Bit by bit: building my career from barn to boardroom

Having spent a significant amount of time immersed in the hands-on side of the thoroughbred industry, I was eager to explore opportunities that would allow me to transition into more office-based roles. That’s when I discovered the ITBA Next Generation Internship. I applied with the goal of expanding my skill set, learning about the administrative aspects of the thoroughbred world, and carving out a career path that blends both practical and office-oriented elements.

I kicked off my internship in August of last year at the ITBA office, which served as the ideal introduction to office-based work within the thoroughbred industry. From this vantage point, I gained an invaluable behind-the-scenes view of the industry. During my first placement, I had the chance to get involved in a range of key activities. My tasks included assisting with the administration of the National Hunt Fillies Bonus Scheme, helping to organise the prestigious ITBA Annual Awards Ceremony, and serving as a point of contact for breeders. I also supported membership recruitment and produced weekly newsletters, keeping members informed with the latest industry news. These tasks not only provided a broader understanding of the industry but also allowed me to develop essential communication and event management skills, all while widening my network of contacts, something that will be so valuable going forward in the industry.

One of the standout experiences of my first placement was attending the winter sales at Goffs and Tattersalls as a representative of the ITBA, as well as shadowing bloodstock agents Cathy Grassick and Matt Coleman, who generously shared their knowledge with me. Their insight expanded my understanding of evaluating horses’ conformation and assessing their potential in the marketplace.

After wrapping up my time at the ITBA office in January, I transitioned into my next placement at the Irish National Stud. With prior experience in stud work, I was eager to learn more about how the office-based functions of a stud farm operated. My role at the INS involves handling certificates for mares going for cover, stallion contracts, and assisting with other essential administrative tasks that help a stud farm run smoothly.

Another exciting aspect of my role at the INS is working with the tourism team, which has opened my eyes to promoting the industry I am so passionate about, to the public. This experience has provided valuable insight into how the thoroughbred industry is perceived by broader audiences, and I’ve learned a great deal about the importance of public relations and engagement in shaping the industry's image.

As my internship continues, I’m really excited to be taking on some work with Tattersalls throughout the summer sales. This will be an exciting opportunity to delve deeper into the world of bloodstock trading, an area I’ve been eager to explore. I’m especially looking forward to learning more about the auction process and gaining insight into the market trends that influence thoroughbred sales.

Several months into the internship, I can confidently say that each placement has contributed to my personal and professional development. The diverse skill set I’ve gained, from administrative tasks to networking, event planning, and marketing, has equipped me with a strong foundation for the next stage of my career in the thoroughbred industry.

I’m also thrilled to share that I’ll be starting the Godolphin Flying Start in August. I truly believe this internship was instrumental in helping me secure a place on this program. The experience, exposure, and mentorship I’ve received have been key in preparing me for this next exciting chapter.

I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the ITBA and my placement hosts for their generosity in making this experience so enjoyable. Their support and mentorship have been really influential in helping me carve out a clearer path in my career.

As applications are currently open for the next intake, feel free to reach out if you have any questions about my experience or the internship itself. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey so far, and I’m very excited to see what the rest of my internship has in store.  

Goffs Spring Sale

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