Well, here it is, my last assignment to submit for this program! How exciting! Well, other than my professional evaluation that is the responsibility of my supervisor which I am not entirely certain is getting completed on time (aka by today). Now I get to focus on what’s to come on August 26th, the first day of school, and the assignments to come with my new classes. In the meantime, I intend to enjoy every day and take somewhat of a break. I am back in Pittsburgh already even though I do not reside here. My hometown is five hours east of Pitt, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I got to spend a single week there after coming back from Ireland and then was dropped back here… in Pittsburgh… until school starts. I started back at my job about two days after getting here, as it is the only actual reason I am back here anyway. It’s been a lot to come back to so quickly. I work for 11 hours a day here but at least I am making back some of the money I spent in Europe, which was certainly more than intended, but it always is, isn’t it? I didn’t restrict myself in my time abroad and now it is time to work hard again and make it back! I may be writing this during my current shift. Maybe.
During my time in Ireland, I certainly saw exponential growth in myself personally, academically, and professionally. My internship in Dublin has been a transformative personal experience. Living and working in a vibrant city like Dublin has broadened my horizons and exposed me to a rich culture that is much different than America. Interacting with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds has enhanced my cultural awareness and interpersonal skills. The challenges I faced, such as navigating a new city and adapting to a different work culture, have built my adaptability and self-confidence. This experience has taught me the importance of resilience and has made me more open-minded and resourceful in getting through unfamiliar situations.
Academically, the internship made me responsible for completing tasks on my own time in order to gain the academic credit for this program, which I had an obligation to complete each week considering we were not being paid or financially funded for working for our company for two months. The assignments had taught me balance and time management as they were not always at the top of my mind to complete and yet every Monday night was reserved for their completion. My internship ultimately has bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The projects I worked on required a solid understanding of real estate principles, market analysis, and property valuation, which reinforced my classroom learning and future practices for the industry. I had the opportunity to apply concepts from my coursework in real-world scenarios, which deepened my comprehension and appreciation of the subject matter. Additionally, the exposure to industry-specific tools has expanded my technical skills, which will be invaluable in my future academic pursuits.
Professionally, the internship has been a significant stepping stone in my career development. Working on diverse projects, from residential to commercial real estate, has given me a comprehensive view of the industry. I gained hands-on experience in market research, client relations, and project management, which are crucial skills for a career in real estate. More specifically, I worked closely with Ronan Crinion, the founder and owner of the company and we worked on numerous projects together in my time with MoveHome. Learning and practicing under such a professional and successful individual as Crinion has assisted me professionally as I know what it is like to not only own your own business but also maintain a balance between work and life. The supportive work environment and mentorship from experienced professionals have provided me with valuable insights and guidance. This experience has also improved my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, making me a more competent and confident professional.
Some major takeaways I will be continuing to take from this program are the connections and networking in a global sense. I know that I also have this company and coworkers as a reference for future jobs and applications. I also have professional experience, as working with an older generation has made me more open-minded and learn new tactics in the industry. I can bring these to Pitt for my job as a leasing agent and continue to utilize them in future tasks and my professional career.
In conclusion, my internship at MoveHome in Dublin has been an enriching experience that has provided me with valuable insights into the industry. It has fostered substantial personal, academic, and professional growth. It has equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in my future endeavors and has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the real estate industry. Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth is considered key to unlocking the doors to success in the real estate industry, especially for its future.
