Tell us about yourself, where you’re from and what you studied in college
Hi! I’m Leah, I’m from Kilkenny and I studied process and chemical engineering in UCC.
How did you find out about the graduate programme?
I applied to the Irish Distillers internship programme through college for my work placement. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here on placement and saw first-hand the success of the graduate programme. I applied for this the following year and returned after finishing university.
What is the graduate programme like?
We’re very lucky – there’s a lot of really interesting and exciting projects going on in the Midleton Distillery. The graduate programme provides a brilliant opportunity for us to learn and grow as people. Everyone is very friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand. It makes the learning experience much more enjoyable in the early stages of my career.
[ 10 tips on how to prepare for the workforceOpens in new window ]
Explain what the work placement was like
My work placement provided an excellent transition from college to the industry. The team I worked with was incredibly supportive, ensuring I fully understood how the company operates and helping me to reach my full potential throughout the placement.
Abolishing college fees not a priority if returned to Government, say Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil
Higher Options opens to 30,000 school students
New funding approved for students in Deis schools to attend Gaeltacht Irish colleges
A discriminatory law has become a block on the divestment of Catholic schools
What do you plan to work as after the programme and why?
I would love to stay with Irish Distillers when the programme is over and will keep an eye out for opportunities with the engineering team here. I’ve really enjoyed my time working on projects in production and this is where I envision my career path heading.
What’s your advice to graduates applying to the programme?
Look into the company’s history, culture and what we do before applying. Be yourself and take everything you can from the experience.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
