Green Acre’s Managing Director, Aileen Barron.
Aileen, taking a chance herself as far as I was concerned, replied positively, interviewed me and it went really well. Following the interview, with an internship secured, I left Aileen’s office feeling that this was right for me. This was an industry I wanted to learn more about. This was an industry where I felt I could develop a career and make a meaningful contribution.
Added to all of that, the warmth of the welcome offered by Aileen and the camaraderie from the team at Green Acre Marketing immediately put me at my ease. I thought back to my initial decision to transfer between degrees, which had placed me on another path. My instincts had served me well.
During my internship, I was introduced to an array of marketing strands: be it establishing paid campaigns or through reporting monthly on the progress of the social media accounts of several Green Acre clients. Every task I was assigned added a beneficial practical layer to my learned theory and I returned to the final year of my degree with a welcome bank of knowledge.
Working in such a fast-paced environment also enhanced a range of other soft skills such as time management and communication. I have benefited from the guidance of a strong and experienced team who have provided mentorship and training across a broad range of marketing disciplines. This has allowed me to continuously expand my skills and helped to prepare me for professional life.
Having achieved First Class Honours in my degree, I was keen to return to the marketing world. When I saw a job vacancy advertised by Green Acre Marketing, it couldn’t have come at a better time for me.
Before I knew it, I was found myself back in the company, only this time as a full-time Social Media Executive with additional responsibilities.
The marketing world is constantly changing so a huge part of my role is spent making sure that we’re keeping up to date with the latest trends and implementing changes where necessary for our clients.
With the encouragement of the Green Acre Marketing team, I am delighted to be returning to college one again, but this on a part-time basis, to earn my Masters’ degree in Digital Marketing Practice. What lies ahead feels very exciting and I am so appreciative that Green Acre Marketing has provided me with the opportunity to apply my ongoing professional qualification to real-life client scenarios.
Commenting on Eva’s career advancement, Aileen Barron, Managing Director of Green Acre Marketing stated: “Green Acre Marketing always has an open door to people who have a true passion and understanding of marketing in the agri space. The business thrives on having dynamic people who work hard for the benefit of our clients. I am also very grateful for our close links with both the Business and Agriculture departments within SETU whose interns and graduates come to us adequately equipped for career progression.”