Jameson International Graduate Programme survey finds that a third of young people in Ireland are considering seeking opportunities abroad

Almost a third of young people in Ireland are considering seeking opportunities abroad in the next five years, according to new research commissioned by the Jameson International Graduate Programme.  

The desire to travel is cited as one of the main motivators to move abroad. The research also found that most young people (73%) would like the security and familiarity of working for an Irish brand abroad. This rises to 89% among those who are actively considering moving.  

The opportunity to travel and experience new cultures is one of the key characteristics of the Jameson International Graduate Programme which empowers graduates from all backgrounds to kickstart their career with a global Irish brand on an international stage.  

The programme is now recruiting graduates for 2023/24 and is looking for creative, innovative, self-starters with an entrepreneurial mindset to become the next generation of Jameson Brand Ambassadors.   

Jameson is looking for creative, innovative, self-starters with an entrepreneurial mindset to follow in the footsteps of Jamie Barry from Mallow who is a Marketing Assistant in the Jameson International Graduate Programme Team in Dublin, Ireland.   

Jamie Barry from Mallow, who is currently working as a Marketing Assistant on the Jameson International Graduate Programme Team in Dublin said: “When I was in my final year of university, I was feeling a bit lost as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after graduating. When I learned about the Jameson International Graduate Programme and how it worked, I knew straight away that it was exactly what I wanted. The programme gives you responsibility from day one which helps you develop personally and professionally but you also have a support network in the global community of brand ambassadors, the Jameson International Graduate Programme Team and fellow Irish Distillers and Pernod Ricard colleagues. I can happily say that I learn something new every day and I’m so grateful for that at this early stage in my career.” 

This year’s Brand Ambassadors will have the opportunity to work with Jameson in one of over 35 international markets, including markets across Europe and emerging markets in Africa, Asia and Latin America, offering a truly unique opportunity and experience. 

Sinéad D’Arcy, Head of Jameson International Graduate Programme said: “At Irish Distillers, we have a history of supporting, nurturing and mentoring young talent. It can be a challenging environment for graduates leaving university and entering the workforce. As the workplace and graduate landscape evolves, we continue to adapt the Jameson International Graduate Programme to meet the needs and expectations of graduates. The programme is a truly unique offering that provides graduates with the tools and opportunity to realise their personal and professional goals while working for an Irish brand, as part of a global community.” 

The research also highlights changing expectations when it comes to ways of working. Hybrid working is now a critical factor for young people when considering a role. Three in four deem hybrid working to be important, which rises to over four in five among those who are considering moving overseas. 

The Jameson International Graduate Programme has always offered graduates the freedom and flexibility to shape their own work schedule. The Brand Ambassador role is focused on building brand awareness and brand advocacy for Jameson, therefore appealing to those looking for a role that is not necessarily a ‘regular 9-5’.  

The research also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit evident among young people with just under 1 in 3 young people stating that they have a side business of their own, with finance, marketing, technology, content creation and advertising featuring among the business areas cited.  

The Jameson International Graduate Programme fosters this entrepreneurial spirit by providing graduates with the opportunity to grow an Irish brand in an international market. The programme empowers graduates to develop both personal and professional skills and build their personal brand, equipping graduates with the tools for long-term career success. 

Graduates on the programme receive a competitive benefits package, support via a global network and a multi-award-winning training and development programme, as well as extensive career progression opportunities post-programme.  

The Jameson International Graduate Programme has been recruiting and training graduates for over 30 years and is recognised as the most popular FMCG graduate employer in Ireland for the past nine consecutive years through the gradireland Graduate Employer Survey.  

“Following a milestone year for Jameson, with record global growth of 22%, it has never been a more exciting time to join the programme. Jameson Brand Ambassadors have played a critical role in the growth of Irish whiskey on the world stage over the past 30 years and many have remained within the wider network, with some programme alumni progressing into leadership positions within Irish Distillers domestically and Pernod Ricard globally. We look for graduates who are creative, innovative, self-starters with an entrepreneurial mindset. We call this ‘Serious Character’,” D’Arcy added.   

The 2023/24 Jameson International Graduate Programme is now open for applications. Visit jamesongraduateprogramme.com for more information.  The closing date for applications is Wednesday, February 15^th.