I think the “soft” skills I am developing most here in Dublin have to do with behavior in the workplace and work-related communication. To be completely honest, my communications in regard to work when I first came here were crude and blunt. My diction, along with my delivery, was often missing a professional tone that is expected in the workplace. I wasn’t always aware of the tone I was using, and I definitely didn’t realize how it might be coming across to coworkers who were used to a different style of communication. Even something as simple as the way I phrased questions or updates felt a little too direct or casual at times. But as time continues to pass, I only get better at communicating and behaving like a working adult. I learn from those around me who are working in the Bank of Ireland, as well as my co-intern and other people in our team at Elder Home Share. Listening to how others phrase their feedback or ask questions in meetings has been surprisingly educational. It’s like there’s a rhythm to how people speak professionally here, and the more I observe, the more I pick it up.

In addition to that, I’ve also gotten a lot better at reading between the lines. In the U.S., I was used to a more blunt and to-the-point style in some work environments, but here in Dublin, I’ve noticed that people tend to communicate in a way that’s a little more indirect or diplomatic. That doesn’t mean they’re avoiding conflict or hiding their thoughts—it’s just a different way of presenting feedback or asking for something. At first, I didn’t really catch on to that, and I’d misinterpret things or respond in a way that didn’t match the tone of the conversation. But over time, I’ve become more aware of these subtle differences, and I think that awareness has made me a better listener and a more thoughtful communicator.

As for “hard” skills, most of my development has come in using tools in a professional manner. Such tools are Wix.com, Google Sheets, or Website Auditors. Getting used to these sites did not take a lot of time, but there is a learning curve regardless when it comes to efficiency. At the start of my internship, I could figure out the basics, but I was still relying on tutorials or second-guessing myself with certain functions. Now, by this point in the internship, I am able to quickly analyze website auditors to see the status of a website, make small or large changes to our company website, and make logs in Google Sheets about every company we reach out to for publicity. These tools have become second nature to me, and I’m much faster at doing the day-to-day tasks that used to take twice as long.

What I’ve also come to realize is that knowing how to use a tool isn’t the same as knowing how to use it in a work environment. Anyone can learn how to use Wix or Google Sheets on their own time, but using them efficiently in a business context—where speed, clarity, and presentation all matter—takes more practice. For example, when I log outreach efforts in Google Sheets, I have to make sure everything is clearly labeled, formatted in a readable way, and updated consistently so other people on the team can rely on it. It’s not just about knowing where to type something—it’s about communicating information through a tool, which is a skill in itself.

With these skills, especially the soft skills, I have gotten better at managing cultural differences with the Irish workplace. It could be because I have gotten used to new environments and growing, but regardless, I find it easier to change my behavior based on the problem at hand. If something isn’t clicking with someone or if I feel like I’m miscommunicating, I take a step back and ask myself how I could approach the situation differently. That’s not something I did as often before—I’d usually just try again in the same way and hope for a different result. But now, I’m more likely to adjust my tone, reframe my point, or even check in with someone to see if I’m on the right track. That flexibility has made me a stronger communicator and team member.

Overall, my time in Dublin has been a period of steady growth. I’ve learned more about how to carry myself in a professional setting, how to navigate workplace dynamics that aren’t always intuitive, and how to use practical tools in ways that actually support a team. I came here knowing I’d learn things, but I didn’t expect to come away with such a deep understanding of how important the soft skills are—especially in a new country with its own rhythm, expectations, and culture. And that’s a lesson I’ll take with me long after the internship is over.