Meet Ali, our Marketing Assistant on the Communications & Creativity team based at our Headquarters in Ballsbridge in Dublin. Ali is in Year 2 of the Jameson International Programme. Here she chats through her love of travel, her amazing onboarding experience and her highlights so far.
What was it about the Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme that initially appealed to you?
I joined the Jameson International Brand Ambassador programme to gain international marketing experience with a global company. I was in my final year of Commerce at UCC and my side interests included radio, presenting and the arts. The programme felt like the perfect fit for my course degree and my external personal interests.
How did you hear about the Programme?
I had always heard of the Jameson programme from previous people in Cork and UCC. Through social media I saw the work that Brand Ambassadors were doing and it intrigued me. I went to some of the career talks that the team from Irish Distillers would carry out in UCC and tried to get as much insight into what the programme involved through websites, podcasts and reaching out to previous Brand Ambassadors.
How would your friends and family describe you?
My friends and family would describe me as someone who never stops and loves to stay busy. Adventure and travel is a massive part of my life and from this I have become a very adaptable person who loves a new challenge. I am from Cork, so I never stop talking and love catching up on what’s going on with all their lives. I am extremely passionate and hard working when it comes to the things I care about. I am very open to change and love meeting/ connecting with new people/ groups
Tell us more about your onboarding/ induction experience?
The onboarding process was certainly a highlight for me when looking back on my time here at Jameson. From the minute you step in the door of the place, you are welcomed with open arms and truly made felt like you are part of the Jameson and Irish Distillers family regardless of the level you are at. The in-depth knowledge the onboarding gives you to prepare for market is exceptional.
Tell us about your journey so far on the Programme
My journey so far has been based in Simmonscourt working on the Global content team within the International Marketing. My job involves lots of senior and external stakeholders along with working cross functionally with many different teams here within Irish Distillers. I’ve loved working on a small team whilst also having an impact on the overall wider group brand vision.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There really is no typical day in the world of content or social media. I’m always looking to see how we can bring the Jameson brand into conversation. A standard office day could consist of coming in, checking what is going on online, catching up on emails, meeting my team and a lot of communication through calls and emails with internal and external stakeholders of projects we are working on.
What has been your highlight of the job so far?
Working with an incredible group of highly motivated people who are continuously inspiring me to upskill, improve and push myself to the best of my abilities.
Tell us more about the Global Marketing team here in Ireland
The culture of the Global Marketing team here in Ireland is something I find really hard to describe as it’s simply sometimes too good to be real and I consider myself extremely lucky to be a part of it. Having been lucky enough to have a lot of experience in different company cultures the one here at Irish Distillers is really something special. At Irish Distillers you are not another number which I feel is really important especially as a young person starting off. Regardless of your position or level, everyone is made feel that they play a massive role in impacting the overall company. That family culture is really fostered.
How do you stay connected with your colleagues across the globe?
Staying in contact is a really important factor for me when it comes to fostering friendships, I speak with the wider group of International Brand Ambassadors s in our whatsapp groupchat, but I would speak regularly/ daily on the phone to a lot of International Brand Ambassadors who I formed incredible relationships with during induction, and have had the pleasure of travelling the world visiting them in their different markets
When you are not working as a Marketing Assistant, how do you spend your free time?
I love spending time outdoors particularly sea swimming. I’m also a big fan of staying fit/ healthy – yoga is a big interest of mine and I find it a great way to switch off and listen to my mind and body. I am office based so I find it super beneficial. Family and friends are a massive part of my life and I really enjoy spending time with loved ones and little cousins whenever I can.
What would you like to do post programme?
Post Programme, I would love to stay within the Pernod Ricard group on an international level
Describe your experience in 3 words
Challenging, Inspiring, Rewarding
Learn more about the Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme
