(opens in a new window)Niamh Bambrick, from a farm in Co. Kilkenny, completed a BAgSc in Animal and Crop Production in (opens in a new window)University College Dublin in 2016 and is now back completing her second masters in Environmental Sustainability. Niamh has just completed the role of ASA President and works for Bord Bia as Agri Sustainability Manager. She is a keen sports woman; a former UCD Sport scholar and still players camogie in her "spare time" when she's not feeding calves!
We spoke to Niamh about her time in (opens in a new window)UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science , with the (opens in a new window)Agricultural Science Association and her recent move to (opens in a new window)Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board and asked for her advice to students or indeed anyone thinking of a future in the agrifood industry.
What led you to study Agriculture?
I grew up on a family farm in county Kilkenny and from a young age was exposed to the agricultural industry through my dad. My love for the farm and spending time outside drove my love of agriculture and desire to study in the field.
What is your fondest memory from your time at UCD?
My fondest memories are from our camogie Ashbourne weekends away in UCD. The friendship and craic we had were second to none and it helped UCD become a home away from home.
Have you always been interested in this career area?
Yes, originally i thought i would enjoy veterinary but after doing some work experience in school, mid night cesarean sections weren't for me. Outdoors working with animals was always a keen route for me to take.
Learning from some of the top lecturers in the world gave me a fountain of knowledge to pull from when entering the industry for my working career.
How did your studies at UCD support or encourage that interest?
Through the Ag degree, it gave me a fantastic knowledge to underpin the practical knowledge I had from being on a farm. Learning from some of the top lecturers in the world gave me a fountain of knowledge to pull from when entering the industry for my working career.
You have just finished your term as the youngest ASA President; how was that experience?
Yes, I had the honour of being elected the youngest President thanks to the guidance and support of many fantastic presidents before me who mentored me to the position of being capable of taking on the role.
What have been the most challenging aspects of your career?
Working for a smaller co-operative proved very different and challenging as I was used to the progressive, larger companies that moved at a fast pace but this also was a great learning experience for me personally.
What is the proudest moment of your career to date?
Without doubt, becoming the president of the ASA has to be the proudest moment of my career. It was a fantastic experience and honour to lead an organisation like the ASA.
Having recently started a new role in Bord Bia can you give us some insight into what this role entails?
Yes I have started as the agricultural sustainability manager with Bord Bia. This role involves supporting and managing some of Bord Bia’s sustainability engagement with farmers and the wider industry to ensure we are best supporting the sector into the future.
In your career and/or personal life, who have been the most inspiring or helpful mentors/advisors that you’ve had to date?
My father has been the greatest mentor in my career to date. His honest advice, knowledge and the ability to tell me when I am wrong played a key role in developing me into the person I am today. I was also very fortunate to have past ASA presidents guide, support and mentor me at different junctures in my career when I needed their advice.
As well as your busy schedule from ASA to now Bord Bia, you are completing a Masters in Environmental Sustainability. What would you say to students considering further study or those looking to return to education?
The world and knowledge is ever evolving and changing so there is a need for us to adapt and keep up to date with our education and knowledge.
I would really encourage further education. This is my second masters and I have also completed a Hdip as I believe my Ag degree is my foundation of knowledge rather than my competition. The world and knowledge is ever evolving and changing so there is a need for us to adapt and keep up to date with our education and knowledge.
What do you do to relax? Tell us a bit about your current life, family and hobbies.
I live on a dairy farm with my partner Eamon and we have just built a new house so that has taken up all of my time and throw in some lovely calves, there isn't much time left. I play camogie and go to the gym when I can in my spare time however I need to find more spare time for that.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
People's opinions are just that, their opinions. They are a reflection on them not you so you don't always need to take them on board.
Always work hard and be driven. If you find this weaning, then you need to change what you are doing.
The people are what makes it so my best advice is to network and join things like the ASA which is our professional body for ag grads - what you put into organisations like that, you get double back out.
And what advice would you give to someone considering studying Agriculture and food science or a career in the agri food industry?
It is a fantastic industry with so much opportunity for people who are willing to work and throw yourselves into things. The people are what makes it so my best advice is to network and join things like the ASA which is our professional body for ag grads - what you put into organisations like that, you get double back out.
