It’s hard to believe that over half of my time in Dublin has already gone by. Looking back on the past few weeks, it’s clear that my experiences living here and taking trips to places like Amsterdam have been amazing. Both Dublin and cities like Amsterdam and Kilkenny have offered so much in terms of culture, experiences, and good times, making my journey truly memorable and unforgettable. I’ve met lots of incredible people during my time here who have made my time in Dublin much better with their support, humor, and vibes. These connections have made my adventures not only enjoyable but also deeply meaningful and life changing. Last weekend was very needed, as I was able to take some time to unwind, relax, and chill right here in Dublin. After a bunch of activities, sightseeing, and new experiences in cities like Amsterdam during the past couple of weeks, a calm weekend in the city was exactly what I needed to recharge and rebound. It not only gave me the chance to explore the city of Dublin at a much slower pace but also allowed me to better prepare and energize myself for the ending stretch of weeks here in Dublin.

Work at my placement has also been lots of fun. The past couple of weeks have been filled with work and projects that not only apply to my major and career choice but also challenge me and help me learn more about the industry. I am really glad that the environment is super supportive and fun, as I feel safe to ask questions and have formed good friendships with my coworkers. Building these relationships has not only made work more fun and enjoyable but has also given me good connections that will help my career. I am looking forward to my last couple of weeks working at my placement and hope to continue to learn more about both the finance and business industries in Ireland. I also hope to continue to bond with both my coworkers and supervisor in the workplace as well.

I also developed a considerable number of soft skills during my placement in Dublin, which was one of the things that I wanted to improve on during my time here in Dublin. A significant area of growth for me here was adaptability. Before my trip, I considered adaptability one of my strongest soft skills due to my previous work experiences. However, my time in Dublin pushed me to new levels of adaptability. I was not just adjusting to a new work environment; I was also navigating life in a different country. This meant learning a new culture, living in an unfamiliar environment, and meeting new people I had never met before. These challenges gave me a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of what it means to adapt and grow. Living and working in Dublin exposed me to diverse situations and people, each presenting unique challenges that needed flexible problem-solving and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone. For example, adapting to different communication styles and work practices required me to remain open-minded and resourceful. Additionally, managing daily life in a foreign city, from understanding public transportation to learning local customs, further improved my adaptability. This immersion in a new environment not only strengthened my ability to handle difficult and unfamiliar situations but also enriched my experience with valuable lessons and rewarding relationships. As a result, I emerged from this experience with enhanced adaptability, a wealth of memorable experiences, and lasting friendships. Another soft skill that I greatly improved during my time working and living here in Dublin was my communication skills, especially in a workplace environment. While I do have work and internship experience, I have not worked in the typical office environment, especially not in an office in a foreign country. However, like my ability to adapt, working and living here has greatly increased and grown my communication skills, which is something that will be very helpful in my college and professional career going forward. During my placement, I have been more vocal with my work, whether that be asking for help or getting insight into the work that I have done. I have also been talking to my coworkers more, which made working more comfortable and allowed me to form friendships with them as well. While my time here in Dublin has provided me with some unforgettable and life-changing experiences, it has also allowed me to improve many skills that will greatly help me in my future career.