The Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship.
Bord Bia and UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School have launched an innovative new programme for 25 lucky learners. The 12 month programme will give candidates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with some of Ireland's most respected food companies while also at the same time earn a postgraduate qualification. Participants' time will be split between working in foreign locations, supported by Bord Bia, and studying for a Graduate Diploma in International Marketing Practice at UCD Smurfit School.

This is a fully-funded programme, including all fees, and participants will receive a bursary to the value of 17,500 euro (plus a rental allowance).

Applications are welcome from all graduates with a minimum of 2 years work experience. Some placements will require fluency in a second language (French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian, Russian or Chinese)

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 24th August at 09.00am. For further information, please see the website or telephone 7168889.

Labels: jobs, small business

Came across an article on Business World via the Irish Business and Professional Network on LinkedIn. It talks about Confidence in Action a new initiative - a series of FREE seminars aiming to help companies and individuals navigate their way around this recession. So far events have been organised for Dublin, Cork and Limerick starting in September. They've assembled a very impressive line up of speakers ranging from economists,entrepreneurs and media hacks. It's a morning til night affair starting with breakfast at 9 and ending with networking from 6-7. All seminars are free but you have to register, you also have to register for each seminar individually. My registration submission returned an error but I think it's worth trying again. Maybe see you there.

Labels: Flexitimers, Recession, Redundancy, self-employed, small business

Heard about this conference via the Dublin City Enterprise Board Newsletter.
National College of Ireland will host and sponsor Think2Act, a free conference for people who have recently been made redundant or are considering taking new steps in their career. The conference which takes place on Tuesday 30 June will encompass the theme of 'change', seeks to change the recession mindset through expert advice and transformational coaching. It's FREE and has lots of advice and tips for people seeking change including experts in career coaching and psychology. Really worth a visit.


For further information, visit the conference page or contact:
Contact Details:
Dr. Celine Mullins
celine.mullins@a4b.ie
0863637019
Eibhlin Johnston
Eibhlin@thinkcoaching.ie
087 8583564

Labels: jobs, Recession, Redundancy, self-employed, small business

An article caught my eye in Friday's Irish Times about the CEO Forum that takes place this week in Dublin. CEOs from some of Ireland's largest companies are meeting to discuss how to operate in challenging times ahead.

A comment by Brian Long, chief executive of venture capital firm Atlantic Bridge struck me as relevant to Flexitimers "during periods of recession, opportunities tend to open up in the outsourcing space as large corporations pare back, reduce their workforce and then realise that they don't have the "bandwidth" to carry out certain activities such as the development of non-core products. This creates opportunities for smaller players to step in and offer their services". This is also the case for freelancers, contractors and anyone offering themselves 'flexibly' to companies. Food for thought indeed.

Labels: contracting, flexible work, jobs, Recession, self-employed, small business, smart work, work

Just back from Wexford town where I attended and spoke at an event on social media (blogging, podcasting, social networking) hosted by Wexford County Enterprise Board and the Irish Internet Association. It featured a really good line up of speakers (of course I would say that) starting with an edu-taining piece from Philip Macartney, Head of Sales Ireland for Bebo, then a very funky presentation from Donald Douglas from Return2Sender showcasing all his highly creative mobile media campaigns. After the coffee break (my mint tea), Brain Greene of Doop treated us to history lesson on radio and IT and its convergence today to blog radio, podcasting and general audio recording as a tool for business. Then I spoke about Flexitimers' activities in the social media space and hopefully I imparted some titbits of knowledge for small businesses out there to get out and start their own conversations, communicate and engage with their customers, clients, staff and any other interested parties.
I met some very nice people - yes it is nice to log off every now and again and actually meet people face-to-face. Then had tea in the bar later with my two college buddies Chris and Ed - we all met on the SEEPP programme in WIT this time last year. Also met a few people from the home town including Dave (office neighbour) from Cada Media who was kind enough to email the photos below so thanks a million for that. Overall I had a good day and I hope the delegates did too. Feel free to comment below and they won't be moderated!

Labels: Flexitimers, small business, social media, social networking, web2.o, wexford web