Gurugram, India
Ross O’Reilly
Ross is a graduate of Business and Law from TUD. He is based in India as part of a team of four Brand Ambassadors. Ross reflects on his time on the programme so far and shares some advice for those looking to apply for the Jameson International Brand Ambassador Programme.
Thinking about when you first arrived in the city you are now based, what were your initial thoughts when you arrived?
When I arrived in Gurugram driving into the city from the airport I was amazed by the amount of cows to be found on the streets. My initial thoughts on the city would be that it is chaotically beautiful and I immediately fell in love with the people and the environment. The people in India are the most welcoming people on the planet and it is known as the hosting country of the world because you will literally be invited everywhere when you get there. The people I met on my first few weeks were absolutely amazing and so welcoming. There is a family vibe to the industry here, which is so nice especially when trying to find your feet.
Thinking about when you first met your team, what was this like?
The team in Pernod Ricard India have been super easy to work with. After induction it took a month or so to get my visa sorted. While waiting in Dublin I hopped on a few calls with the team in India go get to know the brand plan including the focus areas for the year ahead and to an insight into the ways of working in the market. The team were incredibly forward with what ideas they had and wanted to hear my thoughts on everything. I found this immensely rewarding as I was still so new to the team. Once I landed in India the team were very quick to help me settle into the market and into my role.
Looking back now what did you learn from that first month in your new city? What has it taught you about yourself?
I have learnt a lot from my first month in India, one being that it is a really active market with everyone you meet loving the brand, so I would say that creating things that support brand advocacy is a main goal for me. Another thing I learnt about myself is that I am extremely adaptable and I like to think I thrive in different cultures and environments. Being comfortable in the uncomfortable is a main focus for me in the coming year!
What are you most looking forward to in the months ahead?
I am very much looking forward to seeing my ideas come to life, with different creations of mine being presented I am very interested in seeing these things actually happen later this year. I am also very much looking forward to getting into a routine. Finally, I am most looking forward to travelling! A big love of mine is travel and I have only really scratched the surface over here. So, over the next few months, I most definitely need to pop on my hiking boots, or Birkenstocks, and see what this beautiful country has to offer!
Any tips for anyone applying for the role of Brand Ambassador?
There are many tips that you most likely have heard before, but one thing I would say is that if you are someone who is willing to immerse yourself in the unknown then this job is right up your ally. For the video application I would say lean on your strengths whether that be your previous experience in the drinks industry, in marketing or in content creation. Tell your own story and be true to who you are.