Are Irish agri-investing careers where the growth is?

If you want to get ahead in private equity in Ireland, you may wish to consider a career in the country's growing 'agri-food' sector.

AIB has just launched a new €250m investment fund focused on agri-food investments, including €100m for on-farm capital investment; €100m for working capital; and €50m for asset finance.

Agricultural is an important growth area for the Irish economy. BDO estimates that Irish food and drink exports increased 26% between 2009 and 2011 and the Irish government's 'Food Harvest 2020' report sets out ambitious growth targets for the sector. The removal of milk quotas in 2015 is expected to contribute to a big increase in overseas milk exports. 

Unfortunately, private equity funds tend to be fussy employers with high standards and small numbers of employees. If you want to work for one, it will typically help if you have some sector expertise (ie. knowledge of how agri-businesses work), an accounting qualification or financial modelling experience, or an MBA.