The session, which was chaired by Irish Farmers Journal editor Justin McCarthy drew on the expertise of Caitríona Murphy, Eoin Lowry and Jack Kennedy from the Irish Farmers Journal as well as executive director of Agri Aware Deirdre O’Shea, Stan Lalor from Grassland Agro and John Fitzgerald from Bank of Ireland.

It was Deirdre O’Shea who offered perhaps the most telling advice for anyone looking to get into the agriculture sector.

“Self-belief is the key to success,” O’Shea said.

“You can’t say that ‘I wouldn’t be able or I wouldn’t be capable’, you have show that you are able for that job and that you can do it. I’ve always worked that way. Believe in yourself and give it a go,” O’Shea said.

O’Shea added that a life outside of work is crucial to success.

“It’s very important to have a work/life balance. If you have something that interests you outside of the office then do it. That way you’re fresh and enthusiastic about work when you’re back at the desk… it lifts the energy level,” she added.

Jobs for all levels

John Fitzgerald from Bank of Ireland said that regardless of your academic ambition, there are jobs for anyone interested in farming and agriculture.

Fitzgerald referenced the expanding dairy sector. He said there are challenges in finding labour units on farms.

“There are significant opportunities out there. There are opportunities to get a slice of the cake. Whether that is working on a farm or share farming or the like, you can make it happen,” Fitzgerald said.

The Agri Careers Fair 2017 takes place on Thursday 30 March in the RDS and it can be watched live here

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