Kells woman enjoying life in Jakarta as brand ambassador

Hannah McNamara

A KELLS woman working in Indonesia as a whiskey brand ambassador has described her journey as “amazing” and is encouraging others to get on the programme that got her there.

Ellie Gavigan, who earned a degree in Sociology, Politics and History from University of Galway is one of over 70 brand ambassadors for Jameson Whiskey in over 40 locations around the world from India to Indonesia, Taiwan to Spain.

“The Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme enables you to explore all areas of the business and learn what you enjoy so you can then carve a path in the direction in which you want to build your career and is really a great opportunity to kickstart a marketing career in the strongest way possible.”

Ellie said: “I am delighted to be based in Indonesia, as it is such an exciting and diverse country where there is so much to learn. After graduating, I wanted to gain insight into how global brand-building strategies come to life. I also wanted to immerse myself in a new culture and to step outside of my comfort zone. Working in a developing market like Indonesia has allowed me to do just that.

“It’s been great to get this broad experience relatively early in my career, and to work in such a diverse country halfway across the world. It’s a long way from Meath and Kells where I grew up.

“Indonesia is a unique, challenging and rewarding market in equal measures. There are many cultural nuances and the language can sometimes be a barrier. However, my weekly Bahasa (local dialect) lessons definitely help me navigate day-to-day.”

The Jameson programme is not a typical 9-5 role as the candidates are given the freedom and flexibility to shape their own work schedule and encouraged to carve out space for their physical and mental health.

“Like many people my age, a positive workplace culture is an important consideration when choosing a job. From the start, the focus of the programme has been empowering us to become our best selves while giving us the tools necessary to shape our own experience. We’re actively encouraged to carve out time for our physical and mental health and we all have access to Irish Distillers’ Thrive Wellbeing programme which offers wellbeing supports such as a 24/7 mental health team, mental health coaching, open ended therapy, a digital gym, and more,” Ellie said.

The Jameson International Brand Ambassador programme has been recruiting and training graduates for over 30 years and been recognised as the leading graduate employer in Ireland since 2014. The programme looks for creative, innovative, self-starters with an entrepreneurial mindset to follow in the footsteps of Ellie Gavigan from Kells, who is now in her second year of the programme based in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Sinéad D'Arcy, Head of Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme added: “The secret to the success of the Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme has been its ability to adapt to the evolving needs and expectations of applicants. The programme has witnessed many changes over its 30 plus years, from pioneering video applications so candidates could showcase their true selves; to breaking down barriers by adapting a skills-first hiring approach which focuses on candidates’ attitude and aptitude over their degree discipline.”

The Jameson programme is now accepting applicants for 2024/25 and is looking for the next generation of Jameson Brand Ambassadors. The deadline for applications is 1pm on 14th February 2024. For more information visit www.jamesongraduateprogramme.com