International Graduate Programme
From Ireland to the world – At Bord Bia we believe in nurturing the next generation of talent, while experiencing the vastness of the world at large. All this while gaining a Masters qualification in Global Business Practice from UCD Smurfit Business School.
Applications for the 2025 Bord Bia International Graduate Programme are now closed. Keep an eye out on our website and social medias for updates about the programme.
What we’re offering:
We’re offering YOU a career-changing opportunity. We’re looking to foster the next generation of talent in the Irish food and drink industry. This programme offers invaluable market experience to graduates, which can act as a springboard for a successful career in the food and drink sector. This programme combines on-the-job experiential learning, with a fully-funded monthly bursary, and academic study leading to a UCD Smurfit Business School accredited MSc.
There are opportunities to be placed in Dublin or in one of Bord Bia’s international offices (language and demand dependent) with previous locations including Milan, Dusseldorf, Tokyo, Madrid, New York, Amsterdam, Paris, Shanghai, London and more. Our Graduate Programme has something for everyone with learning rotations across the different teams in Bord Bia, you could be based in HR, Marketing, Events, Global Business Development, Origin Green, Insights and more.
Click here to learn more.
All participants in the International Graduate Programme will receive:
- Fully funded Master’s in Global Business Practice
- Competitive bursary
- Extensive training in: Consumer Insights, Sustainability, Brand Marketing, Digital Innovation and Leadership.
- Continuous feedback, mentoring and coaching through regular Development Priority setting
- Professional and Career Development
- Membership of the Bord Bia Alumni network
- Laptop
- Paid business expenses
- Employee assistance programme
The Programme Structure
You already know that with our programme, you’ll blend your main learning rotation with a Master’s qualification, but you’re probably wondering how that will work in practice.
Don’t worry – it’s completely manageable, here’s how:
You’ll complete 8 modules in total over the 24-month programme. These will be delivered in blocks throughout the programme either online or in-person.
You’ll complete group or individual assignments at the end of each module.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for graduates from any discipline as long as you have a Level 8 degree on the NFQ Framework and a minimum of 2:1 (expected or attained).
Above that, we want graduates that have a passion for the Irish Food and Drink Industry. We’re working for and with producers that have that passion, so you should too.
We also want graduates that are resilient, motivated, hardworking, and team players.
Click here to find out more.
Related Talent Programmes
Frequently asked questions about the programme
We know you will have some questions, please see our FAQ section below for further information about The International Graduate Programme.
We look for people that have a passion for Irish Food and Drink, that's the most important thing, that are hard-working, resilient, motivated and mature. As part of your application, I would highlight any pastimes or hobbies that you might have because we're interested in you as a person, it's what will set you apart, because everyone applying has a degree. Also, think about how you could transfer any of your skills from previous roles, such as a Shop Assistant to your role in Bord Bia, highlighting the difference you would make to Bord Bia and the attributes you would bring.
Applications are now closed. Please keep an eye on our website and social media for future updates about the programme.
- Eligibility: Consider if you have a passion for, and wish to pursue a career with the Irish Food, Drink and Horticulture Industry. You should understand Bord Bia's mission and purpose. You must be a recent graduate or currently in their final year who has achieved/will achieve a minimum 2:1 degree
- Apply: An online application should be completed as part of the application process. This includes; general questions about yourself, copy of CV, a professional photo, University degree Certificate and transcripts (if in final year, most recent transcripts should be uploaded). Applications are currently closed.
- Online Assessments:
- Psychometrics - Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete up to 2 psychometrics during the application process. These can be shared with you upon request after the selection process has ended. Successful candidates will also be shared their psychometric results as part of their Professional and Career Development module during the programme.
- Language Fluency - If you have a level of fluency in a relevant language to one of the programme market locations e.g. French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese (but not limited to) you will be invited to complete an online assessment and potentially an informal phone call with a native speaker. Please note that you may still be considered for other markets that are English speaking aside from your language being assessed.
- Assessment Centre:
- Written Language Assessment - If you have been shortlisted for your level of fluency in a specific language you will be tasked with a short written exercise before your interview.
- First Round Interview (online via Zoom) - Tasked to deliver a short presentation on case study provided 1 hour before interview, followed by a short Q&A, before a structured competency-based interview with a panel. Interview panellists consist of Bord Bia, University College Dublin and Food/Drink Industry representatives.
- Second Round Interview (in-person) - Further shortlisted candidates may be asked to attend and in-person second round interview. Exact details will be provided at this stage of the assessment centre.
- Offer: Successful candidates will be sent an offer including their learning assignment and location and will be required to sign a learning assignment internship agreement committing to the full-time 24-month programme.
Depending on your role you might be based in one of our overseas offices in locations as diverse as: New York, London, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Madrid, Milan, Dusseldorf, Dubai, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, as well as Dublin. All international markets roles will be based overseas with the remainder based in Dublin.
A language is mandatory for some of our offices. These languages include French, Spanish, German, Italian and Chinese. However we do have roles in overseas locations that do not require a language.
You can express an interest in a particular role during the application process. We will then consider your preference, your experience and qualifications and decide where we think you would flourish.
You can get in contact with us at bordbia@ucd.ie and we’ll be sure to help answer any questions you might have.
International Graduate Programme webinar


