Justin T Carton- MSc Sustainable Food Systems

Name: Justin T Carton

Can you share your career path to date?

Studied BSc Marketing Management, FCMA, MSc Information Systems start working in Manor Farm in Production management, moved to IT Manager and then Director of Projects, on being acquired by Scandi Standard moved to Group Production IT and Sustainable Manager after leaving Scandi Standard have become involved with a number of Agri Tech Start Ups.

What does your current role involve?

Advising Tech Start ups on all aspects of business and evaluation of investments in Start ups

What motivated you to start studying?

Studying MSc in Sustainable Food systems to expand my knowledge and assist companies in developing a sustainable future in both investment and directorship roles

Why did you choose this course from ATU Sligo?

Introduced to this course via IBEC and after evaluating alternative courses I found this to be the most applicable for future roles I wish to pursue.

How did you find the process of studying online? What elements did you find helpful? Were there elements you found challenging?

I enjoyed the process of studying online very helpful in the minimal disruption it caused to my every day, however, I did feel some weekend classes would have helped build group learning.

How did you balance work and study?

I found it easy to balance work and study as both were very flexible.

In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Were there elements of the course that were particularly relevant to your current employer?

As I work for my own company I had all the support I needed. The course has provided me already with a better understanding of sustainability across all elements of Sustainability which helps me to evaluate future challenges and opportunities on companies of interest

What advice would you have for anyone considering studying online?

You need to keep up with the work as your only indicator of progress is deadlines as you don’t have much interaction with fellow students.

In what way has studying online with ATU Sligo benefitted your career?

Significantly improved my understanding of Sustainability and its impact on companies

Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career?

Besides greater knowledge no

Did you find that the elements you were studying had practical relevance in your day-to­ day role?

Yes as described above

What were the key skills you took away from your time studying at ATU Sligo?

Keep up to date and read around subjects.

Find out more about MSc in Sustainable Food Systems