Barry Fitzpatrick

BA (Hons) Management with Human Resources, 2005

How important was your Abertay degree in helping you pursue your career?

The degree I obtained in July 2005 at Abertay was the foundation for the last 13 years of my career. After obtaining a First Class Honours, I was fully confident that I had the platform to apply for skilled jobs in the FMCG industry, with a goal to work for a Blue Chip organisation.

Since graduating, can you describe your journey to your current career?

By September 2005 I had two job offers in Walkers/PepsiCo and Kellogg's. I accepted the job at Kellogg's as a Territory Development Manager.

In year one I earned organisation wide recognition by being awarded Sales Person of the Year 2006. My second year saw me take on a role of Field Sales Trainer, which led to a promotion to Account Development Executive a year later.

In 2009 I was offered the job of National Accounts Manager in Manchester. I was also offered the same role by Kepak Convenience Foods which I accepted in 2009. From 2009-2018 I progressed from NAM to Channel Controller (Junior Director), managing & developing various accounts and teams throughout my time. I left this in 2018 to pursue my goal of starting my own business consultancy firm.  

What does your current job involve?

My business largely works in B2B, offering growth and development packages. I work collaboratively and strategically with a number of customers across various industry in areas such as Business Development, Sales Solutions, People Development and Strategic Guidance.

What is your lasting impression of Abertay and Dundee?

My life developed in such a way that I would not be where I am today if not for my time at Abertay. I met my wife there, I made lifelong friends there, I gained confidence in myself there and found the city in which I’ll bring up my children. I feel privileged to say I studied at Abertay.

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