FDC Group: Supporting rural talent
Whether it’s a recent graduate or an experienced professional, FDC has opportunities for people of all backgrounds.
FDC Group stands today as an organisation completely centered around helping its people succeed. Fostering a culture of continuous learning and offering employees regular opportunities for upskilling is integral to FDC’s ethos. Whether it’s a recent graduate or an experienced professional, FDC has opportunities for people of all backgrounds.
One such opportunity is the MSc in Agricultural Extension and Innovation programme at University College Dublin. In 2022, FDC developed its FDC Agricultural Graduate Programme, aiming to attract university students interested in furthering their agricultural education and working for FDC Group. The programme funds the master’s programme fully for one to two students annually. During the masters, the students work part-time with FDC and full time for one year following successful completion of the master’s degree. Initially, graduates will work in either the Abbeyfeale (Co. Limerick) or Midleton (Co. Cork) office.
The goal of the FDC Agricultural Graduate Programme is twofold: to provide applicants external to FDC the opportunity to upskill while simultaneously gaining practical experience through FDC; additionally, to offer FDC employees the chance to gain professional qualifications while maintaining their employment.
Anna Walsh joined FDC in early 2024, learned of the FDC Agriculture Graduate Programme and, later that year, was accepted into the master’s at UCD. Anna Walsh commented on her experience with the programme saying, “I was fortunate to be offered the opportunity to pursue the UCD Ag Extension and Innovation part-time master’s programme, sponsored by FDC. I feel incredibly lucky to have been given this chance. I believe from carrying out this master’s it will give me huge benefit when working within advisory and working in FDC. Upon completing this programme, I will be a skilled and professional agriculture advisor, dedicated to continuous reflective practice and focused on finding more effective ways to support farmers in their decision making.”
Another Agri Advisor, Ciara Bolger, who started with FDC following her enrolment in the master’s, has found the programme to be exceptionally beneficial. “This opportunity will allow me to apply the knowledge gained from my studies in a practical setting, further enhancing my professional development in the agricultural sector. The master’s degree directly aligns with the knowledge and skills I am acquiring in my role as an advisor, and I have found the content to be highly relevant and beneficial to me thus far. As the programme progresses, I am confident that I will continue to build on this foundation, gaining future expertise that I can directly apply to real-world agricultural situations.”
Regarding the balance between work and college, Ciara has found FDC to be amenable. “My managers have been exceptionally supportive of my dual commitments to both my academic pursuits and professional responsibilities. They have demonstrated an understanding of the demands of the master’s programme and have made concerted efforts to accommodate the busy periods associated with my academic workload. Their flexibility and support have enabled me to balance these commitments effectively, allowing me to do well in both my studies and my role as an agricultural advisor.”
FDC Group’s strong presence in rural areas across Ireland is integral to the decision to offer the FDC Agricultural Graduate Programme. Offering graduates an environment to excel professionally while simultaneously cultivating their life in rural communities, aligns with FDC Group’s career ethos: “We’re ready to help you define your path.”
Learn more about the programme today: www.fdc.ie/graduate-programme/
· In 500 words, please describe how FDC are uniquely placed to serve the agricultural sector.
· Email your completed essay, a copy of your CV, and your Cover Letter to careers@fdc.ie by March 28th, 2025.
· Those selected to move forward in the application process, will be interviewed in April 2025.
Funding will be awarded to the successful student/students by April/May 2025.
