Fifth week in the books. This past weekend, me and a few friends went across the country to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. Galway is a large town that’s not quite a city, and most of its cultural attractions, both historic and very modern, are concentrated in a tight center. It reminds me of Charlottesville, Virginia, or other towns of that caliber. The Cliffs of Moher are a beautiful retreat from the cities I spend my life in, and despite a light drizzle, the overall drabness of the weather is honestly ideal for staring off into the distance and contemplating. I’m glad places like that still exist in this world.
One of the most significant areas of growth for me has been in developing my soft skills, particularly in communication and adaptability. Navigating a new city and working environment has tested and sharpened these skills. In an office where ambiguity is the norm and the majority of my colleagues are engaging remotely, effective communication has been key. I’ve learned to articulate my thoughts clearly and concisely in emails and Skype messages and to be assertive in seeking clarification when instructions are vague or incomplete. This skill was particularly tested when I was tasked with creating an index of Court of Justice of the European Union cases—an assignment that required me to deduce from minimal guidance which cases were most relevant to our needs.
Adaptability has been another critical skill. Each day brings new challenges and shifting expectations, requiring a flexible approach to both work and interpersonal interactions. From understanding the rhythms of Dublin’s streets to adjusting to the spontaneous nature of my office’s workflow, being adaptable has helped me maintain efficiency and effectiveness in my role.
On the technical side, my internship has been incredibly fruitful. Working within the legal unit of the Department has allowed me to deepen my understanding of Irish and European legal systems. I’ve gained practical experience in legal research, particularly in how EU directives influence Irish law. The task of indexing EU Court of Justice cases not only enhanced my research skills but also deepened my understanding of the intricacies of EU law and its application in national contexts. While I don’t necessarily plan on going into law, much less EU law, understanding how to read and navigate the law is vital for most positions a Political Science degree can put you in.
Another technical skill I’ve developed is policy analysis. Reviewing and summarizing a 256-page report from the Housing Commission, which covered every conceivable aspect of a sprawling housing reform agenda, taught me to distill vast amounts of information into concise, actionable insights—a skill that is highly valued in any government or policy-connected position.
As the United States of America’s sole emissary in the Department of Housing, I have an obligation to respect and conform to local expectations while representing my own. In today’s climate that’s not always easy, but I try to take it in stride. In all honesty, Irish and American culture aren’t too different, so it’s not nearly the act of diplomacy I’d be expected to carry out in, say, Cairo or Manila, where certain norms truly are very different. Will a coworker or drinking buddy sometimes tell me my country’s doomed? Yes. But I hardly need global competencies to agree with a laugh. Regardless, I’m going to wear an American flag on at least one article of clothing every time I step outside the house.