Note to self: don’t jaywalk until you know which way the traffic’s coming.
It has officially been one week in Ireland. The first few days here were uncharacteristically sunny and dry. The Pitt cohort has experienced a honeymoon period, weather-wise. But, over the bank holiday (Sunday and Monday), the real Dublin has reared its misty head. Now, I feel like I am actually in Ireland.
Today, I utilized a few amenities here at our host university, University College Dublin (UCD). I started off this morning playing piano in one of the practice rooms. Then, I went to the gym with some new friends from the EUSA program. I spent the afternoon buying essentials for the shared apartment — clothes hangers, bread, eggs, kombucha. On the way back to the apartment, I spotted my first Irish rainbow. The picture does not do it justice. I took the bus home, made dinner, and then meal-prepped lunch for the first few days of work.
I am so ready to begin at my internship. Finallyyyyy. I have been itching to get started at Axis and establish a routine here. Perhaps, it is the anxiety of anticipation, or pure excitement, but tomorrow could not have come any sooner. I am looking forward to working at an arts center.
I will be working at the intersection of the arts and nonprofit industries. I have experience with both industries. After I graduated high school, I apprenticed at a Pittsburgh non-profit through AmeriCorps Public Allies. From that experience, I learned that it is necessary to set attainable goals, be creative in problem-solving, have the ability to multi-task, and be flexible and willing to pivot. It is also necessary to be organized, take initiative, be collaborative, and have the ability to foster and maintain connections with community members. During this internship, I will especially focus on being organized, initiating collaborations, and promptly following up on ideas. I will not be overly ambitious, but I do want to complete something of substance while at Axis.
Many of the above competencies are necessary for the arts industry, as well. I currently work as an Assistant Office Manager of Pittsburgh music school. On the administrative side, organization, multi-tasking, and creative problem-solving are utilized daily. On the artistic side, it is integral to connect with other musicians, be collaborative, and being able to pivot. At Axis, I will gain and hone skills that are necessary for my future success.
During Pitt and EUSA orientations, the differences between American and Irish workplace cultures were stressed multiple times. To be successful here in Dublin, I will need to leave some of my American tendencies at the door. I think one competency to be successful in Ireland is to be good at small talk. At home, I I work at a relaxed office, and I am very personable, as my job requires me to be front-facing with both clients and staff. However, in a meeting, I am used to sharing short pleasantries before quickly focusing on the agenda. In Ireland, it’s much more common to spend ten minutes sharing pleasantries. In a sense, treating business less like business will help me be successful while in Dublin.
In general, I may need to abandon the American “go go go” work ethic. Also, being able to read between the lines is especially helpful in Ireland. As we have been told many times, the Irish language has not direct translation the words “yes” and “no”. People use the inflection of their voice to express their desires. The lack of directness may be a challenge. I think I will be good at perceiving what people mean, but I worry that I will be unable to adequately reciprocate the subtle communication skills. I may be overthinking it, but communication is what I am most nervous about!
Earlier this week, I joked that we may play the role of Silly American in the office for the first few weeks. Each of us on this trip is diving headfirst into unfamiliar company cultures, an unfamiliar societal culture, while acclimating to a new environment and city. I am sure that my internship will give me grace as I adjust to all of these new experiences. Still, I want to be a valued member of the team, deliver great work, and be considered as an asset.
It’s quite late in Dublin, and it’s beyond time for me to get to bed. I have a big day tomorrow! I will update you next week on how everything is going/what innocuous American™️ thing I do that people at work find puzzling. In the meantime, enjoy this rainbow.