In the blink of an eye, it is my last week here in Dublin! It’s currently Sunday afternoon, and I am preparing for the last work week ahead before heading to the airport on Saturday morning. This past week has certainly been busy, and I have been working on a couple different articles for this week’s paper. I had the opportunity to work out of the office on Friday, venturing to conduct an interview with the CEO and director of a homeless shelter in the city centre. I have carried out many interviews via phone and Zoom, but this was the first experience in a personal setting, and it was a really great opportunity to have a face-to-face conversation and see the organization’s work first hand. I am currently working to finish up this article!
If I had to decide whether or not I have been a successful employee within my internship, I would like to think that I have. I believe the definition success within the workplace here in Ireland is quite similar to that of the U.S., despite the different environments. The definitions of success are similar, but the roads to achieve it are where the differences come in to play.
Through my experience at my internship, I have been surrounded by diligent employees who have helped illustrate the picture of success in my role as a journalism intern for my organization. Communication is key, and those employees who effectively communicate with each other prove to be successful. Similarly, it has been important to be receptive to one another when communicating. Sometimes, another colleague will suggest an idea or a way to improve something to another colleague, and that information is always received with an open-mind. We are all working toward the common goal of producing a high-standard newspaper publication, and can only do that to the best of our ability when being open and receptive to feedback from each other. Many of these seem qualities definitely have the same kind of value in the U.S.
To contrast, people’s work in the U.S. is sometimes deemed to be “everything” in some respects. Americans are known for working long hours, taking little vacation, and often doing everything to “get ahead” individually. While I have not necessarily experienced that type of environment for myself in the U.S., that is typically the generalization that people have. To be successful, you must work very long hours, and be completely and totally engrossed in your job.
My workplace here in Ireland has been quite different. While my colleagues do work hard and are dedicated to their jobs, the idea of working toward an individualistic goal, nonstop and around the clock is not a characteristic that defines success here. Many workplaces in the U.S. are deemed to encompass attitudes of individualism by its workers. Many people may aim for individual success rather than strive for success for the organization as a whole. While that may not describe all places in the U.S., it has certainly been quite the opposite in my experience here.
One’s success in the workplace does not define them here. I have been very surprised that each employee takes a full hour for lunch breaks. During these hours, no work is done and no aspect of work is discussed. Everyone uses the time to catch up with one another, and discuss their lives outside of work. This is something that I imagine is very different than the U.S. An hour long lunch break itself is probably not typical in the U.S.
To achieve success at my job here, it has been most essential to be a team player and put aside any individualistic attitudes. No one takes their work home with them. All that matters is that when you are at work, you do your best, and collaborate efficiently with your colleagues, giving and receiving feedback and constructive criticism.
The pass few weeks at my internship has improved my sense of collaboration and teamwork, among other things. I have often been worried about “not doing a good enough job”, but with the collaboration and assistance of my colleagues who are all working toward the same goal, I have been able to trust myself and my abilities more. As I enter this final week of work, I hope to finish strong up until the last day, contributing to the organization and leaving my mark.