Since graduating from Cork Institute of Technology with a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering, James has gained experience in a number of sectors. He began working with O’Donovan Engineering in a Design Engineer role which was followed by a series of rolls with IT asset disposal specialists Wisetek Solutions where he completed a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. This was followed by two years as the National President of the Young Farmer and Rural Youth organisation Macra na Feirme.