MSc in Communication

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Students have been graduating from Loughry’s

postgraduate Communication programmes for

over 40 years. Many have said the course has

helped them find their ideal job. Let’s find out

why and get some more details from Course

Manager, Dr Roy Nelson…

introduction

What kind of jobs do graduates get after completing the MSc in Communication?

A Masters in Communication

opens up many potential

career choices for you as

you develop a wide range of

transferable skills – have a look

at the case studies profiled in

this booklet. You can see that,

for many students, the career

pathway they followed was

as a result of the experiences

and confidence they gained

through the Communication

programme.

Where are the Communication programmes taught?

All the Communication

programmes are taught at

CAFRE’s Loughry Campus,

just outside Cookstown.

Who awards the qualification?

Queen’s University, Belfast.

Should I apply?

Yes, if you’re a graduate (2.2

degree classification or above)

and want to improve your

employment prospects with

a management qualification.

How would you sum up the MSc?

It’s an enjoyable but

challenging programme

which will stretch you, but

it will always keep the end

goal in mind – and that is to

give you the skills to help you

get a job in industry. For the

majority of the graduates it

has enabled them to achieve

their full potential.

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Name: Elaine Donaghy

Job Title: Marketing Manager & Joint Manager Employer: Sperrins Tourism Ltd

Qualifications: BA (Hons) in Media & Theatre Studies, Postgraduate Diploma in Management, MSc in Communication

What does a Marketing Manager do?

I am the Marketing Manager and Joint Manager for Sperrins Tourism Ltd and have worked with the organisation for seven years. Sperrins Tourism Ltd is the regional marketing and promotional body for the Sperrins region, promoting the destination to local, national and international visitors as a prime destination in Northern Ireland. I am responsible for all the strategic marketing activities, strategic planning and funding of the organisation.

What’s the best thing about your job?

It is so diverse, challenging and every day is different. It

constantly presents opportunities and challenges which I thrive on. There are also excellent opportunities to travel and meet so many people... I must say I absolutely love my job!

What are the opportunities in your career?

My career offers opportunities to progress within the field of tourism and marketing which is a very exciting and challenging industry to work in. I always strive to apply my skills, expertise and experiences and employ them in my job in the best possible way to achieve the company’s goals, targets and priorities.

What was the most useful part of the course to you?

Firstly it was extremely convenient that I was able to complete a course at this level in Cookstown, as travelling to Belfast was not a viable option. And secondly having the option to focus on Strategic Marketing and Management was very attractive to me. The staff and hospitable environment in which we learnt made the process very enjoyable.

And finally, what’s your favourite memory of your time as a Communication student?

Some of the most memorable moments for me were when I finally handed in my thesis, meeting the staff to find out my result, which I was extremely pleased with and finally the sense of achievement and overwhelming feeling when I finally graduated. It made all the hard work, and dedication

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Name: Allen Hall

Job Title: Farm Liaison Officer Employer: Skea Eggs

Qualifications: BSc Economics & Management

– Agribusiness,City & Guilds Assessor’s Award, MSc in Communication

What does a Farm Liaison Officer do?

I communicate with farmers on a regular basis and work closely with them in relation to their poultry enterprise. This involves the management and welfare of the birds in the flock, and also dealing with any of the farmers’ concerns whilst ensuring that the requirements of our customers and legislation are fully understood and implemented. I am also training farmers in the Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Poultry Production.

How did you end up in this job?

I worked for Skea Eggs for some years prior to this job as a holiday and weekend job on the factory floor. Shortly after I finished my MSc this job was advertised and I applied. The rest is history.

Getting out and about talking to farmers about issues at ground level, and being able to solve problems that they may have is what gives me job satisfaction.

What are the opportunities in your career?

I have the opportunity to liaise with the agricultural departments in some of the major retailers we supply and also speak to and gain information from technical breed managers in the UK on a regular basis. I am also a member of the Northern Ireland Poultry Association which allows me to network with others within the poultry industry at various conferences.

What was the most useful part of the Communication course to you?

I found the entire course very helpful in relation to boosting my confidence level in communication. I chose to specialise in the Strategic Management option of the course, which has certainly been a great help to me in my current role at Skea Eggs. One of my favourite assignments provided me with my first experience of communicating with farmers and the fact that we were carrying out a worthwhile research project for DARD was very satisfying.

My favourite memory from the course would have to be the creation of an agri-business DVD. Whilst it was hard work, it was a real laugh trying to put it together.

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Name: Maeve McKeefry Job Title: Brand Manager Employer: Linewoods

Qualifications: BA (Hons) Consumer Studies, University of Ulster

MSc Communication,

Queen’s University Belfast

(taught at CAFRE - Loughry Campus)

Name: Amanda Dawson

Job Title: Group Mill Technical Manager

Employer: Fane Valley

Qualifications: BTEC ND Food Technology, BSc (Hons) Food Technology, MSc in Communication

What does a Technical Manager do?

A Technical Manager ensures all food is made to a high standard. The role means working with customers and suppliers as well as looking at ways to improve the way we do things.

I completed a ND in Food Technology and joined Fane Valley as a Laboratory Technician. The company allowed me to study for a BSc (Hons) in Food Technology at Loughry on a part-time basis, after which I was promoted to Quality Manager. I then enrolled on the Communication course at Loughry on a part-time basis and applied for my current post as Technical Manager.

I have to say that it’s the variety. I’m responsible for so many different areas and there are constantly new challenges.

What are the opportunities in your career?

The opportunities in the food industry are immense. It’s an industry that’s always developing, as our retail customers and end consumers keep looking for a higher standard of product. This in turn means that technical roles keep changing and expanding, which make the opportunities for career development pretty much unlimited!

The communication course was really useful in providing new ideas, as it is so relevant to what actually happens within the work place. The motivation aspect of communication is one of the key areas needed to succeed in keeping a happy workforce and the training and development modules were highly

beneficial in helping develop and implement new training methods.

And finally, what’s your favourite memory of your time as a Communication student?

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Name: Aoibéann Walsh

Job Title: PhD Student

Qualifications: BSc Consumer Studies, MSc in Communication

Employer: Queen’s University, Belfast/ Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)

What does a PhD student do?

I am a third year PhD student registered with Queen’s University, funded by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). The title of my PhD study is “Food, culture and decision-making: implications for the food supply chain in Northern Ireland”. My time so far has been spent reviewing relevant literature, designing the research methodology, conducting the data collection, analysing the results and compiling the thesis.

How did you end up in this role?

As I really enjoyed the research part of the MSc programme I decided to pursue further academic study by applying for a PhD. This involved writing a research proposal and being interviewed in order to obtain a postgraduate studentship award from DARD.

What’s the best thing about your role?

I have enjoyed developing as a researcher and collecting data about food choice from children aged as young as eight to adults aged 80+. Another plus is I get to travel, as I have had the opportunity to speak about my research at national and international conferences in Germany, Ibiza, London, Sligo, Cork and Dublin. It’s also great to see my work in print in international research journals.

What are the opportunities in your career?

When I graduate as a successful PhD candidate, there are opportunities to complete post-doctoral research and become involved with lecturing. Ideally, I feel I would enjoy pursuing work within the health sector in Northern Ireland – perhaps in a role within the Public Health Agency, the Food Standards Agency or government initiatives such as Sure Start.

What was the most useful part of the course to you?

I particularly enjoyed the module based on Research Methods – I apply what I learned in that module every day.

Outside the classroom, I remember the time and craic in the canteen and the nights out we had in Cookstown! Inside the classroom, I enjoyed having the opportunity to develop my communication skills in real-life situations – such as meeting with the Agriculture Minister, making representation in a committee meeting in the Northern Ireland Executive in Stormont and engaging with local newspapers and radio.

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MSc Communication,

Name: David Seffen

Job Title: Northern Ireland Partnership Manager

Employer: Lantra (The Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector)

Qualifications: In addition to A-Levels, a range of technical qualifications and a Masters in Communication

What does a Partnership Manager do?

As a member of Lantra’s Senior Executive Team, my role is to ensure that land-based businesses have access to the right type of skills and business development support. This helps them compete, stay profitable and have a sustainable future. Consequently, good communication skills are essential as I need to be able to communicate at all levels of the business. This includes managing and leading change within the organisation, talking to customers about the issues facing their business and negotiating with government departments at a strategic level to secure appropriate policy interventions.

I’m in a great position to help environmental and land-based businesses right across the United Kingdom, and in turn support the economy of the country in which I live. I have the chance to make a real difference to thousands of business; there are not many careers that can do that.

There are lots of opportunities within Lantra despite it having a flat management structure. Changes to the business model and project activity provide plenty of scope for new challenges.

What was the most useful part of the course to you?

The learning and personal development I gained through the programme has been invaluable to me. I was able to apply the learning directly to the workplace in a range of contexts and situations including strategic planning, change management, new product development and research functions. This

application not only supported the business processes but also improved my personal effectiveness and confidence levels. In today’s fast paced business environment it’s vital to keep your skills and training up-to-date.

My favourite memory of the programme was the satisfaction of submitting the final thesis but also benefiting from the shared experience of others who had previously gone through the programme. This sharing was invaluable to me and I was delighted to have the opportunity to then share my experience with the new students coming onto the programme.

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Name: David Willis

Job Title: Sales Development Manager NI

Employer: Cavanbox

Qualifications: HND Agriculture, BSc Food Business, MSc in Communication

What does a Sales Development do?

New market development in Northern Ireland for Cavanbox, a corrugated cases manufacturer.

I previously worked for a number of years in paper sack sales, so I took the challenge to move into another sector of the packaging market.

Meeting a lot of new people seeking to update their knowledge of various aspects of communication whether it is training, education or sales related.

What are the opportunities in your career?

The market for paper packaging in Ireland is large so there are lots of opportunities to succeed and progress in the supply of packaging.

Getting up-to-date communication information and being shown how to best apply theory to practice.

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Name: Maeve McKeefry Job Title: Brand Manager Employer: Linewoods Name: Deborah Quinn

Job Title: Communications Officer Employer: Ulster Farmers’ Union Qualifications: BSc Hons Business Studies,

MSc in Communication

What does a Communications Officer do?

Everything from coordinating UFU presence at events such as the Balmoral Show, building relationships with the media, producing and editing UFU Watch in Farming Life, designing marketing materials, writing news releases and publications, maintaining the UFU social media platforms to developing the UFU Website!

After completing my Masters, the position of Communications Officer came up at the Ulster Farmers’ Union. I got my CV ready, sent it on to UFU, was interviewed for the post and luckily I was selected.

Working with everyone in the Union, working with journalists and engaging with other organisations such as HSENI, DARD and DRD. Every day has a new task.

What are the opportunities in your career?

Learning about agriculture. I have also been able to build relationships with journalists and other government bodies, for example working along with HSENI and DARD in developing the Farm Safety Partnership at the Balmoral show.

The communication course had a range of modules which required the development of good organisational and time keeping skills, skills needed in the working environment and helped me get my current job. I have found that the project management skills I learnt very useful especially with my role in event management at the recent Balmoral show.

The classroom was fun, engaging and the level of interaction among us as students and our tutors was great. It made each module very enjoyable and if I could go back to do the course all over again I would. Probably my favourite memory at Loughry is the DARD Health and Safety DVD we were asked to produce. It was fun, funny and very enjoyable and through it I developed close friendships with my group.

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Name: Diarmaid Currie

Job Title: Cheese Production Manager Employer: Dale Farm Ltd

Qualifications: HND Business Studies with Marketing and currently studying part-time on MSc in Communication

What does a Production Manager do?

I am responsible for all the Cheese Production on site both bulk and retail.

I worked as a Supervisor for four years and a Department Manager for six years in Moy Park, Dungannon. I applied for the Production Manager job at Dale Farm and can honestly say, it was my experience on the Communication course that helped me get the job.

The job is really varied in that you don’t know what is round the corner. No two days are ever the same.

What are the opportunities in your career?

Further opportunities as a Production Manager in the expanding Northern Ireland agri-food sector.

The course provided me with a variety of skills relevant to a Production Manager in the food industry, such as communicating with colleagues, customers, suppliers and other departments effectively. All of these skills are essential to achieving the goals of the company.

Meeting lots of new people on the course, with whom I have become close friends.

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MSc Communication,

(taught at CAFRE - Loughry Campus) Name: Eóin Murphy

Job Title: Research Officer (Employment and Learning) Employer: Northern Ireland Assembly

Qualifications: BA (Hons) Economics and Government and MSc in Communication

What does a Research Officer do?

Within the Northern Ireland Assembly there is a dedicated Research Team which provides research briefings for MLAs, Committees and the Secretariat. Each Researcher is a specialist in a different area (I’m the Researcher for Employment and Learning) and we research, write and present papers. In my time here I’ve written over one hundred papers covering everything from Renewable Energy to Tuition Fees which may be one or two pages long, or more in-depth and can run to forty pages.

I initially got my job here through a recruitment agency, with my Masters in Communication and previous work experience as a Management Consultant helping me into the post. After about a year a number of full-time posts came up which I applied for and much to my own surprise got the job.

The work is varied – you can get a query on almost anything and you can see the results of your research played out in plenary sessions or in Committee meetings which is very rewarding.

What are the opportunities in your career?

There’s a lot of opportunity to move about within the Secretariat with former Researchers going on to become Committee Clerks and Senior Research Officers. It’s also great experience for policy and strategy posts.

All of it! I found the weekly (daily!) presentations to be a great help in preparing me for speaking to Committees. Also the Research Methods class and the Dissertation writing process itself have proven to be incredibly useful for my career, from referencing documents to the research process itself.

I don’t know to be honest, we did that much random stuff (the lobbying of government Departments was a bit of a surprise, I’m nearly sure I didn’t see it in the curriculum). The BBQ and quiz were good craic, but I think it would have to be the whole experience itself, I met some great people on the course, learned an awful lot and it has definitely been a great boost to my career. Without the Masters in Communication I wouldn’t be working

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Name: Jane Junk

Job Title: Hygiene Manager

Employer: Allied Bakeries

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition MSc in Communication

As a Hygiene Manager, what does an average day involve?

I have two front line managers and 27 staff reporting to me, so at any one time I can be organising staff training, undertaking internal audits, carrying out hygiene planning, driving health and safety performance as well as leading the team in improving the way we do things.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing this career?

Get as much experience as possible within the food industry as there are so many possible career paths within the sector. Also I look at practical training such as HACCP, auditing, health and safety and food hygiene – these courses are invaluable for a career in the food industry.

The opportunities are immense as the sector is so diverse and the skills set I have built up is readily transferable. I am constantly preparing for the next step – luckily, Allied Bakeries offer

progressive development training for its employees and there is no shortage of opportunities. I’d like to progress into technical management but I am open to new possibilities as the industry is constantly evolving.

What was the most useful part of the Communication course to you?

A number of the companies I have worked for have went through extensive change programmes. The enhanced capacity to manage change effectively through things I learned on the course was vital during times of change. Decision making is part of my everyday working life and the course helped me to become a more effective decision maker. The course also helped me improve my project management skills and my management of resources; these are all essential tools for me to complete my everyday job.

It’s hard to pick just one memory as there were so many. The social side of the course was great as I made a number of new friends many of whom I still see on regular basis. I would definitely recommend the course as it is great for bridging the gap between study and the workplace and provides you with many options for career development.

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Name: Maeve McKeefry Job Title: Brand Manager Name: Janice Gibson Job Title: Regional Director

Employer: Evo Marketing UK and have also just started my own business (Local Fundraising Solutions) Qualifications: Advanced Diploma in Personal and

Business Communication and MSc in Communication What does a Regional Director do?

I work for a small company so really whatever the business requires from HR duties to customer/client interfacing to cooking the occasional dinner.

What’s the best thing about your job?

It is never boring and you are always learning new things. I have had the opportunity to work across a broad range of industries such as utilities, banking, and charities to fun promotions and I have met some really talented and interesting people from clients to customers. I can work from home which is handy!

To work on a consultancy basis advising clients on the science of acquiring new customers through the direct face to face sales and promotions channel.

What was the most useful part of the MSc Communication course to you?

It was all useful, both on a personal and business level, as it all interlinks. I really believe that communication should be an essential qualification alongside Maths and English!

And finally, what’s your favourite memory of your time as a Communication student?

Conducting my research and seeing it in print. It was amazing and so interesting! It also taught me that ‘there is always more than one way to look at any situation’ which has become very useful on daily basis when making both personal and business decisions.

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Name: Maeve McKeefry Job Title: Brand Manager Employer: Linwoods

Qualifications: BA (Hons) Consumer Studies, MSc in Communication

What does a Brand Manager do?

Everything! It’s great because I could be redesigning packaging one day and working with media agencies developing

advertising or preparing presentations the next! I also manage our European accounts so I liaise daily with the distributors to ensure that we are maximising the potential of each country. Because a food company is so dynamic it’s a great place to develop your marketing skills. These skills are so transferable that you can take them anywhere.

After you qualified, did it take long to find a job?

I was just completing my MSc thesis when I was offered my first job. I made sure I got a quick holiday in before starting!

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing this career?

You need to be able to learn fast, be optimistic and hard working. There is no better reward than seeing a product you are associated with on the shelves of stores across the world.

In an expanding company like Linwoods, the opportunities are endless. With new products being launched and new markets opening, you never know where you could be next.

What was the most useful part of the MSc Communication course to you?

I think the presentation skills – these are utilised every day and are effective in sales pitches, negotiating with buyers and advertisers and in house presentations. The course also provided knowledge of the food industry in Northern Ireland which has definitely assisted within my role in Linwoods.

The lectures and interactive learning – coming from a university where you felt like a number, learning at Loughry was not only fun but personal and encouraging; the lecturers were always supportive and genuinely interested in the career you pursued.

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MSc Communication,

(taught at CAFRE - Loughry Campus) Name: Maria O’Hagan

Job Title: Veterinary Epidemiologist

Employer: Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Belfast Qualifications: BSc Veterinary Medicine,

Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, Post Graduate Diploma Veterinary

Public Health and MSc in Communication

What does a Veterinary Epidemiologist do?

I investigate diseases, productivity and welfare in animal populations. Veterinary epidemiology describes the frequency of disease occurrence and how disease, productivity and welfare are affected by the interaction of different factors.

I worked in veterinary practice for 13 years and then ended up in this job by getting extra qualifications.

I always had an interest in science along side my interest in veterinary medicine. This job beautifully combines the two!

What are the opportunities in your career?

In the position I am in at the moment I hope to develop my skills further so to improve my performance.

I really enjoyed the final year of the MSc in which you complete a research project that gives you the chance to put your newly learned skills into action.

Our group always had fun. There was a very pleasant atmosphere with regard to both lecturers and students.

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Name: Marian Dorman

Job Title: Neighbourhood Renewal Health & Wellbeing Co-ordinator

Employer: Southern Health & Social Services Trust Qualifications: Wide range of qualifications in health and

social care, community development, holistic therapies, catering etc, Graduate Certificate in Personal and Business

Communication and MSc in Communication What does a Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator do?

I work with Coalisland and Dungannon disadvantaged and socially isolated communities identifying areas of need in relation to health. My job involves liaising and developing programmes with the trust, voluntary and community sectors and managing these programmes funded by the Department for Social Development to address health needs identified.

How did you end up in this job?

I had been involved with Coalisland Neighbourhood Renewal in a voluntary capacity and as I met the criteria, I applied for the post. I was able to meet the criteria for this post thanks to the completion of my MSc in Communication.

What’s best thing about your job?

I enjoy liaising with the various statutory, voluntary and community groups in an attempt to address need within the areas as well as empowering members of the community.

Through gaining work-based experience in the post I anticipate that I will be in a strong position to apply for further posts as they become available and my skill base grows.

What was the most useful part of the course to you?

The whole course was invaluable. I enjoyed gaining knowledge that helped my personal development especially my

communication and IT skills.

My favourite memory has to be the friendships developed within the group. I still keep in contact with friends I met and studied with in Loughry. Everyone was very supportive towards one another and the staff were brilliant in encouraging everyone to develop to their full potential.

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MSc Communication,

Name: Maxine Irwin

Job Title: Senior HR and OD Adviser

Employer: Belfast City Council

MSc in Communication

What does a Senior Human Resources and OD Adviser do?

One of the key elements of my job is to design, deliver and co-ordinate a variety of training courses and development programmes for all staff across the council. This can range from Equal Opportunities training to Attendance Policy training. I also work with external training providers to deliver management development programmes.

I was always interested in working in Human Resources. I was in a generalist role before joining Belfast City Council and now specialise in the area of Learning and Development. The role is quite varied and there are always new and interested projects in which to get involved.

The best thing about the job is the variety of work I do and the people you get to meet. It is very satisfying when people who attend your training feed back how beneficial and useful it was to them.

What are the opportunities in your career?

There are plenty of opportunities working in the field of Human Resources and Learning and Development. People are the most important asset of any organisation and therefore organisations need to be able to attract, retain and develop people in order to perform and be successful.

The most useful part of the course for me was the

communication and training modules. I found these very relevant to my job. I specifically benefited from being assessed and

getting feedback on a training course I designed and delivered.

And finally, what’s your favourite memory of your time as a Communication student?

I loved it! The class was great and the tutors were excellent! It was a great environment in which to learn and I had plenty of laughs along the way.

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What does a Technical Manager do?

A Technical Manager is responsible for all the technical aspects of food manufacturing including quality systems, food safety and ensuring quality and legal compliance.

After completing my Degree and Masters in Communication, I joined a local small meat processing company and then Linden Foods as a Technical Supervisor. As Linden Foods has grown so too has my job.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I like the variation that comes with my job; whether it is managing the quality and hygiene teams or working with production, the product development team, suppliers and customers, no two days are the same and my job constantly provides me with new challenges.

I have been lucky to have been part of a growing successful company who have and continue to provide me with new opportunities; we continue to push the boundaries of New Product Development which is turn brings new technical challenges. Likewise the Northern Irish food industry is

diverse and supplies national and international markets so the opportunities are endless for someone thinking of joining the food industry.

What was the most useful part of the Communication course to you?

I believe it was a combination of many things on the course but the end result was that I was much more confident in my communication skills, whether in interview techniques or giving presentations and training, I am better equipped for industry.

Probably the student involvement with the key skills schools programme, Young Enterprise and also the two weeks teaching experience.

Name: Gareth Weir Job Title: Technical Manager Employer: Linden Foods

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Food Science, MSc in Communication

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On completing an MSc in Communication

you will have the skills to:

• manage projects successfully

• carry out research and development

• build relationships at all levels

• demonstrate that you’re a pro-active

self starter

• work on your own initiative

• solve problems using a logical

thought process

• implement positive solutions

• work consistently to high standards

• prioritise tasks depending on their

significance

• make sound decisions and justify them

• work as part of a multi-faceted team

• work independently as the situation

demands

• communicate with internal and

external customers

Communication Programmes

• Advanced Diploma in Personal and Business

Communication

• Postgraduate Certificate in Communication

• Postgraduate Diploma in Communication

with options in Training and Development for

Rural Business or Strategic Management for

Rural Business

• Masters in Communication with options in

Training and Development for Rural Business

or Strategic Management for Rural Business

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For further information contact:

Dr Roy Nelson

Head of Communication

Loughry Campus

76 Dungannon Road

Cookstown

Co Tyrone BT80 9AA

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 028 8676 8115

www.cafre.ac.uk

If you require this publication

in an alternative format please

contact College Administration on

Freephone 0800 028 4291 quoting: Let’s talk careers

ISBN: 978-1-84807-310-4