My name is Sophie O’ Hare and I am the Digital Marketing Executive for Horse Racing Ireland. Horses have always been a huge part of my life, my family owns a stud farm just outside of Naas and we breed sport horses for eventing. I’ve always had a creative streak so when I finished secondary school I enrolled in the National College of Art and Design where I obtained my degree in industrial design.

My part-time job when I was attending college was working for Tote Ireland as a counter clerk. When I finished college a job came up in the Tote head office to cover maternity leave for the marketing manager. When my contract expired I continued to work for Tote as their Technology and Marketing Executive.

About a year later Horse Racing Ireland advertised for a Digital Marketing Executive, I applied for the job because I enjoy working with social media and wanted to be more involved with the industry rather than the betting side of things.

I am currently finishing my degree in marketing in the Smurfit Business School as I didn’t take the usual route to gain a job in marketing. My job is mainly office based and my main responsibilities include the day-to-day management of our overall digital presence (goracing.ie, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), digital media for events, planning and coordinating social media and campaigns for award ceremonies, trade events, and festivals. I also research, maintain and report on market analysis/competitors.

To do this role you must have degree in marketing, having a good understanding and be proficient in photoshop, have strong web development skills, and have knowledge of the racing industry.

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