As an American college student interning in Dublin at PatientMpower, a data analytics startup focusing on monitoring chronic lung condition patients, I have been exposed to a unique perspective on defining success in a professional sense. In this new culture I have been exposed to, success is not solely defined by rigid metrics or conventional benchmarks. Instead, the emphasis is placed on embracing newness, experimentation, and fostering a supportive work environment.
The nature of being a startup has allowed for a more fluid and adaptable approach to success. With limited resources, there is a sense of pragmatism and the recognition that success may not always be immediate or easily quantifiable. Leadership at PatientMpower exhibits a lack of desperation or excessive pressure to perform, allowing employees to explore their interests and capabilities freely.
In the context of my internship at PatientMpower, a successful and effective employee possesses several key attributes. Adaptability and a willingness to embrace the dynamic nature of a startup environment are crucial. Since the company is in a phase of experimentation and growth, employees who demonstrate flexibility and open-mindedness tend to thrive.
Moreover, initiative and proactivity play a significant role in determining success. In the absence of rigid deadlines, successful employees take ownership of their assignments and are self-motivated to deliver results. They demonstrate a sense of responsibility towards the company’s mission and are passionate about contributing to its success.
Effective communication is another vital aspect of success in the data analytics industry. Clear and open dialogue is encouraged at PatientMpower, ensuring that team members are aligned and collaborating effectively. An ability to articulate ideas and exchange feedback constructively fosters a positive work environment.
In comparing the behaviors and actions of successful employees in my host country versus my home country, I have noted a few key differences. The relaxed and non-pressure-oriented atmosphere at PatientMpower contrasts with the high-pressure environments often found in some American workplaces.
In the United States, success is frequently associated with meeting strict deadlines and achieving predefined targets. There is often an urgency to demonstrate immediate results and measure performance through quantifiable metrics. This approach may lead to a competitive work environment, where employees might feel compelled to focus solely on meeting deadlines, sometimes at the expense of creativity and experimentation.
Conversely, in Dublin, I have witnessed an emphasis on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. Rather than adhering to arbitrary deadlines, employees are given the time they need to complete assignments thoroughly. This approach encourages quality over speed, promoting a culture where employees feel supported and valued.
Additionally, in my host culture, success is not solely tied to individual achievements. Collective accomplishments and the overall growth of the company are equally celebrated. Leadership at PatientMpower takes responsibility for failed tasks and approaches them as opportunities for company-wide learning and improvement, emphasizing that the company’s success is a shared journey.
Interning at PatientMpower in Dublin has allowed me to gain valuable insights into how success is defined in a professional context in my host culture. The startup environment encourages adaptability, initiative, and effective communication, fostering a collaborative and supportive work atmosphere. Contrasting this with my experiences in the United States, where rigid metrics and deadlines often drive success, highlights the importance of embracing diverse perspectives in defining and nurturing achievement. Through this international internship experience, I have come to appreciate the multifaceted nature of success and the significance of fostering a positive and inclusive work environment for employee growth and development.
P.S.
The featured image for this last week is of a poster of the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam. I figured that this is a great chance to travel since we are so close to mainland Europe, so many students from our trip decided to go to Amsterdam. It was an unbelievable time; it has become my favorite city I’ve ever been to and I hope to live there in my highest fantasies.
One thing about the Netherlands is that they are the premier exporter of tulip worldwide. I learned all about this in the Tulip Museum, which details anything and everything you could want to know about tulips, including this interesting story. There was a great deal of overspeculatation of tulips in the early 1600s due to a classist craze over them. This resulted in a bubble, a crash, and cultural movements and shifts. It was also the foundation of the Netherlands’s lucrative tulip industry that continues to grow even today.
We all leave this weekend. I can say that I feel like I’ve experienced just about all that Dublin has to offer, but I can say without a doubt it was a grand craic!