Interview with Irish International Alex Kendellen: Balancing Rugby and a Passion for Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Q: Alex, take us back to the end of your secondary school journey. What was that period like for you?
Alex Kendellen: Towards the end of my secondary education in Presentation Brothers College, Covid-19 happened and heavily disrupted those final months. It was a difficult time, but it also gave me the space to really reflect on what I wanted to do next. I knew I had to choose a college course that I would truly enjoy and get the most out of.
Q: What helped you decide on studying Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship?
Alex Kendellen: It was actually a conversation I had while I was still in 5th year that made a big impact. I arranged to meet Joe Bogue to talk about the course. After just ten minutes of discussing Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship with him, I was sold. I left that meeting feeling confident and excited about the path ahead.
Q: What stood out to you most about the course?
Alex Kendellen: The variety. The different career paths that Food Marketing offers really influenced my choice. It’s such a broad course, you get a deep understanding of the food industry, from sustainable sourcing all the way to how a product is positioned in a local supermarket. That range of knowledge has been incredibly valuable.
Q: Was there a particular highlight during your time at CUBS so far?
Alex Kendellen: Definitely the six-month placement in third year. Not every course offers that kind of practical experience. I had the chance to work at a coffee wholesaler, which was eye-opening. I learned about supplier engagement, distribution, and even made a few sales. It was a great opportunity to apply what we’d learned in class to the real world.
Q: Would you recommend Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship to other students considering their options?
Alex Kendellen: Absolutely. If you're doing your Leaving Cert and thinking about your next step, I’d highly recommend Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship. It’s a course that prepares you for a lot of different directions, and if you’re interested in the business side of food, there’s so much to gain from it.