04 August 2009

Are your communication skills all they are cracked up to be? Allen Hall, Farm Liaison Officer with Skea Eggs, Pomeroy is well used to all the egg puns in his job; however, the one he tries to avoid at all costs is being left with egg on his face. “In my line of work, communication is vital. It is a difficult balancing act, dealing with our farmers concerns whilst also ensuring that the requirements of our customers and legislation are fully understood and implemented.

When I completed my degree in Agricultural Economics I thought that was me finished with study, however, when I started applying for jobs and saw how competitive the job market was, I realised I needed that something extra to give me an edge above other applicants and that is why I enrolled on the MSc in Communication at Loughry. The experience gained on the course helped bridge the gap between my primary qualification and the world of work. The course was really worthwhile and I would recommend it to any graduate”.

The Postgraduate Communication course is a Queen’s University of Belfast course, delivered at Loughry Campus Cookstown, with options available in Training & Development for Rural Business and Strategic Management for Rural Business. It is available on a full and part-time basis and although the course is designed to increase the skills and competencies of those working in or seeking a career in the agri-food and rural business sectors, it is open to all students as communication skills are transferable to any job.

For more information freephone 0800 0284291. Better still, why not come along to our Open Evening on Thursday 27 August between 3 pm and 8 pm to see the facilities and meet the staff.

Allen Hall demonstrates some of the successful products sold by Skea Eggs