My interest in
horses started as a kid but pursuing a career in the equine industry was never
really an option when I left school. I don’t come from an equestrian family
and, to be honest, I don’t think I even realised the breadth and scope of the industry
as a whole.
I spent six years
working in the insurance industry and while I enjoyed my job, I had no real
interest in the content of my work and the further my career progressed, the
bigger this issue became. In 2010 I took a career break and applied to Maynooth
University for their Equine Business course with the hope of combining my
business experience with something I loved and I’ve never looked back.
The Equine Business course at Maynooth University is unique in its content
and focus. The three year course is designed to set students up for a business
career within the equine industry and is strongly supported from both the
racing and sport side of the industry. A range of top industry figures lend
their guidance which in turn opens doors and gives the students access to a
wide range of businesses in Ireland and beyond.
The course itself is a standard third level business degree with
additional, equine specific, modules to incorporate relevant learning of
industry specific topics and areas. This includes everything from bloodstock
insurance, breeding and yard management, to media, PR and event management.
There are different variations of the degree course which adds to its appeal.
For example, the course director, Niamh O’Sullivan, has set up an international
study option, in conjunction with the University of Arizona, which allows
students an optional additional year studying at the Race Track Industry
Program in America.
Another
huge benefit of the course is the work placement aspect which provides students
with the opportunity to gain valuable experience across a wide range of roles
and build up relevant work experience alongside their studies. Throughout my
three years at Maynooth I worked in The Irish Field, Juddmonte Farms, and Weatherbys
Ireland. This proved invaluable when I finished my degree as I’d a clear idea
of what role was best suited to me and what career path to take.
I
cannot recommend the Equine Business Degree highly enough, and not just for
school leavers but also for anyone looking to change career direction as I did.
The support given by the course director, the college itself and the other
students is second to none. Since graduating I’ve gone on to work for Newtown
Stud, BBA Ireland, and I am now racing secretary at AJ Martin Racing. The course
at Maynooth gave me the knowledge, experience, and confidence to pursue this
career path and I would urge anyone looking at studying within the equine
spectrum to touch base with one of the past students from Maynooth or the college
itself.