What did you study in college?

I studied agribusiness at UCD. In my final year at college, Grant Thornton led a food and beverage recruitment campaign and I was offered a position as a trainee accountant in the tax department. My daily job involves dealing with the tax affairs of individuals and companies, from filing annual tax returns to assisting with tax planning.

Did you need additional training for the job?

In order to become a chartered accountant, you must enrol with a relevant accountancy body and sit the examinations as required by that body on a part-time basis. I enrolled with the Institute of Chartered Accountants. As I had no prior accounting background, Grant Thornton also sponsored my professional diploma in accounting at DCU.

What would you say to anyone considering a career in agriculture?

Go for it! It is an exciting time for the agri-food sector, which presents endless opportunities and strong potential for future growth.

What advice do you have for anyone leaving college and looking for employment?

Don’t be shy about following a career path that you are interested in, regardless of whether it is related to your degree area. Many employers love taking on graduates from a whole range of non-relevant disciplines.