The ASA’s mission is to support the professional interests of graduate members through:

Graduate employment

Many graduates will recognise the ASA as the association that they joined in their final year in college as agricultural science students and perhaps attended their very first mock interview organised by ASA members.

Our jobs listing on the ASA website has helped countless young graduates to secure their first job and more experienced graduates identify promotional opportunities.

Networking opportunities

Our association provides networking opportunities for graduates to meet colleagues, both old and new, on many different career paths.

Colleagues begin to share information, ideas and work together. Our annual conference and banquet is the go-to event of the year for agricultural graduates.

World-renowned speakers present at the conference. The banquet attracts an audience in excess of 600. Here, stories of their time in college are recalled through laughter with old friends, stories some would rather were forgotten.

Our retired members’ events help to keep retirees in touch with former classmates and colleagues, while staying up to date with the industry's latest developments.

Apart from the farm walks and conference rooms, members from various sectors meet each year on the international tour and create friendships along the way.

Technical updates

With the aim of continuously providing technical upskilling opportunities for graduates, the ASA runs up to 20 events for members on scientific developments in all sectors, policy and agri-business matters, which target key challenges and future pathways of our industry.

It is often at these events on a sunny summer’s day or a dark winter’s evening that ASA events shine and allow members to discuss and debate the topic of the day.

Advocacy

Priding itself on promoting scientific integrity and professionalism in members, the association contributes to the national and EU policy consultations of importance.

The ASA fellow is a new initiative searching for a scientific communicator, an advocate for the organisation.

Each year, the ASA supports final-year students with mock interviews and career guidance, while there are plenty of events for retired members as well.

Member benefits

Apart from the range of events organised each year, members can avail of a fantastic range of benefits to the value of €1,500 from car insurance to co-op discounts or even a trip for the whole family to Dublin Zoo, followed by a luxury hotel stay.

Our regular contact with members in the weekly ezine and ASA Digest twice per year keeps all members informed, while the monthly podcast features graduates and agribusiness leaders talking about their career paths so far.

The ASA is an organisation for friends, colleagues and graduates to grow together through knowledge exchange networking, communication and continuous career development. An organisation that connects the past, present and future of our industry.

If you would like to become a member, visit www.asaireland.ie.