An accountant turned tractor product manager has offered a rare insight into how large companies can offer opportunities for a diverse career path.
Australia and New Zealand Case IH product manager for mid horsepower and compact tractors Seamus McCarthy said a few years ago he felt he needed a change from his established position as an accountant for Case IH parent company, CNH Industrial.
"I was looking for a change but wanted to stay with the company, so I was looking at other roles within the organisation and thought marketing would be a good fit," he said.
I went back to university and got my Masters degree in marketing and when an opportunity as a product manager came up 12 months ago, I was ready to put my hand up.
- Seamus McCarthy
"I went back to university and got my Masters degree in marketing and when an opportunity as a product manager came up 12 months ago, I was ready to put my hand up."
Mr McCarthy said aspects of the new role he enjoyed included communicating with customers and dealers about new products.
"Working with the global teams with regard to marketing, product offerings and global platforms for new products coming down the manufacturing line, is really rewarding," he said.
"I love talking to people so I think this role suits my personality a lot more."
Mr McCarthy said the current drought in eastern states had significantly impacted farming businesses but he remained optimistic.
"Our farmers have always been able to adapt, getting more yield out of less resources through hard work and ingenuity, and Case IH as a brand has a big role to play, providing producers with technology and product innovations that complement their efforts and allow them to do so much more with less," he said.
"The ongoing development of autonomous technology has a role to play particularly when staff are hard to find and retain."
Mr McCarthy said the smaller horsepower sector of the tractor market was highly competitive, driving them to tailor their product line up to suit different segments such as hobby farmers, smaller holdings and horticulture.
"It's in these areas where we're very conscious of strengthening our product line-up so it's relevant to every customer's needs," he said.