We're introducing our team through a new blog series sharing their stories, expertise and what motivates them everyday. Get to know the people behind the Doherty Group.
Hi, I’m Jessica, I am a student at Ulster University and for my third year of study I am currently doing my placement year as a Marketing assistant at the Doherty Group.
I wanted to take a placement year to gain hands-on experience and learn from such an experienced and knowledgeable team, while continuing to develop my skills in marketing. This is what initially attracted me to the Doherty Group. The company has a strong reputation, a diverse range of brands and a clear commitment to growth and innovation. From my research, it seemed like a place where I would have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and develop my skills in a real business environment.
The interview process further reinforced that feeling. Going into any interview can be nerve-wracking, (and trust me I was very nervous) but the team at the Doherty Group immediately made me feel comfortable and at ease. Rather than feeling like a formal interrogation, the interview felt comfortable and natural. Gerardette, Catherine and Peter interviewed me and were so friendly, approachable, and interested in getting to know me as a person, not just as a candidate. I left the interview feeling excited about the possibility of joining the team.
I was delighted when I was offered the placement and officially started on the 1st of June 2026. I have already learned so much and already have been able to create new opportunities to develop my marketing knowledge, gain practical experience, and understand how marketing operates within a successful business.
One of the things that has stood out most to me is the office environment. From day one, everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. Starting a new role can be daunting, and I was very nervous as I hate being the new person, but the team made me feel comfortable and part of the company straight away. There is a great balance between professionalism and fun.
Some of my favorite experiences during the placement so far have been attending the Ballymoney Show, where I had the opportunity to capture content and create promotional videos showcasing our products. I also enjoyed visiting Kumiko Cat Lounge, a cat café where we spent time with the cats while creating content for our Pure Pets brand. These experiences have allowed me to develop my content creation skills, gain hands-on marketing experience, and see firsthand how engaging content can help bring a brand to life.
I am grateful for the opportunity to complete my placement year at The Doherty Group and can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.
What keeps you motivated at work?
I'd like to say it's my passion for marketing, but honestly, the sweets and chocolate around the office help keep me going!
Whether it’s animal bedding, biomass wood pellets or cat litter, the Doherty Group product range has a variety of options to suit your business. All of our timber-based products are sourced from sustainably managed forests, helping us strive for a more sustainable future.
