Gillian Brady – CAFRE Alumni

My name is Gillian Brady and I am currently a part-time second year student on the Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise Master’s programme at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

This Master’s programme is delivered by CAFRE in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast so my final qualification will be awarded by QUB. The course complements my undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition from Ulster University and also my extensive experience of working in both the food and pharmaceutical industries.

I am currently employed by the Foyle Food Group as Group Technical Compliance Manager, having progressed from the role of Site Technical Manager. Foyle have offered me many opportunities over the years and my current role has really helped me to develop my career within the business.

I decided to apply for the Master’s Degree in Business for Agri-food and Rural Enterprise delivered at Loughry Campus as I felt it would allow me to enhance the skills and experience which I could apply in my current role. I have selected a specialist module in Business Communication as part of the programme and have found the course content to be very beneficial. I believe I have already developed greatly since I began the course.

The part-time option is great when working full-time as it gives you time to study at your own pace. Working and studying at the same time can be difficult, however the benefits greatly outweigh the challenges due to the skills developed as well as achieving an MSc over a three year period. The tutors are extremely helpful, given that we have been studying the course during a pandemic which has not been the easiest!

A friend who had completed the course recommended it as a great opportunity for me. I am really happy with my decision to complete the MSc and the time is going by so quickly.

For more information on the MSc Business for Agri-food and Rural Enterprise course, please visit the course pages. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at ‘Discover CAFRE or access the QUB website www.qub.ac.uk