Born and raised near Gortnadrass, in south Sligo, Harold Goulden’s background is in suckler and sheep farming, in which he was always very involved and still is in his spare time. With the family doing most machinery-related work on the farm themselves, Harold developed a strong passion for machinery and livestock growing up.

Study

“After leaving school in 2008, I was quite unsure what direction to take. I decided to go to Pallaskenry College Limerick and study the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agricultural Mechanisation which was a two-year course,” he said.

The second year involved a nine-month placement which took Harold on a 2,000-mile harvest across the US.

All in all, I felt my time in Pallaskenry was well spent

“Starting off in Oklahoma and ending in Montana we followed the season, operating combines mainly. In many ways, this was an invaluable experience, that I couldn’t recommend enough to anyone half considering travelling. All in all, I felt my time in Pallaskenry was well spent. It provided me with great hands-on, practical experience and an opportunity to travel which I might not have taken otherwise.”

During his time in the US, Harold made the decision to further his studies when he arrived home. He travelled to the UK to complete a one-year diploma in land-based technology at Reaseheath College in Cheshire. “I still didn’t have an end goal mapped out for where I wanted to get to, but I was gaining good experience which I felt would stand to me.”

Experience

Harold then took on a four-year course in agricultural engineering at Harper Adams University in Shropshire. “In summer of the first year, a position came up with Massey Ferguson (MF) in Hungary working on and with combines. I had never properly applied or gone through the interview process for a job before, so I said I’d give it a go for the experience. To my surprise, I was offered the job.

“It went well and I was asked back the following summer. It basically involved preparing combines for photoshoots, events and training. It took me to Germany and France to a few shows and events.

When I came home, it was straight into final year, so the pressure was on

“I finished up both summers demonstrating combines around Ireland and Scotland. Then placement year came about and MF offered me a role working in its testing department at the Hesston factory in Kansas. It was enjoyable and allowed me to see more of the world.

“When I came home, it was straight into final year, so the pressure was on. Anyhow, I graduated in June 2015 and by the end of the month I was permanent with Massey Ferguson. A sales support specialist role became available, which I was offered.”

Current role

“I look after Ireland, supporting both customers and dealers for the entire MF range. I have also been product lead for MF hay and forage tools for the UK and Ireland since the start.

“When AGCO [parent company which covers brands such as MF, Fendt and Valtra]acquired Lely, this automatically added a new dimension to the role, having a baler range to get out there.

I support the entire line of products, so every day is different to the one previous which I love

“The range has gone from strength to strength, an area I hope to continue to promote. Having been based out of the MF HQ in Warwickshire for just over two years, I returned back home to Sligo in 2018 where I am now based. My role up until Covid-19 hit, involved a lot of travel which I enjoyed and look forward to resuming soon. Nothing beats spending time with customers and understanding the market and their needs.

“I support the entire line of products, so every day is different to the one previous which I love. I help run and set up dealer training events. Recently, for our new 8S Series tractor, I was heavily involved in organising and carrying an online training event for over 200 dealers which was a challenge as these are typically done in person. I also help organise and set up shows as well as demonstrations of the larger machines. Supporting dealers and customers from sales to service is imperative for me. It’s such an important part of the job which I thoroughly enjoy.”

Harold Goulden, Massey Ferguson Sales Support Specialist.

Lessons and advice

“I’d like to think my initial journey is similar to that of many in terms of not fully knowing where I wanted to end up. I feel my experiences along the way stood to me and helped piece the jigsaw together.

“MF and AGCO are great companies to work for and provide great opportunities across the world. My advice would be to follow your interests and work hard. But don’t rush into something for the sake of it. The most direct approach isn’t always best.

“If you don’t get something the first time, then take another route and try again. If you are considering travelling for a while, do it. Home will always be there to come back to.

“Opportunities like good work placement or summer jobs are great ways of getting a foothold within a company and building experience.”

Harold concludes: “Everything works out. I believe there are always opportunities for those who put in the work and want to succeed.”