Are you looking to kickstart your career in marketing? Are you itching to see the world? You might be a good candidate for the Jameson International Graduate Programme. The highly-acclaimed programme offers graduates the opportunity to become Jameson Brand Ambassadors in one of 40 international markets, while developing vital business skills. From Bangkok to Belfast, Panama to Paris, graduates become part of a global family of 60 Brand Ambassadors.

Brand Ambassadors come from a variety of backgrounds, from law, arts and psychology, to business and marketing, which is why the four-week induction programme covers all the bases, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to hit the ground running. The programme looks for candidates who are creative, innovative self-starters with an entrepreneurial mindset – this is summed up as ‘Serious Character’.”

Thomas O’Brien, a graduate of UCD who studied commerce and is now a Jameson International Brand Ambassador based Bangkok, is a graduate of the prestigious programme.

“Arriving in Bangkok to begin my role as Jameson Brand Ambassador marked my first trip anywhere in Asia and from the minute the plane landed, I have had an incredible experience embracing a completely new culture and experiencing a new city,” he enthuses. “Bangkok is fast paced and so is my role, however, settling-in has been easy due to the incredible people on my team and in the city.”

Being in a city he loves is only part of the benefit for O’Brien. Part of a team of three Brand Ambassadors focused on building awareness for Jameson, O’Brien tells us that he is “constantly challenged.”

“I’m pushed outside of my comfort zone, from learning to speak Thai, to engaging and collaborating with influencers.”

Any serious highlights?

“So far, working on our Jameson owned music festival – ‘JamFest’,” O’Brien says. “With three stages, 27 artists and a craft marketplace, 4,000 people came together and immersed themselves in all things Jameson.”

“I am proud to represent a brand I love, and I get to share that with everyone I meet. The Jameson International Graduate Programme has taken me to unforgettable places and the growth I’ve experienced both professionally and personally is truly remarkable.”

Graduates can apply to be Jameson Brand Ambassadors through the online recruitment hub (jamesongraduateprogramme.com) where they’re given the chance to showcase their ‘Serious Character’ and to tell their story their way. Applications for this programme open in October 2020 and close in mid-February 2021.