From Dublin to Dubai - Jack Burke reflects on his Marketing Fellowship journey

Hailing from Rush, Co. Dublin, Jack Burke is currently a long way from home, making waves in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Jack is one of the current participants in the Bord Bia Talent Academy Marketing Fellowship programme, tasked with amplifying Irish brands in this exciting market.

With a BSc. in Education (DCU) and a postgraduate degree in Management and Marketing (TU Dublin), Jack brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role, and completion of Marketing Fellowship will earn Jack a MSc. in International Marketing Practice from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.

Prior to embarking on this fellowship, Jack honed his skills at Tayto Snacks, where he progressed from Merchandiser to Category Analyst and eventually Brand Manager over a five-year tenure. In this interview, we delve into Jack’s journey, his passion for promoting Irish products abroad, and the exciting adventures that lie ahead.

Embracing New Opportunities

"One of the most significant opportunities this fellowship has afforded me is the travel and exposure to a new market. Relocating to the UAE (United Arab Emirates) has been an eye-opening experience. The UAE is a melting pot of cultures from around the world, and doing business with people from such diverse backgrounds has taught me invaluable lessons. There is so much learning to be had simply by immersing yourself in a new country and diving into its food industry."

The Joy of Representing Irish Brands

"One of the most enjoyable aspects of the programme for me has been the chance to represent great Irish clients in the region. Ireland is home to some of the best food and drink producers in the world, and being the face of these brands in the Middle East has been incredibly rewarding. I've been fortunate to work with two exceptional clients, Silver Hill Duck and OakPark, both of which are in high demand in the region."

Learning to Navigate Autonomy

"The fellowship grants a great deal of autonomy, which means you are largely responsible for determining your own schedule. While this sounds ideal in theory, it can be challenging to navigate initially. Over time, I've adjusted and become adept at figuring out what works best for me. This?process has taught me to manage my time more effectively, a skill that will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career."

Why You Should Consider Applying

"If you are passionate about the food and drink industry, this fellowship is an excellent opportunity. It allows you to move abroad to a vibrant city, represent Irish brands, and earn a Master's degree from UCD Smurfit. The experience has been incredibly enriching, both professionally and personally."

Overcoming Challenges

"One of the biggest challenges I faced was moving and getting set up in a new country. This was particularly daunting for me as it was my first time moving out of my family home. However, the support network provided by both UCD and Bord Bia was fantastic and made the transition much?smoother. I can only imagine how different my experience would have been without this support.

"Now, as I near the end of the program, I am well-settled and look forward to staying in the UAE for a few more years."

Final Thoughts

"Reflecting on my journey from Tayto Snacks to the UAE, I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities this fellowship has provided. From traveling and learning in a new market to representing outstanding Irish brands and gaining autonomy, each aspect has contributed to my growth. For anyone passionate about the food and drink industry, this fellowship is a stepping stone to an exciting and rewarding career."

Interested in the Bord Bia Talent Academy Marketing Fellowship? We are currently recruiting for the 2025 programme, with applications closing in September. Click Here to learn more.