A current MSc student on the communication course offered at Loughry Campus through Queen’s University, has been looking back at her placement with a local tourism provider near Fivemiletown.

Arlene McBride is one of a number of students on the course to put their communication skills learnt in the classroom put to good use by further developing their CVs and by completing the placement.

Arlene McBride, explained: “My placement was with the Blessingbourne Estate in Fivemiletown. They offer accommodation in terms of five courtyard apartments and a 5-star gate lodge. They have 13km mountain bike trails and walking trails with a coffee shop at the head of the trails. They offer wedding and engagement photography and cater for lunches, conferences and birthdays in the coach house.

“My role was initially to set up a customer database but as my placement progressed, I became involved in several other aspects of the business such as updating social networking sites to promote the estate, as well as undertaking a project to open an on-site coffee shop. I got an insight into the skills required to run a business successfully.

“The work placement was highly diverse as there are many aspects to the Blessingbourne Estate. I thoroughly enjoyed the placement and gained skills in project management. I enjoyed being part of the planning and implementation stages of the coffee shop and believe this experience will be very useful in my future employment.

“The MSc Communication course is extremely well balanced and has provided me with lots of new skills enhancing my employment prospects. I am currently working on my MSc thesis where I am investigating the impact of social media on consumer purchasing behaviour from farm shops and farmers markets.” The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in conjunction with Queen’s University Belfast, provides a range of courses in Communication, including postgraduate Diploma and MSc programmes.